These new sessions “For the Benefit of All Beings” are held one Sunday each Month and presents teachings on the classic text the Bodhicharyavatara.

A bodhisattva is anyone who has generated a spontaneous wish and compassionate mind to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama said: If I have any understanding of compassion and the bodhisattva path, it all comes from studying this text.

The main aim of this module is to help us discover the relevance of this classic text for our daily lives, to better understand ourselves and others, and identify and change some of our unhelpful patterns. The module will take a more experiential approach, rather than cover the entire text word for word in a traditional Tibetan shedra style.

The first three months of the module will explore some of the more general topics of the Bodhicharyavatara, as an introduction to the text, including: what is compassion, a bodhisattva, and the benefits of altruism.

Tsoknyi Rinpoche has advised that it is best to connect with our ‘essence’ love before embarking on a text like the Bodhicharyavatara, which mainly emphasizes ‘expression’ love, through practices such as lojong. Consequently, the module’s practice focus will be on compassion for ourselves, starting off with a month-long exploration of Tsoknyi Rinpoche’s methods of ‘dropping’ and ‘handshake’ as a means to deeply connect with ourselves.  Then we will embark on a cycle of ‘self-compassion’ based on practices, including body scans, loving kindness for ourselves and self tonglen. The module will run at least until July 2020. It might continue a few months longer.

We will receive teachings from Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Khandro Rinpoche, Ringu Tulku, Sogyal Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, and other masters who have given teachings at Rigpa centres over the past years, as well as senior Rigpa presenters.

These teachings are suitable for anyone who has some familiarity with meditation practice.

Sessions will be held on these Sundays 9.30am – 2.00pm (usually, but not always, the second Sunday of each month).

• 8 March 2020
• 12 April 2020
• 10 May 2020
• 14 June 2020
• 12 July 2020

These sessions will consist of:

• study on classic text: Bodhicharyavatara
• video teachings
• meditation practice
• discussion and interactive groups

Details:

These sessions are once a month.
Open to anyone.
Where: 158 Australia St, Newtown
When: One Sunday Each Month (exact dates above)
Time: 9:30am-2:00pm
Cost: Public: $20, Friends: $18, Rigpa Subscribers (members): free

Dr Eng-Kong Tan will examine the emotional challenges that we faced during the height of the pandemic and hence the crises leading to decompensation and/or catastrophe, hopefully (or necessarily) to be followed by regeneration and growth.

Drawing on his personal experience, his observations of others and his practice as a Buddhist psychiatrist and psychotherapist, he will discuss the opportunities that the past few months have presented us with for mental development, from the point of view of Western psychology and of our spiritual path.

Eng-Kong will make special reference to those teachings and practices of Buddhism and Western psychology that help us to get through times of crisis, and that lead us to a wiser and more compassionate new norm. The session will be live via Zoom and will include a half-hour talk, followed by meditation, discussion and Q&A.

Please be sure to register so we can email you the Zoom link before the talk.

Teacher profile

Dr Eng-Kong Tan has been a friend and supporter of the Buddhist Library since its establishment. As a doctor, a psychiatrist and a Buddhist psychotherapist, he has presented many talks on Buddhism, psychotherapy, meditation and spirituality. He is Founder President of the Australian Association of Buddhist Counsellors and Psychotherapists (AABCAP), and is also a former Chairman of Training of the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association of Australia (PPAA). He established the Metta Clinic in Pymble, a group psychological practice, where he offers individual, couples and group therapies including a weekly mindfulness training group.

All Sessions are by Donation (Dana) to the Buddhist Library. All donations to the Buddhist Library of $2 and over are tax deductible.

Dana is the traditional practice of generosity, the extending of one’s goodwill, which is fundamental to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. Part of the dana you give goes to the teacher, to help her continue her efforts to spread the Dhamma. And part of the dana you give goes to maintain the Library so it can offer more teachings on the Dhamma in the future. It is up to each person to determine the amount of dana they’d like to offer. We understand that this is a difficult time financially for many, and people will give what they can. An appropriate dana can’t be prescribed but requires sensitivity to its intent and to the individual’s own situation, as well as awareness of the cost of organising events and supporting teachers who spread the Dhamma.

The evening takes place in two halves. In the first half, we explore one of two Buddhist meditations. After a short tea break, we will introduce another aspect of Buddhism with an opportunity for discussion.

Meditation

We teach two Buddhist meditation practices: Mindfulness of Breathing, for developing awareness, integration and clarity of mind; and Mettā Bhāvanā (“development of loving kindness”), which brings about a gentle but radical transformation of our emotional world. Each week we alternate between the two practices.

We will help you to set up in good posture and give a fully led practice, so there is no need for any previous experience.

Dharma

Dharma is the name for the teachings of the Buddha. We introduce Dharma in a way that is accessible and practical to everyday life for young people in the modern world. Usually the format is a short presentation, followed by breaking into smaller groups for discussion.

We typically cover topics in a series along a particular theme, but every night will stand alone so there is no need for any previous knowledge for any evening and you can start coming at any point in the series.

More here 

Saturday Buddhism Discussion Group is meeting again at the Library on 4 July

First Saturday of Every Month

Time: 5pm – 7pm

This is an ongoing casual monthly discussion group where individuals from all walks of life and varying experience with Buddhism come together to discuss various topics, from the application of Buddhism in daily life to current social issues.

The evening takes place in two halves. In the first half, we explore one of two Buddhist meditations. After a short tea break, we will introduce another aspect of Buddhism with an opportunity for discussion.

Meditation

We teach two Buddhist meditation practices: Mindfulness of Breathing, for developing awareness, integration and clarity of mind; and Mettā Bhāvanā (“development of loving kindness”), which brings about a gentle but radical transformation of our emotional world. Each week we alternate between the two practices.

We will help you to set up in good posture and give a fully led practice, so there is no need for any previous experience.

Dharma

Dharma is the name for the teachings of the Buddha. We introduce Dharma in a way that is accessible and practical to everyday life for young people in the modern world. Usually the format is a short presentation, followed by breaking into smaller groups for discussion.

We typically cover topics in a series along a particular theme, but every night will stand alone so there is no need for any previous knowledge for any evening and you can start coming at any point in the series.

More here 

Fourth Friday of every month

Time: 11am – 12pm

Each month, Book Group facilitator KK Lim will choose a book from the Library’s collection of free e-resources. You download the e-book, and read and reflect on it over the month. Then on the fourth Friday, meet up online via Zoom to exchange ideas and opinions with others who’ve read the book, and expand your understanding of Buddhism.

Register here

Please be sure to register so we can email you the Zoom link before the meeting.

Saturday Buddhism Discussion Group is meeting again at the Library on 4 July

First Saturday of Every Month

Time: 5pm – 7pm

This is an ongoing casual monthly discussion group where individuals from all walks of life and varying experience with Buddhism come together to discuss various topics, from the application of Buddhism in daily life to current social issues.

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August – possible postponement due to COVID-19 restrictions 

There will be a day’s walk into Yengo National park from our bush zendo, Kodoji on Saturday, led by Will Moon. This is a wonderful way to learn about the land surrounding our property and connect with sangha members.

Feel free to drive up to Gorricks for the Friday night so you can have a relaxing time with friends before the walk. We will start the walk on Saturday at 9am.

If you are interested in joining us please contact Will: wilmoon@gmail.com or  0400 106 163. Please let him know if you’re coming on Friday or Saturday, so we can await your arrival.

Walking around the valley has its challenges. However, the hard work is often worth the effort. There are great views, and we get to explore the mysterious country that is beyond the trees and ridges that we look upon when sitting mindfully gazing up during our sesshins. A chance to become intimate with the Turpentines, Bloodwoods, Angophoras and the ancient sandstone laid down more than 200 million years ago. So a few things to think about for those who might want explore some of the wilderness around Kodoji with its little hidden treasures.

Your walking gear should include sturdy footwear, long sleeves and long pants, hat, small backpack, wet weather gear, spare warm clothes, sufficient water to keep you going throughout the day. Aim for 2 litres. Some high energy goodies to eat and share. Chocolate brownies are always welcome. And we’ll each take a packed lunch – sandwich and fruit, or whatever you like to eat. It’s important to bring a sense of humour for when you find yourself entangled in a lawyer vine, or have become best buddies with a leech, or slipped over on your bum for the tenth time. You may want to bring a camera, or a pad to write or sketch.

Nagarjuna is renowned for his penetrating analysis of reality.  In the Precious Garland Nagarjuna describes the cause & effect sequences for the  development of happiness within ordinary life, as well as the practices of wisdom, realizing emptiness & compassion that lead to enlightenment.  He describes a Buddha’s qualities & offers encouraging advice on the effectiveness of practices that reveal the vast attributes of Buddha-hood.  The Precious Garland includes a detailed analysis of attachment to sensual objects as a preparation for realization of the profound truth that, when realized, makes attachment impossible.

Dates: Tuesdays
Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm
Cost: By donation (suggested $15 per class, but no set amount)

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

We teach two Buddhist meditation practices: Mindfulness of Breathing, for developing awareness, integration and clarity of mind; and Mettā Bhāvanā (“development of loving kindness”), which brings about a gentle but radical transformation of our emotional world. Each week we alternate between the two practices.

We will help you to set up in good posture and give a fully led practice, so there is no need for any previous experience.

Book Here

Many people have heard of the Buddha’s teaching on Non-self. Unfortunately, it has been much misunderstood. By approaching this important topic from the perspective of the Buddha’s teachings on the cessation of I-making, perhaps we can arrive at some new understanding. This is because, in essence, what the Buddha is saying is that what we take to be a substantial self is really an artificially made-up self process.

In a 1-hour prerecorded teaching, Venerable Ajahn Tiradhammo will discuss the idea of Non-self, and explore how we might go beyond the process of I-making to the possibilities to be found there.

Please be sure to register so we can send you the YouTube link closer to the date.

Teacher profile

Venerable Ajahn Tiradhammo is one of the most senior monks in the tradition of Ajahn Chah. He was born in New Westminster, British Columbia, in 1949. In 1973 he became a novice and took his higher ordination one year later at Wat Meung Man in Chiang Mai with Venerable Tong. In 1975 he moved, in order to be with Ajahn Chah, staying at Wat Pah Pong and Wat Pa Nanachat. He went on several tudong journeys through the northeast of Thailand and the mountains of Chiang Mai, visiting many famous forest meditation masters.

Venerable Tiradhammo was invited to England in 1982 to help with developments there. He spent two years at Chithurst Monastery, and three years in charge of Harnham Vihara in Northumberland. In 1988 he helped establish Dhammapala Monastery near Bern, Switzerland, and also later at its new location in the Bernese Alpine village of Kandersteg where he was the senior monk until 2005. In July 2005 he assumed the position of Abbot at Bodhinyanarama, Wellington, NZ, until 2012. He has since retired and is now a wandering monk, currently staying at Wat Buddha Dhamma near Sydney.

http://tiradhammo.blogspot.com.au/

Fourth Friday of every month

Time: 11am – 12pm

Each month, Book Group facilitator KK Lim will choose a book from the Library’s collection of free e-resources. You download the e-book, and read and reflect on it over the month. Then on the fourth Friday, meet up online via Zoom to exchange ideas and opinions with others who’ve read the book, and expand your understanding of Buddhism.

Register here

Please be sure to register so we can email you the Zoom link before the meeting.

Nagarjuna is renowned for his penetrating analysis of reality.  In the Precious Garland Nagarjuna describes the cause & effect sequences for the  development of happiness within ordinary life, as well as the practices of wisdom, realizing emptiness & compassion that lead to enlightenment.  He describes a Buddha’s qualities & offers encouraging advice on the effectiveness of practices that reveal the vast attributes of Buddha-hood.  The Precious Garland includes a detailed analysis of attachment to sensual objects as a preparation for realization of the profound truth that, when realized, makes attachment impossible.

Dates: Tuesdays
Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm
Cost: By donation (suggested $15 per class, but no set amount)

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Once again in 2020, Victor von der Heyde will be offering what has proved to be in 2018 and 2019 a very popular series of mornings of practice at the Hut of the Happy Omen in Cheltenham.
​
The morning has sittings, walking periods in the bush, a talk, a discussion and a shared lunch.

The dates for 2020  are:

• Sunday 1 March
• Sunday 7 June
• Sunday 6 September, and
• Sunday 15 November

See Bookings for details.

The mornings will be in silence from 9:30 to 1:00pm apart from the discussion and any necessary communication. They will be all-weather events. If it’s wet we’ll be looking out on rain in the bush.

When 9:30am to 2:00pm
The schedule will be:
9:10 – 9:30 arrive
9:30 – 10:15 sit
10:15 – 10:45 walk / tea
10:45 – 11: 45 talk, discussion, sit
   11:45 – 12:15 walk / tea
12:15 – 1:00 sit
1:00 – 2:00 lunch

Cost  The program will be run on a dana basis. There’ll be a basket to cover the small per person cost to the National Trust and a basket for the teachings.

Please bring a plate of food to share for lunch, as well as a plate or bowl, cup, cutlery, a hat, sunscreen, and meditation sitting gear. There are also chairs in the hut. Tea will be provided.

Bookings and directions​. Bookings are free but please register by emailing Victor:
dharmacloud [at] dharma.org.au​  (replace at with @)
and you will receive directions to the Hut. Bookings for the first 2020 morning will open on the 15th January 2020.

There’s a limit of 16 people for the morning due to the size of the Hut.

​Bookings can only be made for the next  morning of practice scheduled.

The Hut of Happy Omen
The Hut was built in 1949 by Marie Byles, one of the founding members of the Buddhist Society of NSW. It was built for dharma practice and it is very much in it’s original condition with original furnishings. It is now owned by the National Trust and part of Marie Byles larger property called Ahimsa Sanctuary. It is mostly open on one side and looks out over bushland, part of Pennant Hills Park, and over the small house where Marie Byles lived. There’s established walking tracks in the bush accessible from the Hut.
The Hut is about a half hour drive from the Sydney CBD and a fifteen minute walk from Cheltenham station in north western Sydney.
We’re grateful to the National Trust for being able to use The Hut of Happy Omen.

Nagarjuna is renowned for his penetrating analysis of reality.  In the Precious Garland Nagarjuna describes the cause & effect sequences for the  development of happiness within ordinary life, as well as the practices of wisdom, realizing emptiness & compassion that lead to enlightenment.  He describes a Buddha’s qualities & offers encouraging advice on the effectiveness of practices that reveal the vast attributes of Buddha-hood.  The Precious Garland includes a detailed analysis of attachment to sensual objects as a preparation for realization of the profound truth that, when realized, makes attachment impossible.

Dates: Tuesdays
Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm
Cost: By donation (suggested $15 per class, but no set amount)

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Join us for a meditation and Dharma Inquiry, to be facilitated tonight by Christopher Ash.

The Bluegum Sangha’s dharma talk series provides a secular environment to hear Buddhist teachings. At their core, these teachings aim to help guide our lives towards liberation from dukkha (unsatisfactoriness).

Nagarjuna is renowned for his penetrating analysis of reality.  In the Precious Garland Nagarjuna describes the cause & effect sequences for the  development of happiness within ordinary life, as well as the practices of wisdom, realizing emptiness & compassion that lead to enlightenment.  He describes a Buddha’s qualities & offers encouraging advice on the effectiveness of practices that reveal the vast attributes of Buddha-hood.  The Precious Garland includes a detailed analysis of attachment to sensual objects as a preparation for realization of the profound truth that, when realized, makes attachment impossible.

Dates: Tuesdays
Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm
Cost: By donation (suggested $15 per class, but no set amount)

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Join us for a meditation and Dharma Inquiry, to be facilitated tonight by Christopher Ash.

The Bluegum Sangha’s dharma talk series provides a secular environment to hear Buddhist teachings. At their core, these teachings aim to help guide our lives towards liberation from dukkha (unsatisfactoriness).