Help us beautify the Sydney Buddhist Centre.
Many people feel isolated, lonely, helpless, and driven by the winds of a consumer society. Some people come to our centre in search of meaning, calm, or because they’re in crisis. Some want to learn to meditate and develop mindfulness
techniques, while others are curious about Buddhism. Whatever the reason, they remark about how friendly, open and welcoming we are.
The centre, in the heart of Newtown, has taught thousands of people to meditate for over 15 years. We teach Buddhism in a way that is accessible to the Western mind, within a framework of kindness, generosity, altruism and awareness. What's more, you don’t
have to be a Buddhist to attend our classes, courses and retreats.
Sadly though, the centre's beautiful historical building desperately needs a make-over.
Over the years, many people have put great efforts into making the building watertight, workable and comfortable but with little money available for beautifying it, the place is looking tired and dilapidated.
The Buddha Blitz is our campaign to raise money to beautify the Sydney Buddhist Centre and restore the old building many have grown to cherish.
The Blitz is all about generosity.
As the Buddha said,
"There are three things of value for one who gives. Before giving, the mind of the giver is happy. While giving, the mind of the giver is made peaceful. And having given, the mind of the giver is uplifted." (Anguttara Nikaya 3.6.37).
It is also an expression of our practice as Buddhists to transform ourselves into something increasingly clear and beautiful. It is the opportunity, through individual and collective effort, to offer a really beautiful place to people who come to the centre
and to the community beyond. It's an opportunity to grow and develop as human beings.
We see some big changes when people come regularly to our centre. They get to know themselves better. They become calmer, clearer and kinder, and they reach out to others more and more. They discover the depths of spiritual friendship, and they explore
the wonders of Buddhist practice.
We show them the many benefits of establishing a regular meditation practice:
A more beautiful centre will encourage more and more people to come along and experience all this for themselves!
Our fundraising campaign will launch on 11 October with an Open Day at the centre, and then continue for six weeks. During that time we hope to raise $30,000 for the Buddha Blitz renovations due to commence in early December. Our Buddhist community will
provide the labour, energy and enthusiasm, but we need to raise the money to make the transformation happen.
