Chairperson
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Buddhism in Australia Survey Update
The Buddhism in Australia Survey is part of the “Buddhism in Australia: Belonging, Wellbeing and Social Engagement” research project which surveys Australians who are Buddhists or who engage with Buddhist values, ideas, or practices. It is the first nationwide survey of its kind, developed in consultation with monastic and lay Buddhist leaders, scholars, and First…
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ASA statement on safeguarding and sexual abuse
The Australian Sangha Association (ASA) is committed to helping its members provide safe environments for monastics and lay people, free from sexual abuse and coercion. All full members of the ASA are required to be celibate, as a foundational membership criterion. They are additionally required to abide by Federal and State laws and the monastic…
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Taiwan Buddhist Association’s 80th Anniversary
Dear Venerables,As the chair of the Australian Sangha Association and on behalf of the Australia Buddhist monastic Sangha, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and wish you all many blessings on this occasion of The Taiwan Buddhist Association’s 80th Anniversary and the 26th Inauguration Ceremony for the President, Directors, and Supervisors…
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ASA Statement on Bondi Beach Shooting, December 14, 2025
The ASA unequivocally condemns the shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, at the Chanukah by the Sea event.Our heart goes out to the victims and their families, and to everyone affected by this act of violence targeted at the Australian Jewish community.In particular, our thoughts are with the Jewish community over the coming…
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2024 Statement on Waharakist, Buddha Born in Sri Lanka, andJethavanarama (Dharmayai Obai) Movements
First published August 14, 2024Edited October 1, 2024Published 13 October 2024 The ASA is the peak body which represents ordained Buddhist monks and nuns inAustralia. In 2024, the question of whether followers of Meewanapalane Dhammalankara, thelate Waharaka Abhayarathanalankara, and Walasmulle Abhaya are eligible for ASAmembership was raised with the ASA committee. For convenience, we can…
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Statement on Wang Xinde and Jingang Dhyana
The ASA is the peak body which represents ordained Buddhist monks and nuns inAustralia. The ABC article, Devotees of Tasmania’s Holy Tantra Esoteric Buddhism claimleader is ‘living Buddha’, but former members have concerns (9/8/2023), containedreference to a group of so-called Buddhist “monks and nuns” who follow Wang Xinde(Buddhist name “Zhi Ji”) and the Jingang Dhyana…
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Australian Sangha Association and Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils Statement on 2023 Israel-Gaza Conflict
Co-signed 30th November, 2023 The Australian Sangha Association and the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils are saddened and shocked by the events of recent days in Israel and Gaza; namely, the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack and subsequent Israeli siege of Gaza. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Israeli and Palestinian people; for those…
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Statement on The Voice referendum
The Australian Sangha Association Committee and FABCSupport a Yes Vote on the Voice to Parliament Co-signed 5th October 2023 It is so important that all Australians are equally heard and supported especially on matters and policies that affect anyone’s life. Many born here, but also from foreign lands, have had that benefit of participative democracy…
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ASA Message to the People of Sri Lanka
A message of Peace and Hope from the Monks and Nuns of the Australian SanghaAssociation. Winds of change are now blowing through Sri Lanka after much trouble and hardship,reminding us all of the Buddha’s teaching on impermanence and suffering. After many weeks of protests Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned;and yet many people…