Worldwide format of regular forums for invited local speakers to share the teachings of their scriptures.
Where: Doncaster Library Meeting Room (Donvale Room), situated at 687 Doncaster Road, DoncasterOn this occasion, a round-table discussion on the trustworthiness of Scripture was moderated by John Hwang and other contributors were from Christianity (Anglican Church), Sikhism and Buddhism.
Speakers were invited to reflect and address event's topics:
1. Difference Between Religious Texts (Holy Scripture) and Secular BooksWhere must religious texts originate from for it to be a Holy Scripture?The Buddhist programmed appearance was on behalf of Buddhist Council Victoria Interfaith (bINTER) and Glen Eira Interfaith Network (GEIFN). There are many views, here is a reflected account offered on the day and expanded post-event for a wider audience.
2. Purpose of Scripturea) What does the author of the Scripture want to reveal to humanity through the Scripture?
b) What questions should the Scripture be able to provide an answer to?
3. Major Religious TextsIs one's own Scripture the only religious text that is trustworthy?
From a Buddha View: Siddhartha Gautama was a Hindu prince born, living and dying in Ancient India, about 500 BCE (Before Common Era). Aged about 29, Prince Siddhartha left Wife, Child, Ruling, Palace and Material responsibilities to undergo a personal pilgrimage to find a lasting end to Suffering. Learning from wise ones over 6 years, using meditation to fully Awaken his Mind. To Buddhists, he is known by many names including Historical Buddha, Lord Buddha or Buddha Sakyamuni. Hindus often view him as a reincarnation of Vishnu while to a wider audience he is known as Buddha (Sanskrit: Awakened One).
Written many years after his bodily death, two Ancient Indian sourcebooks were consequently authored from the minds/hearts/hands of credited and uncredited many individuals and teams recording in preferred scriptural language of the day. Simply:
a) Theravada Canon (scriptural language: Pali)
Sometimes referred to as the Buddha's 1st Turn of the Dhamma Wheel, translated literally as the School/Way of the First Ones/Elders. It was taught to 5 ascetics who were formerly Siddhartha Gautama's teachers and who become the Buddha's first disciples.
and
b) Mahayana Sutras (scriptural language: Sanskrit).
Sometimes referred to as 2nd Turning of the Dharma Wheel, translated literally as the Great Way (Great, not because it is better, just that there is a greater number of teachings). Historically recorded to be taught by the Buddha at a large assembly, 8 years after the first. Regarded to be different because the audiences, geographies and languages were different.
c) Vajrayana Empowerings (scriptural languages: Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, English, various others)
Sometimes referred to as Spinning Dharma Wheel, translated literally as the Thunderbolt, Diamond or Lightening Way. Historically recorded experiences shared by experienced practitioners with individuals who present naturally accepting all deserve less Suffering until realising lasting happiness.
Expanding to include an Interfaith or Secular View: any author, text, treatment or adherants wishing to make less Suffering in the here and now shared among a growing number is sacred, cherisable and worth enacting. Regardless of using concepts such as Mind, (knowledge of, applied, measurable transformations from) Mindfulness and the resulting Happiness. Views are direct lived experiences, not limited to geography, language, place, direction, custom or time. As actions speak louder than words, measurable results reveal motivation (noble), clarity (wise) and trustworthiness (compassionate activity) that determines sacredness. Or not. As the case may be.
This is part of an ongoing activity of Korean originated group Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light working diligently towards peace in the world. John used the occasion to launch their Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War.
Thankyou to Organisers for having us at this place to take part in this dynamic vision, collected presenters, helpers, organisation, skilful programming, refreshments and global pride, received with gratitude.
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Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light
John Hwang, Regional Director of Victoria
Email au@hwpl.kr
Website http://www.hwpl.kr/