The Buddhist Hour Radio Broadcast Archives

Buddhist Hour Broadcast 306
for Sunday 7 December 2003


This script is entitled:
Tribute to John D. Hughes
Funeral Celebration Ceremony

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammasambuddhassa

Sabbe Sankhara Anicca (All conditions are impermanent).

Master John D. Hughes, loving husband of Anita, father of Jocelyn, Rani and Celeste and beloved Teacher of many, left this world at 5:50pm on 29 November, 2003, at Angliss Hospital, Ferntree Gully.

Master John Hughes inspired and blessed many persons in 14 countries around the world.

His education included a Diploma of Applied Chemistry (Swinburne College of Technology); Trained Technical Teacher's Certificate (Education Department of Victoria); Arts and Education (Deakin University), Graduate Diploma in Adult and Industrial Education (Deakin University) and Mathematics (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology).

He taught science in Victorian technical schools and was chairman of the Boronia Teacher Education Centre.

John was Founder and Secretary of Australian Manufacturers Patents, Industrial Designs, Trademark & Copyright Association (AMPICTA), and owned a commercial training company Winners Gain Ground.

A fourth-generation Australian, born 9 September 1930 in Mentone, John was an only child and a very bright and unusual boy, and as an adult was popularly known as 'Spike' from the days when he played jazz cornet.

Master John D. Hughes was the Founder, Abbot and Resident Teacher of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. The organisation is a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, an Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University and a member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria.

He established a temple in the quiet hills of the Yarra Ranges in 1978 to enable Australians to learn and practice Buddha Dhamma. He established a heavenly Chan garden at the temple, built to last for at least 500 years, which houses a multilingual reference library, the John D. Hughes Collection.

Over 300 Buddha relics are stored in the Centre. The chosen lemma for the organisation was 'Lifetimes of Learning'.

Master John D. Hughes was a former Vice-President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and the recipient of the Visuddhananda Peace Award 1999 (in Memory of His Holiness the Late 24th Mahasanghanayaka Visuddhananda Mahathero) from Bangladesh.

The Venerable Shilalankar Mahathero, the Sangharaj of the Supreme Sangha Council of Bangladesh described John in a letter to his 65th birthday as “one of the apostles of our New World Buddhist order in Australia, and one of the pioneers of Buddhism in the Australia - New Zealand region”.

John was a Chan Master who painted Chan images for over four decades. He founded the Chan Academy at the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. where he taught the 'Way of the Brush'. The classic Chinese painting method is a Buddhist meditation practice.

John traveled regularly to national and international Buddhist conferences and Buddhist organisations and used his wisdom and compassion to help many beings in Australia and overseas, teaching students from various cultural, social and economic backgrounds in 14 different.

John trained in science, and his hobby was the building of a private Geological Museum. For over three decades John collected precious stones and rare fossils from all over the world, initiating an on-line Geological Museum on the internet to inspire persons to develop an interest in geology.

John was editor of the Buddha Dhyana Dana Review, the flagship journal of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. and he was also editor in the previous 11 years when the journal was called the BDCU Newsletter, at www.bddronline.net.au.

John initiated nine Dhamma websites and published teaching materials on his websites. Use of the virtual form was used to reach students who were unable to travel to the Centre, enabling many beings to meet and learn the Buddha Dhamma.

John was the Founder and Executive Producer of 'The Buddhist Hour' radio show, broadcast every Sunday from the local Hillside Radio station 88.0 FM. The Buddhist Hour will be broadcast digitally over the Internet in the future. Radio scripts can be read at: www.bdcublesssings.net.au

A funeral ceremony for John D. Hughes was held on Saturday 6 December 2003 at the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., 33 Brooking Street, Upwey, Victoria, 3158, Australia.

The Order of Proceedings was:

11.00am Dana Lunch offering to Venerable Sangha and blessings

12.00MD Bell Puja

12.5Family Offering
Offering of Flowers, 6 vegetarian dishes, 1 large bowl of rice, fruit and incense

12.10 pm Sutra recitation to John Hughes by Master Ru-Sun

12.45 pm Offering of Incense and recitations by Guests, Family, Students and Friends.

2.00 pm Departure of Funeral party to
The Necropolis, Princes Highway, Springvale, Victoria, Australia

3.00pm Cremation Ceremony
to 3.30pm at the Necropolis, Princess Highway, Springvale.

The welcoming address was given by Mr. Julian Bamford Master of Ceremonies, President, Chan Academy Australia
Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. World Fellowship of Buddhists Regional Centre.

We would life to share with you the recitation by John D. Hughes' wife Anita Hughes on the occasion of his Funeral Celebration Ceremony on 6 December 2003:

Dear Master John David Hughes, Noble friend, Dear Husband.

My heart overflows with love as I realise some of what you have done on this earth in this human life.

I affirm that I will continue the work you started and dedicate my life to this Temple in helping all sentient beings meet the Buddha Dhamma and share the merit of these actions with you, till we meet again, that is my utmost wish.

Thank you for showing me the Teachings of the Lord Buddha.

I now know that there is a way out of suffering and I am learning to practice to come out of suffering. I take refuge in the triple gem, I keep the five precepts, I practice Dana and Bhavana. I know to make merit every day. I know to avert from unwholesome actions and generate wholesome actions only. I know I have much Buddha Dhamma to study and learn and practice. I know this because of your guidance to the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Thank you John David Hughes.

I thank you for your life's work in establishing a place where the Buddha Dhamma can be taught, preserved, practiced and realised, a sattadevamanussanam, a Temple for Humans and Gods.

I know it as a rare opportunity to meet the conditions to learn the Buddha Dhamma. This opportunity exists at this Temple because of your work this life and in your past lives.

Thank you John David Hughes.

We celebrate and will continue your global work in the propagation of Buddha Dhamma.

Thank you John David Hughes.

We revel in and admire the minor and major works accomplished by our Temple.

Thank you John David Hughes.

We celebrate the attainment of past present and future Members and Students of this Temple.

Thank you John David Hughes

We will always come together in harmony, meet in harmony, disperse in harmony as recommended by Lord Buddha to generate the causes for long life of this Temple.

Thank you for your determination and will in recovering from illness and overcoming many pains to continue to do your work till the day you died.

We celebrate our good fortune in having known you and vow to continue helping you with your mandate, that this Temple last for the next 500 years as a Buddha Dhamma Temple for the future generations of sentient beings.

Let goodly co-mates in the righteous life come here in the future, and let those that have already come live happily.

May the Buddha Dhamma be taught and flourish in our Temple and in all Buddha Dhamma Temples in Australia and around the world.

Ms Jocelyn Hughes & Ms Rani Hughes gave a speech about their father John D. Hughes.

Mr Robert (Bob) Faulkner Founder of Gippsland Buddhist Discussion Group also spoke.

Condolence Messages were read by Mr. Julian Bamford, Ms. Leanne Eames, Ms. Pennie White, Ms. Evelin Halls. We will read these messages for you:

Venerable Suddhananda Mahathero
President
Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha
ACRP & WCRP Bangladesh Regional Chapter
World Fellowship of Buddhists, Bangladesh Chapter
Past Vice-president, WFB Executive Member,
World Buddhist Sangha Council & High Priest
Dhammarajika Buddhist Monastery, Bangladesh

I am immensely saddened that I received the news of the passing away of Reverend John D. Hughes on November 29, 2003. The news is just a bolt from the blue for me.

Rev. John D. Hughes was a great scholar, a devoted personality for Dhamma who sacrificed his life for the sake of humanity and world peace. His contribution for the propagation of Buddhism in Australia will be ever memorable.

The peace loving people of Australia have lost an illustrious son of their soil and I lost one of my most cordial friend in Dhamma. I had the rare opportunity to welcome John D. Hughes many times here at Dharmarajika and I visited several times to him.

Today I on behalf of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha and myself wish to pay my deepest respect to the sacred memory of Late John D. Hughes. My profound sympathy is to the people of Australia, the Buddhist fraternity in particular.

May he attain the Nibbana.

Most Venerable Thich Nhu Hue, President
The Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia - New Zealand
Venerable Trang Gha (Quang Duc)

Master John David Hughes was the founder and President of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

Born on the 9th September 1930 and passed away on 29th November 2003 and had enjoyed longevity of 73 years old.

Funeral Ceremony
Saturday 6 December 2003

The Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Australia - New Zealand

National Executive Council and all sangha members send our condolences to the family and members of the Buddhist Discussion Centre on the great loss of Master John D. Hughes. To be blessed with good karma in the next realm.

Namo Sakya Muni Buddha.


Tu Vien Quang Duc

Master John D. Hughes was the Founder, Abbot and Resident Teacher of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. It is a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, an Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University and a member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria. The Editorial Board of The Quang Duc Website Homepage send our condolences to the family and members of Buddhist Discussion Centre on the passing away of Master John D. Hughes. He was a great man who dedicated his life to the Buddha-Dhamma and his passing away is a lost to the Buddha Sasana. Master John D. Hughes' high spirit of propagating the Dhamma will live on in our hearts. Let the Dhamma be the guide in times of grief. May the Lord Buddha bless everyone with peace!


Reverend Masayuki Soutetsu
Secretary International Affairs
Rev. Eiko Sakuri
Secretary of General Affairs
Japan Buddhist Federation

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Master John D. Hughes, a former Vice-President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists who has made great contributions over the years to the solidarity of world Buddhists as well as to the cause of world peace. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

We pray from the bottom of our heart that the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd will overcome this sorrow soon and continue to pursue your goals in the interest of Buddhism and world mankind.

Sincerely,

Rev. Masayuki Soutetsu Watanabe
Secretary of International Affairs
Rev. Eiko Sakurai
Secretary of General Affairs
Japan Buddhist Federation


Geshe Loden


Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab
Rector
World Buddhist University
Bangkok, Thailand

Dear Members of the Hughes Family,

The World Buddhist University (WBU) Rector, Dr. Nantasan Seesalab and the staff of the WBU Headquarters in Bangkok learn with great sorrow about the passing away of Mr. John Hughes.

He was the most dedicated master with competent hand of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. one of the most active Associated centres of the World Buddhist University.

It is not, therefore, the loss of the Hughes Family alone, but for the World Buddhist University.

We together pray for his soul to rest in peace. His dedication for the World Buddhist University and World Buddhists in general, both local and abroad will always be remembered.

Yours in the Dhamma

(Dr. Nantasan Seesalab) Rector,
The World Buddhist University




Dato' Khoo Leong Hun
Hon. Vice-president,
World Fellowship of Buddhists
and
Madam Ang Gaik Soon
Penang Malaysia

To: Mrs. Anita Hughes

I and my companion, Madam Ang Gaik Soon are very sad to receive news from Ms Pennie White of Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd that our very good friend, Master John D. Hughes passed away on Saturday, 29 November 2003 at 5.50 p.m. EST Australia at the Angliss Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Personally, I have known Teacher Master John D. Hughes for many years. I had grown to be, not only, his friend, but also, an admirer of the great work he had done for the propagation of the Buddha Dharma. He really took pain to meticulously diffuse the Dharma to people in many countries. The loss of this great man will be felt, not only, in Melbourne and various parts of Australia, but also, in the many countries he helped to spread Buddhist Teachings and in The World Fellow of Buddhists (WFB).

As a former Vice-President and presently Hon. Vice President of the WFB, I would like to express my deepest sympathy and mourn for the loss of Teacher Master John D. Hughes.

From: Dato' Khoo Leong Hun,
Hon. Vice-President, The WFB
and Madam Ang Gaik Soon, Penang, Malaysia.



Dr.Ananda W.P. Guruge
Vice-president,
World Fellowship of Buddhists
Chairman,
World Buddhist University Council

I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of my dear friend John Hughes. I met him in Sri Lanka in 1982 and have ever since been in constant contact with him and admired his devotion to Buddhism. He has been a great inspiration to many young people of Australia, who through his guidance benefited immensely from the noble teachings of the Buddha.

As a Vice-president of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and as the Director of an Approved Regional Centre of the World Buddhist University, his services to the International Buddhist Movement has been significant and widely appreciated. He will be greatly missed by us all.

My Deepest Sympathies go to his wife and family as well as to his many disciples and friends. The greatest service that all of us can do to commemorate him and his contribution to Buddhism will be to continue the many activities in which he had been involved.

I join all his admirers and friends in wishing that his journey in Samsara be short and that he attains the ultimate bliss of Nibbana.

Ananda W. P.Guruge
Vice-president, World Fellowship of Buddhists
Chairman, World Buddhist University Council



Professor Dr. Bikiran Prasad Barua
Founder, President
Aburkhil Janakalyan Samati-Bangladesh
Regional Centre World Fellowship Buddhist Youth
Organising Secretary
Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha
Chairman,
Standing Committee on Publication, Publicity, Education Culture and Art, World Fellowship of Buddhists, Bangkok Thailand

Message of Condolence


I and my wife Prof. Priti Kana Barua are deeply shocked at the mournful demise of our one best friend and guide Master Dr. John D. Hughes. We are so close to each other that I have no language to express my feelings at this present moment.

I still remember the moment when in the year 1992 at the World Fellowship of Buddhists Conference at Taiwan R.O.C. when Master Dr. John D. Hughes presented me a Buddha Relics. Such a holy relics is serenely preserved in my residence. Whenever I look at the relics and pray to it I remember Dr. John always. He was so magnanimous and kind enough to present a Buddha relics to me.

I still remember those days when Dr. John visited my Dhamma Village Aburkhil and visited our Aburkhil Janakalyan Samiti Office and Our International Meditation Centre. He visited Dhamma Village Aburkhil twice. Aburkhil people are grateful to him for his kind visit from long distance Australia.

Dr. John D. Hughes is a spokesman of Buddha's teachings throughout the world. He was so dedicated in the propagation and practicing of Buddhism for the benefits of many. His Buddha Dhyana Dana Review is widely circulated Buddhism review which has attracted millions of devotees throughout the world.

His depth of knowledge in Buddhism is worth noting. I have gone through many of Dr. John's articles in which there are always something to learn. A high quality personality in Buddhist world is everywhere loved and felicitated. I myself is an admirer of Dr. John.

Aburkhil Janakalyan Samiti - Bangladesh, a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth is very happy to award him with the title Dhammaduta (Messenger of Dhamma) for his outstanding Contributions towards the propagation of Dhamma throughout the world.

Dr. John served the World Fellowship of Buddhists as Vice President for many many years. I still remember the dynamic performances of his team during the Buddhist conferences in New South Wales, Australia and also at Malaysia in the year 2002.

Their tremendous sincere performances in the office sector is really worth noting. Credit goes to Dr. John for creating such a good office team.

Dr. John is a good friend of Bangladesh Buddhists. I have seen to keep one donation Box in his Buddhist Discussion Centre Office only for support to Bangladesh. This shows how much he loved Bangladesh Buddhists. He was so magnanimous that whenever any appeal goes from Bangladesh he always publishes the appeal in Buddha Dhyana Dana Review and circulated it throughout the world so that generous people come forward to support the Bangladesh Buddhists activities.

Once in Chittagong , at a gathering at Nava Pandit Vihar, Katalganj I translated his speech into Bengali. He was so happy by listening to my translation. And blessed me with all his heart.

I and my wife pray for the after life welfare of Master Dr. John D. Hughes. We transfer our merits to Dr. John by the influence of which he will always go up and up.

Because of very short period I cannot attend the funeral ceremony of late Dr John. D. Hughes on 6th of December. I hope that the funeral ceremony of Dr. John D. Hughes will be a successful one at the presence of many dignitaries from all over the world.

Dr. John will always be remembered in our hearts for his loving kindness, compassion and sympathy. We have lost him physically but mentally he will be always in our hearts.

May the blessings of the Triple Gem be on Dr. John to get himself free from all bondages for directing himself towards nibbana.

Sincerely yours in the Dhamma,

Prof. Dr. Bikiran Prasad Barua

Founder President, Aburkhil Janakalyan Samiti- Bangladesh
(A Regional Centre of the WFBY in Bangladesh)

Organizing Secretary
Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar sangha

Chairman, Standing Committee
On Publication, Publicity, Education Culture and Art
The World Fellowship of Buddhists
Bangkok, Thailand.



Mr Steven Aung
President
International Buddhist Friends Association,
Canada

I just realized from your email that Master John D. Hughes has passed away on Nov. 29, 2003. On behalf of International Buddhist Friends Association of Canada as well as from myself personally, I'd like to send our heartfelt condolence to Anita and the Buddhist societies in Australia. Even though he may pass away, but his spirit will be forever with us. I am quite sure he will be in a very wonderful place.

If you have any information regarding the funeral as well as brochures, please do not hesitate to send it to us. He is really a great master and our best wishes are always with him.

Sincerely yours,

Steven Aung
President
International Buddhist Friends Association, Canada



Mr Graham Lyle
Chairman
Buddhist Council of New South Wales
Australia

Please pass my condolences to John Hughes's family and students.
Graeme Lyall AM
Chairman
Buddhist Council of New South Wales



Padma Jyoti
Member, Executive Council,
World Fellowship of Buddhists
Kathmandu, Nepal
and
Meera Jyoti
Secretary General
Buddhist Women's Association of Nepal

I am a relatively new member of WFB but have heard so much about Master John Hughes and his lifetime devotion to Buddhism. I have also had the honour of meeting him a number of times in WFB meetings. His passing away is a great loss to the Buddhist world, but his remarkable and untiring contributions will continue to inspire many in future.

We pray that Master John Hughes's journey to Nirvana will be achieved. Our heart felt condolence to Mrs Hughes.

Respectfully in Dhamma

Padma Jyoti
Member, ExCo, WFB
Kathmandu, Nepal
and
Meera Jyoti
Secretary General
Buddhist Women's Association of Nepal



Eva Maroscheck
Austrian Buddhist Society
World Fellowship of Buddhists Regional Centre,
Vienna, Austria

A wonderful communicator and engaged Buddhist passed away. We will meet him again, I am confident.
Eva Maroscheck, Austrian Buddhist Society
My commiserations to his wife and consort.



Mr.Ian Green
Director
Great stupa of Universal Compassion
Atisha Centre
Bendigo, Victoria


On behalf of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and Atisha Centre please accept our wishes that all proceeds well with the ceremony and our prayers for John's rebirth.

Yours in the dharma,

Ian Green
Director



Pinayo Prommuang
World Buddhist University
Thailand

From: "Pinayo Prommuang"

I'm sorry to hear that your most respect teacher passed away. I know a little story about Master John D. Hughes from you. The goodness of the master you told me make me confident that he has gone already good realm. And Master John D. Hughes is regarded as good model for buddhists to follow. I express this Buddha word to respect master John:

"Happy is one, who beholds the holy ones. To live with the holy ones is ever pleasant. It would be pleasant if one never comes across a fool."
Dhammapada

Yours Sincerely Love,
Pinayo Prommuang



Ms. Sangeeta Barua
British Council, Bangladesh
Higher Education Links Officer
Bangladesh


Dear Little Sister Pennie and
the bereaved family and friends of Master Hughes,

Relation between people is really a miracle. Just one month ago I was designated to read the greeting message of Master John Hughes on the Kathina Chibara Occasion of Bangladesh Buddhist Temple at Bodhgaya, India. While reading I was in the deep feeling that I have seen this remarkable man several times in my life fortunately and that day I was reading his writing in front of thousands of people.

I am deeply shocked that Master Hughes is no more with us. May his good karma lead him to a better life or towards Nirvana. May his path be smooth and blissful. May his teachings remain with us forever.

My deepest condolence to the bereaved family and all the best wishes to all friends in Dhamma in Australia.

With regards
Sangeeta

Sangeeta Barua (Ms)
Higher Education Links Officer
British Council, Bangladesh
5 Fuller Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh


Mohini Gunesekaera

I extend my deepest sympathy to the members of Master John David Hughes congregation. Although I did not personally know John Hughes, I believe he had made a significant contribution to Buddhism in Victoria and as such I am saddened to hear of his passing. Due to the distance involved, I will not be able to attend the ceremony however I would appreciate you passing these sentiments to his family, friends and his community of followers.

With metta

Mohini Gunesekera
NSW



Bob Faulkner, Toni and Betty
Executive Members
Gippsland Buddhist Discussion Group
Victoria

Death of John D. Hughes

It is with a great deal of sadness that I advise you of the death of John D. Hughes, founder of the Buddhist discussion Centre in Upwey. John achieved much during his lifetime including for a time Vice President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists. He has been a great help to many beings. He was my original teacher, I met him at school in form 3 and he has been an exceptional teacher of Buddha Dhamma to me since then. I will miss him very much. Deepest sympathy especially to John's wife Anita and also to the many Buddha Dhamma practitioners who drew great benefit from his teaching. John died of a massive stroke on Saturday 29th November.


Panna Youth Centre
Panna Youth Centre, Singapore
Panna Youth Centre, Taiwan
Panna Buddhist Chapel, Australia
Mahakarunik Panna Youth Samitti, India


The management committee of Panna Youth Centre, Singapore send its condolences to the family and members of Buddhist Discussion Centre on the passing away of Master John D. Hughes. He was a great man who dedicated his life to the spread of the Buddha-Dhamma and his passing away is a loss to the Buddha Sasana. Nevertheless, we hope that everyone can emulated Master John D. Hughes' spirit of propagating the Dhamma and let the Dhamma be the guide in times of grief. We over here in Singapore will keep Master John D. Hughes in our fervent prayers. May the Lord Buddha bless everyone with peace!

By the Grace of Lord Buddha
Panna Youth Centre


Editorial Board
Quangduc Website Homepage
Tu Vien Quang Duc Temple
Fawkner, Melbourne

Master John D. Hughes was the Founder, Abbot and Resident Teacher of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd. It is a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, an Associated Institution of the World Buddhist University and a member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria. The Editorial Board of The Quang Duc Website Homepage send our condolences to the family and members of Buddhist Discussion Centre on the passing away of Master John D. Hughes. He was a great man who dedicated his life to the Buddha-Dhamma and his passing away is a lost to the Buddha Sasana. Master John D. Hughes' high spirit of propagating the Dhamma will live on in our hearts. Let the Dhamma be the guide in times of grief. May the Lord Buddha bless everyone with peace!


The Editorial Board
The Dhamma Times
Singapore

The Dhamma Times 1 December 2003

The Editorial Board of The Dhamma Times send our condolences to the family and members of Buddhist Discussion Centre on the passing away of Master John D. Hughes. He was a great man who dedicated his life to the Buddha-Dhamma and his passing away is a lost to the Buddha Sasana. Master John D. Hughes' high spirit of propagating the Dhamma will live on in our hearts. Let the Dhamma be the guide in times of grief. May the Lord Buddha bless everyone with peace!


Wreaths:


Quangduc Vietnamese Monastery, Fawkner

In memory of the late Master John D. Hughes, our Brother, our Teacher and Friend in the Dhamma.


Quang minh, Hoa Nghiem Phuoc Tuong Temple.

May the Triple Gems Always be With You



Buddha's Light International Association of Victoria,
Fo Guang Shan Melbourne

Master John D. Hughes. With our deepest sympathies.

Dr. Ranjith Hettiarachi
Founder and President,
Buddhist Foundation of Australia (VIC)
World Fellowship of Buddhists Regional Centre

In conclusion we will read a Message from the Master John D. Hughes:

"I invite my friends to chant as I have taught them and be islands unto yourselves, a refuge unto yourselves, take the teachings as an island, the teachings as refuge, have no other refuge! The Teaching (Dhamma) and not a teacher is the supreme authority in Buddhism.

Do not grieve or lament. Have I not always told you that all things dear and pleasant are subject to change, loss, and instability? Ho else could it be here? I exhort you. The components of the personality are subject to decay, exert yourselves with diligence?"

John D. Hughes

May all beings be well and happy.


This script was written and edited by: Julian Bamford, Evelin Halls, Leanne Eames and Pennie White.



References

File: LAN2 I:\Master John D (funeral ceremony celebrations - speeches and condolence messages)


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As we, the Chan Academy Australia, Chan Academy being a registered business name of the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., do not control the actions of our service providers from time to time, make no warranty as to the continuous operation of our website(s). Also, we make no assertion as to the veracity of any of the information included in any of the links with our websites, or another source accessed through our website(s).

Accordingly, we accept no liability to any user or subsequent third party, either expressed or implied, whether or not caused by error or omission on either our part, or a member, employee or other person associated with the Chan Academy Australia (Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.)

This Radio Script is for Free Distribution. It contains Buddha Dhamma material and is provided for the purpose of research and study.

Permission is given to make printouts of this publication for FREE DISTRIBUTION ONLY. Please keep it in a clean place.

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For more information, contact the Centre or better still, come and visit us.

© 2002. Copyright. The Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd.

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