September 2008

• Friday 12 - Sunday 14 September: Mahakala Puja by H.E. Dungyud Tulku Rinpoche
  His Eminence Dungyud Rinpoche will be conducting an elaborate  Mahakala puja dedicated to the Centre's members, friends and all sentient beings. It is said that when Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) realised that his peaceful methods were unable to subdue all degenerate beings, he adopted a wrathful form to accomplish his compassionate intentions.  Mahakala is that wrathful aspect of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion.  The main role of Mahakala is to fulfill the four enlightened activities of pacifying interferences, increasing favorable circumstances, gaining control over unfavourable situations and destroying obstacles with wrathful force.

  Rinpoche will also be praying for the purification of all our negative karma accumulated since beginningless time, success in our worldly and spiritual pursuit, our longevity, peace and harmony in the world, elimination of all sickness, diseases, natural disasters and obstacles.

  Rinpoche has kindly agreed to open the puja to everyone and welcomes anyone to attend when the puja is being conducted.  Taking part in such an auspicious puja can generate immense blessings and merits.  It is not necessary to attend all sessions. However Rinpoche will be giving blessings to all attendees at the last session on Sunday afternoon at 2pm and therefore attendance at this session will be very beneficial.

  The puja sessions on each day are:
  Session 1: 9.30am - 12.00pm
  Session 2: 2.00pm - 5.30pm

  Attendees may contribute towards this meritorious event by sponsoring the puja. Please contact the centre to advise of attendance or arrange sponsorship.

  Suggested sponsoring offerings: $40 individual, $100 family, $2 per lamp for lamp offering.

• Monday 22 September-27 October, 7.30pm: Introduction to Buddhist Meditation, with Ven. Tenzin Lektsok
  This 6 week course teaches practical ways to create a clearer mind, inner peace and a happier life for yourself and those around you through meditation and an introduction to Buddhist philosophy. Venerable Tenzin Lektsok is a Western monk, ordained in 2001 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama after completing a 3 year retreat. He teaches regularly at Sakya Tharpa Ling.

  Cost: $75 full course/$15 per session

October 2008

• Friday 3-Saturday 11 October: Annual Shamatha Retreat, Drogmi Retreat Centre
  Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will be leading the Annual Shamatha Retreat with Seven Point Mind Training teachings. The retreat will commence on the Friday evening, finishing on Saturday 11th. [Details at Drogmi Retreat Centre...]

• Sunday 12 October , 3.00-4.30pm: "Meditations that transform our mind", with Ven. Tejadhammo Bhikku
  In keeping with the centre's objective of improving our dharma practice by bringing to the centre Buddhists from all walks of life and traditions to share their knowledge with members, we are honoured to present Venerable Tejadhammo Bhikku. Venerable Tejadhammo Bhikku is the spiritual director of The Association of Engaged Buddhists and senior resident monk at Sangha Lodge. Ordained in the Theravadan tradition he has also received teachings in the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. He has a background in Western Philosophy and Theology and is involved in inter-religious dialogue via AME (Australian Monastic Encounter). He gives teachings and conducts retreats in Australia.  He also works with people with life-threatening illnesses and prisoners in Sydney. He presents his many years of experience in meditation and Buddhist practice to his audience with depth and clarity.  Ven Tejadhammo Bhikku will show us how our daily lives can be enriched and our minds transformed through meditation.

  Suggested donation for $15

25 April - 7 June 2009

• Lam Dre, Drogmi Retreat Centre
  His Holiness Sakya Trizin has kindly agreed to bestow the most precious Lam Dre hosted by the Drogmi Retreat Centre from late April to early June 2009. The precious Lam Dre is the main teaching in the Sakya tradition and has been handed down in an unbroken lineage from the great Mahasiddha Virupa.
  [Details at Drogmi Retreat Centre...]