Programme for August 2010
A photo of Lama Zopa Rinpoche praying
Our precious Guru Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche to Teach at Atisha Centre
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. For a quick preview of what's to come have a look at www.lamazopaaustralia.org.au 

Teaching with Geshe Konchok Tsering:
Parting From The Four Attachments
August 21st and 22nd

As spoken by Manjushri to Sachen Kunga Nyingpo “If you are attached to this life, you are not a true spiritual practitioner. If you are attached to samsara, you do not have renunciation. If you are attached to your own self-interest, you have no bodhicitta. If there is grasping, you do not have the view.” Reflecting on the meaning of this statement, Kunga Nyingpo realised that this mind training of ‘parting from the four attachments’ incorporates all the practices of the path of the transcendent perfections, and he felt an extraordinary confidence in all the teachings of the Dharma. Geshe Konchok Tsering will explain and guide students through these four attachments and how we can relate it to our daily life and practice. For further information contact Atisha Centre on 03 5446 3336 or email office@atishacentre.org.au Bookings close Wednesday 18th August.

Atisha Centre Fundraiser Movie:
The Unmistaken Child
Sunday 15th August 11.30 am Venue: Atisha Centre Gompa
A Photo of Geshe Lama Konchog

At 11.30am after meditation on Sunday August 15th come and join us for a bowl of delicious home made soup and rolls and watch the awe inspiring film, The Unmistaken Child. The film details the extraordinary individual journey of a Nepalese monk’s search for his reincarnated mentor, Geshe Lama Konchog. Visually stunning and emotionally gripping, Unmistaken Child is the first real-time documentation of the ways in which deceased Buddhist masters are located, and presented to us through the eyes of a sincere and passionate Buddhist disciple. Look out for Dagri Rinpoche in the film who will be our visiting teacher in October. Adults $15 and children $5.

Community Day Talk
with Geshe Konchok Tsering
Sunday 8th August

Drawing on the profound wisdom of Buddha’s teachings (Dharma), clear and practical advice is provided by Geshe-la that can be applied to our daily lives and is so relevant to our times. All are 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

Geshe Konchok Tsering teaching at Drontompa Study Group Daylesford
26th August, 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.

New Buddha Statue in the Garden

The next time you are at Atisha Centre, have a look at the new Buddha statue in the garden near the accommodation block. Noel, our translator, has been working for several years to bring this project into reality, what a wonderful achievement and cause for rejoicing. We express our great appreciation to Noel and to all those who contributed to the project no matter how large or small.

Accommodation Block update

Progress on the accommodation has been rapid over the last three weeks. Following a successful Council building inspection, the insulation and electrical work, together with the final stages of the plastering, are continuing. Volunteers are always welcome; please phone the office if you can help, especially with tiling and painting, during this final phase of constructing a fundamentally necessary addition to our beloved Centre. We still need funds for the soft furnishings! $14000 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!!

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

Weekly Program for August
Monday teaching
with Geshe Konchok Tsering
Nagarjuna's “Letter to a Friend”
9am to 10.45am at Atisha Centre
A Photo of Geshe Konchok Tsering smiling warm heartedly

The great Indian Master, Arya Nargajuna, wrote this poetic presentation of the fundamental teachings of the entire Buddhist path according to the Mahayana tradition to his friend, King Decho Zangpo. This “Letter” has particular relevance to lay people and to the times we live in. relevance to lay people and to the times we live in. To register for the first time, the course fee is $65. This includes a copy of the text and admin costs. A facility fee of $5 - $10 applies to continuing students. For more information contact the Atisha Centre Office 03 5446 3336 office@atishacentre.org.au

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.

Geshe Konchok Tsering teaching in Daylesford at the Dromtonpa Buddhist Study Group
Thursday July 29th 7pm at at Dromtonpa Buddhist Study Group in Dayelsford

All are welcome. For teaching and venue information please call Andréa on 03 5348 2866.

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 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 5th & 19 August
Tara Puja: 6pm 17th August
Medicine Buddha Puja: 6pm 15 Spetember
Precepts 15, 19, 25 July

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 >