Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association (Australia-Victoria Branch) Inc

The Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association (Australia-Victoria Branch) Inc is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Dharma Drum Mountain, a global Chan Buddhist organization founded by Master Sheng Yen. Operating in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, this branch actively promotes Buddhist teachings and practices, focusing on Chan (Zen) meditation and the upliftment of spiritual and community life.

Background and Affiliation

The Association is part of the wider Dharma Drum Mountain network, which has branches and centers around the world, including North America, Canada, Taiwan, and Australia. Founded in accordance with the teachings and vision of Master Sheng Yen, Dharma Drum Mountain aims to promote Chan Buddhism, encourage spiritual cultivation, and contribute to societal harmony through education and practice. The Melbourne branch is one of the key Australian centers, alongside the Sydney branch, dedicated to carrying out these missions locally[2][5].

Activities and Programs

The Victoria Branch offers a range of activities designed to impart Buddhist teachings and support meditation practice among its community members. These include:

• Weekly sessions of guided meditation, Dharma talks, and Buddhist chanting, which serve both educational and spiritual development purposes.
• Provision of free vegetarian lunches following some events, fostering fellowship and a sense of community among participants.
• Group discussions and study sessions based on Master Sheng Yen’s classical works, such as "Subtle Wisdom," allowing practitioners to deepen their understanding of Chan and apply it in daily life.
• Special events including Chan tea sessions, where meditation and mindfulness are cultivated in a relaxed, communal setting with tea ceremonies enhancing the experience of tranquility and presence[1][3].

Mission and Goals

The Association is dedicated to promoting interfaith understanding, multicultural harmony, and community integration through Buddhist practice. It supports and participates in interfaith and community events in Melbourne, emphasizing the values of peace, compassion, and wisdom taught in Chan Buddhism. Their goal aligns with Master Sheng Yen's vision of “uplifting the character of humanity and building a pure land on earth,” focusing on individual character cultivation alongside societal betterment[1][5].

Location and Contact

The Melbourne chapter operates from a facility in Mitcham, Victoria. It serves as a hub for local and visiting practitioners interested in Chan Buddhism and the Dharma Drum tradition[4].

This nonprofit is registered under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 88950048027RR0001 and continues to provide accessible Buddhist education and spiritual practice in Victoria, enhancing both individual well-being and community cohesion.

[1] http://www.ddmmelbourne.org.au [2] https://www.dharmadrum.org [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/9bc20a40-39af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [4] https://www.dharmadrum.org/portal_b6_page.php?cnt_id=2240 [5] https://chanmeditation.ca/index.php/global-family/