Atisha Buddhist Centre Programme for September 2010
Our precious Guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche to Teach at Atisha Centre
A photo of Lama Zopa Rinpoche praying
2nd - 30th April 2011

Atisha Centre, Thubten Shedrup Ling and the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion are delighted to confirm that our precious guru will teach Shantideva's the Bodhisattva's Way of Life and commence the Rinjung Gyatsa Initiations. We are in the early stages of planning for this auspicious event and we are not quite yet ready to take registrations or enquiries until the website is ready. 

Individual Practice Day- September 11th
Precepts just before dawn

Once more the Atisha Centre offers you the space and tranquility to engage in your own practice. Precepts can be taken at dawn in the gompa with a member of the Sangha from Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery. Gentle karma yoga activities are available. Please let the office know if you are coming - especially if you intend to take precepts at dawn, or if you require accommodation. There is no charge for this day but a facility donation would be appreciated. BYO lunch. If you would like to attend and to take precepts please contact the Atisha Office by Wednesday September 8th. 03 5446 3336 or email: office@atishacentre.org.au

Vajrasattva Practice Day
9.30am - 4.00pm September 25th

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. This day will be lead by a Sanga member of the Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery Attendance is by donation and please bring your own lunch. If you would like to attend please contact the Atisha Office by Wednesday September 8th Phone 03 5446 3336 or email office@atishacentre.org.au

Community Day September 12th
Photo of Geshe Konchok Tsering
Sunday talk with Geshe Konchok Tsering

An invitation is extended to you to attend a social Community Lunch on Sunday September 12th, following a talk by our resident teacher Geshe Konchok Tsering, sharing his insight of how to live well in the modern world. As we invite the Sangha for these lunches we all share the good karma of offering lunch to them as well as to one another. Everyone welcome. Talk Commences at 10.00am, followed by a shared community lunch at 12 noon. Please bring a plate to share.
Dharma Club for Children 10am.

Accommodation Block update

Progress on the accommodation has been rapid over the last few weeks. The plumbing, insulation and electrical work are done and the final stage of the plastering is underway. Volunteers are always welcome; please phone the office if you can help, especially with tiling and painting, during this final phase of construction. A ‘Sewing Bee’ to prepare curtains is on the horizon, if you call help, call Marilyn 0488 385544 . We still need funds for the soft furnishings! $14,000 will allow us to purchase the bare essentials of floor coverings, beds and linen. Thank you so much to the generous contributions of several members, who have promptly responded to this request for funds, and we hope that more funds will be forthcoming, to make it possible for members and friends to stay at the Centre, especially during the exciting visit by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche next April. So much to look forward to!!

Geshe Konchok Tsering teaching at Drontompa Study Group Daylesford
30th September and 28th October

For Drontompa Study Group programme information please call Andréa on 03 5348 2866.

Interviews with Geshe-la

Interviews are held on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons at the Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery. Geshe-la is very welcoming to all his students and visitors, as Geshe-la has many commitments and a busy schedule, please call Venerable Lhundrup on 0407 979 639 to make an appointment.

Annual General Meeting
Sunday 3rd October 2010 - 10am - 11.30am

Geshe Konchok Tsering will set the motivation for the AGM in the Atisha Centre Gompa, followed by a late morning tea in the dining room. Members desiring to bring any business before the Annual General Meeting should give notice in writing of that business to the secretary 30 days prior to the AGM. In the case of a special resolution, it is important that these are precisely worded to avoid unnecessary discussion.
Members desiring to nominate themselves/someone to the committee should obtain a nomination form from the office and forward it to the secretary 7 days prior to the AGM. Nominations will only be accepted from the floor if there are insufficient written nominations received prior to the AGM to fill vacancies. For assistance contact the Atisha Centre on 03 5446 3336 or email office@atishacentre.org.au

Calling for plants

Dear Friends, The Atisha gardens are progressing apace and are hungry for plants. The list below are tried and trusted varieties that are doing their best to enhance every visitors experience. If you can buy or propagate any of these on the list the gardeners will jump for joy!

  • Eremophila Drummondii – Broad leaf variety only
  • Myoporum Pavifolium (creeping boobialla) – Slender leaf
  • Eremphila Maculata – scarlet variety
  • Ruby Salt Bush- Charlton variety
  • Goodenia
  • Myoporum Florabundum
  • Hardenbergia ‘Happy Wanderer‘ – Purple and White
  • Prosthantera ‘Red Mint Bush‘

For more information please contact Noel at the Atisha Centre Office: 03 5446 3336 or email office@atishacentre.org.au

Weekly Programme for September
PLEASE NOTE
Monday teaching with Geshe Konchok Tsering: Nagarjuna's “Letter to a Friend” 9am to 10.45am at Atisha Centre
Will recommence 6th September

Wednesday teaching
with Geshe Konchok Tsering
“Liberation in the Palm of your Hand” - a step by step outline of the graduated path to enlightenment (Lam Rim). Atisha Centre, commencing at 7.30pm

Geshe-la is currently teaching on the topic of karma (law of cause and effect). These teachings have universal relevance for us all and can help inspire and enhance the meaning and purpose in our daily lives. All are welcome.

Sunday Meditation
Every Sunday, 10 - 11am at Atisha Centre.

Guided meditation followed by morning tea in the dining room. A great session for all levels (beginners and regulars).

Monday Peace and Healing Practice
With Ruby Karmay
Every Monday (except school holidays), 1:30 - 2pm at Atisha Gifts, Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo

Short guided meditation including mantra recitation. This group practice is open to everyone and can be used to remove obstacles in worldly or spiritual life. This practice is useful for those who are suffering disease and removes obstacles to good health and helps create a space of universal healing. It also helps for those who have passed away. To add someone to the prayer list, please email details to office@atishacentre.org.au or call the Atisha Centre office on 03 5446 3336.

Tuesday Meditation for Beginners
Every Tuesday, 5:45 - 6:45pm at Atisha Gifts, Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo.

Tuesday Relaxation Meditation at Karuna Hospice Room
Every Tuesday, 10:30am - 12pm at Karuna Hospice Room, 21 Weeroona Avenue, Bendigo.

10:30 Cup of Tea and a chat; 11am Meditation. Enquiries, call Carol on 5446 2390

Pujas at Atisha Centre Gompa
  • Guru Puja: 7.30pm, 3rd September & Special Puja 7.30pm, 17th September.
  • Medicine Buddha Puja: 6pm, 15 Spetember.
  • Precepts: Just before dawn, 8, 15, 23 September.

Everyone is welcome to attend these group practices. Please bring an offering of flowers and/or food to share. If you know of anyone who has intense suffering, a life threatening illness, or who has recently died, please give details to the Monastery or Atisha office. You may also sponsor a Puja for someone who is unwell. Do this by providing offerings yourself and/or making a donation by using the Practising Generosity form >