Message from the Minister of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Phillip Ruddock MP, to be read by the Hon Andrew Olexander MLC at
VERSAK 2544
BUDDHIST DISCUSSION CENTRE (UPWEY) LTD
MELBOURNE, MONDAY 7 MAY 2001
My sincere thanks to Mr John Hughes and members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) for inviting me to attend this year’s Versak celebrations. Although prior commitments have prevented me from attending, I welcome the opportunity to send my very best wishes on this most important occasion for your Centre, and indeed, for Buddhists everywhere.
No one is certain when Buddhism was introduced to this continent. Some anthropologists have suggested that it may have been as early as the fifteenth century, when the Ming emperors sent their ships to explore this region. We do know, however, that during the 1800’s, Buddhism was practised by the Chinese on the goldfields, and then by the Sinhalese, who came to work in the sugar cane industry. What we can say, without fear of contradiction, is that Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions in Australia today. And this is due, not only to the influx of Immigrants refugees from Asia during recent decades.
In fact, it is apparent that undoubtedly due to the fact that the teachings of Buddhism are universal and transcend cultural and social boundaries. I also believe its popularity in Australia reflects the special significances that Buddhism Buddhism increasingly attracts adherents from a wide variety of backgrounds. This is has for people living in a multicultural society. The qualities and values espoused by Buddhists are very much in tune with the virtues of tolerance and understanding that are so important in a culturally diverse community such as ours.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) for your services to the Buddhist community of Australia. As you celebrate the life and teachings of the Lord Buddha in the spirit of friendship today, I join with you in the hope that these actions, in honour of the Lord Buddha’s 2544th Birthday, will indeed benefit all sentient beings, and bring more beauty, harmony, compassion and wisdom to the world.
(The Honorable Phillip Ruddock MP
Minister of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs)