A new Dhammakaya International Society of Australia (DISA) center has opened in Sunbury, to the north of Melbourne. The land was purchased in March this year, and after some cultivation as well as renovations to the existing farmhouse and barn, the center is now fully operational. The DISA now has eight such centers spread throughout Australia’s southern land.
The Dhammakaya International tradition was founded in Thailand in 1970, with roots stretching back much earlier. It was established by the current lineage holder the Most Venerable Phrathepyanmahamuni (Luang Po Dhammajayo), the previous lineage holder the late master nun Chandra Khonnokyoong, and their disciples. The idea originated from the determination of the great master the Most Venerable Phramong-kolthepmuni, the late abbot of Wat Paknam and the founder of Dhammakaya meditation, which uses visualization as a means to realize our Buddha nature.
The new center is located in a beautiful rural setting conducive to the practice of meditation. The existing farmhouse has been converted into living quarters for the monks, with additional amenities for members and guests attending the center’s activities, while the barn has been transformed into a fully functional meditation hall. The eleven-acre property formerly functioned as a horse-training facility.
“Upon entering the property, we are greeted by majestic Cyprus Pines all the way up to the house, which is surrounded by a beautiful garden with more Cyprus Pines at the rear,” said DISA member Peter Ryan enthusiastically. “The property also has a large dam [pond]. It's very peaceful and natural, a great place to practice.”
Regular Sunday activities at the Sunbury center include meditation sessions, Dhamma talks, traditional chanting, alms-giving, and Q&A sessions. As with all DISA centers, this one also holds meditation retreats at appropriate times and ceremonies commemorating special days in the Thai Buddhist calendar. A kathina, or robe-offering ceremony, was conducted recently as well.
Planning permission has already been obtained to build an actual temple and numerous kutis (small huts) for the monks to live in, construction of which will begin shortly. There are also plans to build and operate a Dhamma school on the property.
The DISA was officially formed and registered in 1997, with its first monks arriving in 1998 together with their teacher, the Most Venerable Suddhammo (Luang Na). Luang Na is presently the abbot for the entire Oceania region, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, and is also the current president of the Buddhist Federation of Australia. He is greatly respected for his work in Australia within both the Thai and Australian communities. His friendly personality, wisdom, and soothing voice combine to make him well suited to teach meditation to beginners and experienced practitioners alike, using simple and logical terms to help people relax and enjoy the practice. He lives in Sydney, and is supported by Ajahn Ronrawee in Melbourne and Ajahn Satit in Sydney and Albury, along with other experienced monks living in Australia and visiting from Thailand.
The Dhammakaya International tradition is said to be the fastest-growing Buddhist movement in Thailand. It was given the “Best Meditation Centre Award” in Thailand in 2013, and has centers throughout the world.
(http://enews.buddhistdoor.com)
