A quick comment on what Buddhism is and why the BCQ exists.
What IS Buddhism and the role of the BCQ
What is Buddhism? I believe the clearest possible answer is that it is a philosophy of life. More specifically, Buddhism teaches one how to purify our life, develop the wisdom to grasp life's truth and establish our true identity.
Humanity is basically the same at heart today as it was 2500 years ago, and though we have managed to change our environment, we have not basically changed at all psychologically. So when Buddhism is well explained one gets to know about one's self, one's mind and body and what can be done with it. The disasters of not knowing about one's self are to be seen all around us: wars, crime, arguments, greed, envy and stupidity. We can all do some work which will be a great advantage, both to ourselves and to other people. If one wishes to see this world a better place than it is now then there is only one place to start the work.
Explaining Buddhism is just making clear what is. We may not, at the present time, see for ourselves all that is, really as it is. If we practice Dhamma (Buddha's Teachings) however, we get to see and know more and more, we discover the Dhamma in ourselves. So Buddhism is not a set of teachings to believe. Dhamma is the underlying truth to be discovered.
There are no complications in Dhamma. The complications which exist in men's religious beliefs are the result of the complications or defilements in their own hearts. If one finds Dhamma difficult to understand or practice then it is because of the difficulties which are found in oneself.
Dhamma is simple and straightforward. It is man who is neither. But saying that Dhamma is simple should not be taken to mean that it is easy. Effort is needed. Those who are looking for philosophical speculation, and those who are attracted to belief in dogmas, will not find what they search for in Dhamma.
Therefore, with the thoughts mentioned herein, I believe that the existence of the Buddhist Council of Queensland has an immense role to play within Queensland and in the broader sphere, within the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils.
As the largest growing philosophy, or religion, in Australia it is not appropriate for such interest to go unchecked or undirected. Thus with the existence of the BCQ there is a much needed role to be played for the greater good of the community. Not only within the realm of Buddhist promotion, but equally and if not more importantly in the area of promoting greater tolerance and understanding of Buddhist ideals within the wider community. Hand in hand with this objective is the desire to foster stronger ties and greater understanding amongst the multi-national and multi-cultural communities in Queensland firstly and secondly in Australia as a whole. While it is the aim of the BCQ to provide a network of readily available resources for people to access, it is also very much our aim to harmonize with existing religious traditions.
Our goals are many and most probably one is no less important than the rest. Some of the ideas to be developed include the facility for groups to interact with the various government departments especially where language is an issue. This can ease circumstances regarding visas and passports and the permanent or temporary residency of monks and teachers.