The Siri Dharmasiri Buddhist Vihara (the Vihara) of Toowoomba was established in 2020 and was formed by members of many different Buddhist communities, where they practice and share the supreme teachings of Buddha. To achieve its prodigious goals, members of the society must work together with love and broadmindedness, serving the wider community by practicing the noble qualities of compassion, loving kindness, empathetic joy and equanimity that are perfected by the Lord Buddha.
The Vihara is a place of worship, an institute of Buddhist teaching and education, but most importantly a place to find peace of mind for all regardless of their religious views. It is frequently visited by the Toowoomba Buddhist community and from time-to-time visitors from catchment as well as far distance areas to take part of the Vihara activities.
The Venerable resident monk/s of the Vihara, emphasizes that the Buddhist Sangha (who ordained) and laity are governed by traditional disciplinary rules, whereas the Sangha must adhere to the rules of the Vinaya Pitaka. These traditional rules, therefore, override any other general rules in the premises of the vihara as far as the mutual association of the Sangha and the laity are concerned.
The constitution of the Vihara rests on the moral foundation defined by the Buddha’s teachings, adhering to compassion, tolerance, and love taught by the Buddha that are all times measured by the Vihara’’s chief monk to guide its deliberations to their patrons.
Objectives of the Association
- To facilitate and promote cultural and religious activities of the Buddhist community in Toowoomba.
- To promote and educate Buddhist tradition of living in peace and to acquire harmony with all beings.
- To welcome new members regardless of their culture and religion;
- To assist members of their spiritual needs and help to practice mindfulness (mediation);
- To apprise the true teachings of the Buddha to the members and the general community
- To virtue cultural safety to help combat systems of discrimination on the grounds of race, culture, nationality, gender, or Buddhist sect, being consistent with Buddhist traditions provided by this Constitution.
- To exhibit a diverse representation of Buddhist sects in both the activities and administration of the Association.
- To enhance objectives and purposes of the Association, include of accommodation and welfare of Sangha;
- Help border communities to thrive when in need.