Buddhist Council of Western Australia

MESSAGE FROM PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD
2012 VESAK DAY CELEBRATIONS

It is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to you all for this year’s Vesak Day celebrations.

Marking the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Gautama Buddha, Vesak is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the contribution of Buddhist thought to culture and society. We can all learn from Buddha’s teachings of equality, fraternity, respect and understanding.

The Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils has played an important role in developing, promoting and representing the Buddhist community in Australia and around the world.

As the home to a diversity of faiths and cultures, our nation can share and learn from the celebrations of our different faith communities. Vesak Day is one such occasion, to be respected and valued.
I hope that all participating in Vesak Day celebrations have an enjoyable and uplifting time.

(signed)

The Honourable Julia Gillard
Prime Minister of Australia

Last Updated on Monday, 07 May 2012 13:21

I would like to give my deepest regards to all those observing the festival of Vesak, and I hope that you find joy as well as reflection on this most important day in the Buddhist calendar.

As you celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha Gautama I know you will feel the importance of this day, as those generations before you have felt it. This is a time for you to reflect upon the teachings of the Buddha, but also a time for you to remember those less fortunate than yourselves. I wish you well in your efforts to bring happiness to others on this special day. Read more »

The FABC has recently submitted a written submission on the subject of Marriage Equality which was drafted by Ajahn Brahm of Bodhinyana Monastery (WA). This was in response to an invitation by a parliamentary committee. Subsequently the FABC was invited to a parliamentary consultation on this topic. We were represented by Ajahn Sujato of Santi Forest Monastery on 13 April 2012 at NSW Parliament. The discussion was part of an ongoing series of consultations on a proposed revision of the Marriage Act under consideration by Federal House of Representatives.

The Jewish (Progressive) and Hindu representatives supported changes to support same sex marriages as did our Ajahn Sujato.

This was reported by SBS World News Australia program: