Minutes Tbsuk, On August 12Th At Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara

Committee present:-

1. Ven. Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht (Luangpor Khemadhammo) (chairman),
2. Phrakru Panyasudhammavites (vice chairman, Thai),
3. Phramaha Sangthong Dhammacaro (Secretary, Thai),
4. Ashin Pannobhasa Tisarana Vihara Whitton (vice chairman, Burmese) and
5. Ajahn Vajiro (Amaravati)

Members present:-

1. Ven. W. Kassapa
2. Dr. Ottama Nyana,
3. Phra Aod Bounyoung
4. Phra Woraphong Chakrasen
5. Phra Sisopha
6. U Adiccavamsalankara
7. Ashin Visuta
8. Phra Nicholas Thanissaro
9. Ven. Sujan
10. Ven. M Wimala Kitti
11. Ven. T. Bandula

The general meeting of TBSUK was started with the warm welcoming words of the abbot of Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara, Ven. W. Kassapa, and Ven. Chao Khun Bhavanaviteht (Luangpor Khemadhammo), chairman, welcomed the Sangha who attended the meeting and then all members were introduced to each other.

These issues were raised:

Firstly, Luangpor Khemadhammo said that according to the constitution, each year at the August meeting, one third of the committee by rotation will stand down, but will be eligible for re-election. This year, there were three committees that stood out, Luangpor Khemadhammo, Phrakru Panyadhammavites and Phramaha Sangthong Dhammacaro. And again they were re-elected by all members present at the meeting.

Secondly, Ajahn Vajiro asked if the secretary could take responsibility for collecting and keeping the data base of TBSUK such as all e-mails and addresses of the temple as it caused a communication problem. He agreed with that, and that it might be easier for communication to spread news among TBSUK members. Some members said that it might be good if the news could be spread in their own language. Because language can be a barrier of mutual understanding. It was agreed with that for some communities that do not understand English well.

Thirdly, a difficult and complicated issue was raised. Ashin Pannobhasa mentioned the delay of applying for sponsorship. Luangpor Khemadhammo advised that the application should have done urgently otherwise it would be more difficult and complicated as now the Home Office will visit and investigate the place for the reason of the requirement of monks. If it sees that the temple is small or there are few members, it might give few licenses for the temple. Ajahn Vajiro added, “Yes, it is true, Amarati got sponsorship in January without visiting”. It was still a long and complicated discussion, anyway the advice was that the form of application must be clear or let it be Solicitor’s job. Luangpor Khemadhammo reminded all who had sponsorship or license must keep records of all the monks in the temple such as a copy of passport and where they go and when they come back. If they do not do, they will get into trouble when Home Office visits and asks for all information. If anything changes, the Home Office must be informed immediately. Otherwise, 2 years sentence to jail and