Atisha Centre is a serene and peaceful retreat centre and hub of Buddhist education, nestled in the quiet native bushlands of central Victoria, near Bendigo. Founded in 1981, the Centre provides a tranquil and welcoming setting for those interested in exploring the Buddhadharma. Drawing on the dynamic and inspiring vision of Lama Thubten Yeshe, founder of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), Atisha Centre is proudly affiliated with the FPMT, and is part of a network of Buddhist centres in Australia and around the world.

Situated in close proximity to Atisha Centre is the imposing Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, currently under construction, and soon to become among the most significant Buddhist temples and pilgrimage destinations in the world, and the Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery, where monks devote themselves to study, meditation and spiritual transformation. This monastery provides a valuable opportunity for people visiting the Centre complex to make a connection with the ordained Sangha.

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Without purifying the mind of habitual negative tendencies and energy it is very difficult to make any real progress in meditation. Once we do intense purification, and clean out our previous regretted actions our mind becomes more clear, lucid and relaxed and it is much easier to gain experiential insight into the meaning of the teachings.

Attendance is by donation and please bring your own lunch. If you would like to attend please contact the Atisha Office by Wednesday September 14th Phone 03 5446 3336 or email office@atishacentre.org.au

Yoga, meaning union, is a practice where we learn to re-connect the body, mind and spirit. The mindful integration of these aspects of ourselves allows us to connect to our inner, deeper wisdom and to be in harmony with the world we live in. And what better place to experience the ancient teachings of Yoga than in the peaceful surrounds of Atisha Centre. This day is open to students of all levels from new to experienced. Janet Lowndes and Gina Macauley will guide you through a series of postures, breathing exercises, relaxation and meditation. During the lunch break you will be free to join in a tour of the adjacent Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and the Great Stupa or simply relax in the centre's grounds before beginning the afternoon's restorative session.

The cost is $90 and includes morning tea and a vegetarian lunch. Bookings are essential. Please phone the Atisha Office 03 5446 3336. Please bring a Yoga mat and blanket.

A true practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism wants to become enlightened like the Shakyamuni Buddha for the sake of all living beings. According to this tradition there are six practices to be cultivated in order to be able to reach enlightenment. These practices are known as the six (transcendent) perfections, or the six paramitas. The six perfections are: 1. Generosity, 2. Ethical discipline, 3. Patience, 4. Enthusiastic effort, 5. Concentration, 6. Wisdom. Geshe Konchok Tsering will explain and guide students through the six perfections and how we can relate them to our daily lives.

Each day begins with a short meditation at 9.30. Course fee is $95.00 and includes lunch and afternoon tea. Accommodation is available at $35 per night and an extra $15 per day for breakfast and supper. A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking with the total payable by 14th September. For a booking form and more information, please contact the Atisha Centre on 03 54463336 or email office@atishacentre.org.au. Bookings close Wednesday September 14th.

The recitation of Mahayana sutras is one of the six virtuous practices for purification, and the recitation of the Sanghata Sutra in particular has far-reaching karmic consequences that last for many lifetimes.

The Sanghata is one of a special set of Buddhist sutras called dharma-paryayas, or 'transformative teachings'. Among its powerful benefits is that at the time of death, any person who has recited the Sanghata will have visions of Buddhas who come to comfort them, and wherever the Sanghata Sutra is established, the Buddhas are always present. As such, the recitation can bestow a powerful blessing on the place where it is recited.

The recitation day is established for these purposes, and specifically to create merit for the full recovery of our precious Spiritual Director, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who manifested the appearance of a stroke at our Centre in late April.

The recitation is led by Dr Al Gabay, and the final count will be offered to Rinpoche through the Sanghata website. Please come for whatever time you can spare during this day, and please bring your own lunch. Morning and afternoon teas will be provided.