About Us
The Society is a multi-ethnic community organisation, operating in accordance with the teaching of the Buddha – particularly in line with the Theravada Buddhist tradition. We are committed to operate with kindness, compassion, promoting respect and harmony among our diverse members. We are mindful to provide equal opportunities to all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age or any other types of social categorization. This is to facilitate an environment conducive to the learning and practice of the Buddha Dhamma for all.
How We Got Started
Founded in 1953, the BSV is the oldest Buddhist Institution in Victoria.
The Society aims to make available the Buddha’s teachings to the community, with special emphasis in the Theravada Tradition (The Way of the Elders) and to provide suitable facilities and support for monks and nuns.
Monks, nuns and lay teachers provide an invaluable service to the community by conducting meditation classes and talks free of charge at the BSV City Centre. Day retreats are conducted ‘in-house’ at no charge. Residential retreats are conducted in other locations (usually rural) on a non-profit basis.
In 2014 the BSV established a forest monastery for bhikkhus and bhikkhunis in Newbury, Victoria. On May 24th , 2015, the Newbury Buddhist Monastery was officially opened by Ajahn Brahm, the spiritual adviser of the BSV. The Monastery is going from strength to strength. In June 2017, we commenced Stage 1 of the 3-Stage NBM Development project.
Stage 1 involved the construction of 5 bhikkhu kutis, sangha house and infra-structure. The generous donations received from both local and overseas supporters, enabled construction to be completed in March 2020 as planned.
We have now launched our fund raising efforts for Stage 2. This stage includes the construction of a lay meditation centre. The centre will comprise of accommodation for lay retreatants, a commercial kitchen, dana hall, meditation hall and all the amenities & ancillary services.
Stage 3 will focus on construction in the Nuns area of the NBM.
More details on Stage 2 & 3 will be published in the coming months.
The activities of the BSV are organised by a Management Committee, which is comprised entirely of volunteers. Our free teaching programme is made possible by the support of the community through donations of time and expertise as well as funds raised from membership fees and other financial donations.