Buddhism: What Are the Five Recollections?

the Five RecollectionsFrank and pithy, these five reminders about the reality of impermanence and karma are attributed to the Buddha himself, as taught in the Upajjhatthana Sutta. Though they start with what is plainly “bad news,” contemplating the Five Recollections helps us accept life’s difficulties, motivating us to practice and be kind to ourselves and others.
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Houses for People 2020: Council adapts Affordable Housing Strategy

Affordable housingCouncil adopted the Greater Shepparton Affordable Housing Strategy: Houses for People 2020 at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 21 April 2020.The Strategy builds on Council’s ongoing support for homeless and low-income households, providing a strategic basis for expansion of funding advocacy to the State and Federal Governments. It includes a range of actions that can be taken by Council to maximise efficient use of funding allocations and support increased availability and diversity in Affordable and Social Housing options for vulnerable groups.
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She who hears the cries of the world

Boddhisattva of CompassionIn Buddhist iconography, compassion is embodied in the bodhisattva Kuan Yin, who is said to manifest wherever beings need help. Engendering such compassion is not only good for others, says Christina Feldman, it is also good for us. By putting others first, we loosen the bonds of our self-fixation, and in doing so, inch closer to our own liberation.
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ANZAC Day in time of pandemic

axANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is the  anniversary of the landing of troops from Australia and New Zealand on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, in World War I on April 25, 1915. Anzac Day has been commemorated in Australia since 1918 in Brisbane; on this Anzac Day of 2020 – in this time of pandemic, we will “Light the dawn“!

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Dalai Lama on Earth Day: COVID-19 is ‘a lesson in universal responsibility’

XIV Dalai LamaOn the 50th anniversary of Earth Day the XIV Dalai Lama told, our planet is facing one of the greatest challenges to the health and well-being of its people. And yet, in the midst of this struggle, we are reminded of the value of compassion and mutual support. The current global pandemic threatens us all, without distinctions of race, culture or gender, and our response must be as one humanity, providing for the most essential needs of all.
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Ramadan Messages in the time of Coronavirus – 13 Languages

Message about Ramadan and Coronavirus
Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are to you and your families during this challenging time. The Victorian Government has prepared radio (audio) messages in 13 languages about Ramadan for individuals and communities to share during this individuals and communities to share during this holy time on the importance of managing Coronavirus together
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Six Daily Questions to Ask Yourself in Quarantine

Greater Good Magazine LogoAs the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, and efforts to “flatten the curve” through physical distancing intensify, many of us find ourselves quarantined at home. The physical isolation and sudden departure from familiar routines can be jarring and disorienting. Settling in for the possibility of an extended shelter-in-place order, I wrote these six “Daily Quarantine Questions” to help me structure my days—and check in with myself, to make sure I’m doing OK. After I shared them on social media, I heard from thousands of people who said that these resonated for them.
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An Interfaith Earth Day message

World Council of Churches logoWorld Mother Earth Day was observed on April 22nd. As faith-based organisations and movements calling for fair and just policies able to tackle the climate emergency, we understand and support the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s decision to postpone COP26 in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting the whole of humanity. We nevertheless call on ourselves and on all stakeholders to not delay ambitious and urgent climate action.

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If Saudi Arabia is forced to put the Hajj on hold, it will not be without precedent

Makkah during Covid-19JEDDAH: Will the Hajj, which draws millions of Muslims annually to Islam’s birthplace in Saudi Arabia, be suspended this year owing to the global coronavirus pandemic? That question had been uppermost in the minds of millions of Muslims worldwide even before a Saudi official asked them to put on hold any plans to perform the obligatory pilgrimage, scheduled to begin in late July.
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Judaism: Exercise for Strength Amid the Coronavirus Crisis

Star of David at sunsetWhat gives you strength and resilience during this coronavirus crisis? For many, it’s the bond of loving relationships with family, friends, and community. Maintaining your physical health – proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise (when possible) – combined with other daily self-care techniques like the simple pleasures of a walk outdoors and ongoing acts of kindness (g’milut chasadim ) and generosity (tzedakah) are also powerful tools of resilience.
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Sikhs turn to online Vaisakhi

Sikhs at WorshipLOS ANGELES (Religion News Service) – With a grand presentation of melodious hymns, a two-mile parade in downtown Los Angeles and free food for thousands, the celebration of Vaisakhi for Sikhs in Southern California is no small occasion. But this year, the community is faced with the challenge of honoring a festive, holy day during the coronavirus pandemic.
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‘Prayer Is Not Enough.’ The Dalai Lama on Why We Need to Fight Coronavirus With Compassion

XIV Dalai LamaSometimes friends ask me to help with some problem in the world, using some “magical powers.” I always tell them that the Dalai Lama has no magical powers. If I did, I would not feel pain in my legs or a sore throat. We are all the same as human beings, and we experience the same fears, the same hopes, the same uncertainties.

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10 Tips for a Mindful Home

Mindful homeIn these (unkind) days of coronavirus, self-isolation and quarantine, keeping the peace in the head might be the highest priority! Here, Karen Maezen Miller offers 10 simple tips for keeping a a mindful home. How simple? Well, as Karen says, “If you can do the first one, the next nine take care of themselves.”

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Red Cross Help for migrants in transition

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The Australian Red Cross is receiving funding from the Australian Government for the next six months to deliver emergency relief and support – for people on temporary visas who cannot access Medicare and Centrelink support.

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Updated – Translated resources – coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

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Victoria Department of Health and Human Services, Australian Government Dept of Health and SBS provide a range of translated information Coronavirus – COVID-19 for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, health professionals and industry. Information includes factsheets, self-isolation guides, Stay at Home Guides and Treasury Factsheets – Jobkeeper Payments and Youtube Video. — 50 languages covered.

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