The Nan Tien Temple has launched an exhibition showcasing a collection of art by contemporary artists whose work incorporates one or more aspects of Buddhist teaching. Inspired by Buddhism contains diverse works: some artists extend traditional iconography, some respond to particular texts, while others create pictorial paeans to the numinous and ineffable world beyond the tangible. Their work embodies not only their personal beliefs, but the attitudes and values of contemporary society. Understanding Buddhist art is an essential part of understanding and analysing the influence of Buddhism from historical to modern times. While Buddhism is notable for its sacred texts and sutras,…
Author: Chenoa Pearce
Australian Aboriginal people have a rich, living culture that stretches back 50,000 years, but there are fears the cultural knowledge will be lost if it is not put into practice. South Coast elders claim the cultural practices, knowledge systems and cultural expressions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are a source of great strength, resilience and pride. Local Aboriginal elder, Uncle Paul Walker, of the Wreck Bay region, organises corroborees and ceremonies for the youth of his area. Over the past 10 years, the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council has taken a proactive stance at re-introducing traditional forms of art and dance…
Police crackdowns across Australia reveal 10 per cent of truck drivers have tested positive for illegal substances while driving. The latest police drug-testing figures also reveal rogue operators are increasingly using stimulant drugs, such as ice and speed, to keep awake and to drive for long periods. Heavy trucks make up about three per cent of road traffic but more than 15 per cent of fatalities, according to the Federal department of transport. Police say alcohol and driving don’t mix, and the case for marijuana is similar; both increase sleepiness, decrease concentration and could lead to accidents. Amphetamines and cocaine may help drivers stay awake, but can…
An increasing number of men are catching on and taking to the court in Australia’s most popular women’s sport: netball. On club, national and international level, men’s and mixed gender teams are becoming more prevalent. Unlike women’s netball at elite and national levels, men’s and mixed-gendered teams in countries like Fiji, Australia and New Zealand are largely self-funded. “I’ve been surprised with how much momentum the [men’s] game has picked up in recent years,” Men’s and Mixed Netball NSW President Darren Kelly said. “There’s plenty of new faces coming through and we’ve had to increase the number of teams for next year’s competition.” Kelly said there…
A Brazilian study of 6,000 babies from all backgrounds since 1982, finds those who breastfed were more intelligent, spent longer in education and earned more. Breast milk is best for the baby, and the benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition. In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients the baby needs in the first six months of life, breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect the baby from illness. According to a recent major long-term study by doctors* in Brazil, babies are more likely to turn into well-educated and higher earning adults if they are breast-fed for longer. The…