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Chenrezig Institute is affiliated with the FPMT
The Foundat ion fo r the Preservat ion of the Mahayana T radi t ion
i s a wor ldwide organi sat ion of over 150 cent res founded by
Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa R inpoche
CHENREZIG INSTITUTE
33 Johnsons Rd, Eudlo QLD 4554
Ph: (07) 5453 2108
www.chenrezig.com.au
January
2018
Retreats
Meditation
Study Programs
Buddhist Teachings
Wellbeing Programs
Traditional Arts & Rituals
Community & Social Events
January
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2018 is here! And we’re looking forward to a year of fabulous teachings, retreats, practices, Buddhist art and community activities and of course a visit from our Spiritual Director - Lama Zopa Rinpoche. AMAZING!!!! To start the year in wonderful style we have our famous Path to Peace: Lam Rim Retreat with Geshe Tsultrim and Ven. Chokyi, Mahamudra teachings with visiting teacher Glen Svensson and The Perfection of Meditation teachings with visiting FPMT Geshe Sherab. Also on the program are 16 Guidelines level two training - the first since 2010 - and our extremely popular Cultivating Emotional Balance course. Hope to see you soon!
Meet our Sangha Chenrezig Institute is home to our resident teacher Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim and a community of ordained monks and nuns: the sangha. These spiritual friends have made the lifelong commitment hold the vows given by the Buddha. They generously help us all to understand the Buddha’s profound teachings. You can make an appointment with one of our sangha through reception. [email protected]
Welcome
Gubbi Gubbi
The Gubbi Gubbi people are the
traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to the Elders of
the past, present and future. They hold the memories, the traditions,
the culture and hopes for Aboriginal Australia. We remember that this
land is, was and always will be traditional Aboriginal land.
Thank you for your support Chenrezig Institute exists due to the
kindness and generosity of our community. The Dharma itself is priceless, but running a
Dharma centre involves many expenses, even with mostly volunteers.
Facility Fees allow us to make offerings to our teachers and staff, pay the bills and
maintain our infrastructure. But they should not be a barrier for anyone. Please contact [email protected] if you need to make
arrangements to attend our courses.
Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim (left) was specially chosen as our resident teacher by our Spiritual Director Lama Zopa Rinpoche
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Path to Peace: Lam Rim Retreat with Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim and Ven Chokyi Our annual lam-rim retreat has been running
at Chenrezig Institute since 1974 and benefited
many thousands of people looking to
understand and integrate the teachings of the
Buddha into their everyday life.
This year our Lam Rim will be divided into two
phases of teaching. In the first phase Geshela
will teach extensively on the Four Noble
Truths, the Buddha's first and most essential
teaching. These fundamental teachings are a
perfect place to start for new students and an
important place to return to for more
experienced ones.
In the second phase of teachings Geshela will teach from a rare Lam Rim Commentary
“The Blissful Path to Omniscience, the Red Guide to the Stages of the Path to
Enlightenment” composed by Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen and recommended by Lama Zopa
Rinpoche. These inspiring teachings will challenge more experienced students to assess
how they are applying the teachings in their lives.
Complimenting these teachings will be a program of yoga, meditation, discussion and
sacred art experience. You’ll experience daily life in our thriving Buddhist community, and
discover the relevance and freshness of traditional Buddhist teachings to your own life. The
lam-rim has been greatly appreciated many thousands of people as an excellent means for
clarifying their direction in life, no matter their religion or philosophy. Join us at the start of
the New Year for this wonderful retreat, and discover ways to transform your own life. All
welcome!
Tuesday 2nd Jan, 6:30pm - Sunday 14th Jan, 1.30pm. Facility fee $500. Accommodation
and meals available separately for purchase. They are discounted by 10% for those
attending the full retreat.
Please see our website for other retreat options.
New Year Retreat
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Buddhist Teachings
Realizing the Nature of the Mind: Mahamudra Retreat with Glen Svensson In the words of Panchen Losang Chogyi Gyeltsen:
“May all migrators quickly gain victory over the two
obscurations by means of this path, as there is no other
second gateway to the state of peace.”
During this weekend retreat we will be investigating the
Gelug tradition of mahamudra using the Panchen Lama’s
text A Root Text for the Precious Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of
Mahamudra.
The main practices covered will be how to develop single-
pointed concentration through focussing on the mind
(shamatha) and how to gain insight into the ultimate
nature of the mind (vipashyana). This retreat will also
highlight the preliminary practices which act as a
foundation for mahamudra practice along with a brief
discussion of the tantra or vajrayana level of practice.
This retreat is suitable for both beginners and those
already established in the practice.
Friday 19th January 6.30pm - Sunday 21st January, 4.00pm. Held in the Gompa at Chenrezig Institute. Facility Fee $108.
Originally from Australia, Glen has been a student and practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism since 1995 and graduated from the seven-year Masters Program in Advanced Buddhist Studies of Sutra and Tantra at the Lama Tsong Khapa Institute Pomaia, Italy) in 2004. Since 2005 he has taught and led meditation retreats in India, Europe, North America and Australia with a teaching style emphasizing clarity and stressing the integration of philosophical view, meditation and daily life conduct.
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Buddhist Teachings
The Perfection of Meditation: Teachings from The Bodhisattva Way of Life with Geshe Thubten Sherab
In the whole of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition there is no single treatise more deeply revered or widely practiced than A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. Composed in the eighth century by the Indian Bodhisattva Santideva, it became an instant classic in the curricula of the Buddhist monastic universities of India, and its renown has grown ever since.
Santideva presents methods to harmonize one's life with the Bodhisattva ideal and inspires the reader to cultivate the perfections of the Bodhisattva--generosity, ethics, patience, joyus effort, meditative concentration and wisdom.
Special Guest Geshe Sherab returns once again to inspire us with teachings and insight to motivate our meditation practice and help us find solutions to obstacles and challenges. This retreat is an incredible opportunity to learn direct from a master fluent in English.
Friday 26 Jan 9.00am to Sunday 28 Jan 4.00 pm. Facility Fee $200.
Accommodation and meals available separately. Book for the entire retreat and receive a further discount of 10% discount to meals and accommodation.
Geshe Thubten Sherab was born in Menang, Nepal and entered Kopan Monastery at the age of nine. He graduated as a Geshe from Sera Je Monastery.
For the last few years, Geshe Sherab has been teaching around the world, including USA, Mexico, Guatamala, Asia, Europe and Australia. Currently Geshe-la is resident teacher at Thubten Norbu Ling Center, Santa Fe, USA.
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16 Guidelines Level Two Training
16 Guidelines Training with Wendy Ridley from the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom.
Chenrezig Institute is pleased to present Level 2 training for the 16 Guidelines program. This is a rare opportunity for students who have already studied level one to access this training that has not been offered in Australia since 2010. Level 2 will enable participants to explore and reflect more deeply on the 16 Guidelines and Four Wisdom Themes. This workshop also provides participants with knowledge, familiarity and experience with a range of tools and methodologies for sharing the 16 Guidelines with others. Connect with a network of like-minded people who can act as a source of advice and support. If you have come to appreciate the 16 Guidelines and their capacity to shift old habits and attitudes, and to open up new possibilities for your relationships and engagement in the community, this is your next step. Wednesday 17 Jan 9.00am to Thursday 18 Jan 5.00 pm. Facility Fee $108. In the Wellbeing Centre at Chenrezig Institute. Accommodation and meals available separately.
Ordained FPMT Sangha are invited to this training at no cost. Due to the logistics associated with this course there are a minimum of participants required. Please book as soon as possible to ensure this training can go ahead.
About your Facilitator Wendy has over 30 years experience working in education - as a teacher, university lecturer, education department advisor and consultant specialising in religious education, philosophical enquiry and diversity issues. Wendy has been involved in the development of FDCW as a Board member since 2004. As a Senior 16G Facilitator she thrives on running 16G workshops and editing UE materials.
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Weekly Programs
Guided Meditation Join one of our experienced Sangha members as they lead you though a reflective meditation. This is a perfect way to try out Buddhist meditation and experience how a short, peaceful experience can invite more peace into your everyday life. Suitable for everyone, Buddhist and non Buddhist alike join us for this perfect after lunch experience. Please check our calendar as retreats and teachings may effect these sessions. Fridays, 1.15pm to 1.45pm. Held in the Gompa at Chenrezig Institute. By donation.
Share your Love of Dharma. Join our Visitor Information Team. If you are a friendly outgoing person with an interest in our Dharma or Wellbeing programs and great people skills we’d love to hear from you! The role involves making our guests feel welcome at courses and retreats and caring for our teachers. To support you with this vital role we provide facility fees, accommodation, lunches and training. Our next training day is Sunday 14th of January from 1pm. Register at [email protected]
Taste of Tibetan Buddhism This introductory course covers topics such as mind and its potential, how to meditate, establishing a daily practice, karma, and transforming problems. A new topic is explored each week, making it an excellent opportunity to get an overview of core Buddhist teachings in the Tibetan tradition. You are also welcome to drop in and attend on a casual basis. Thursdays 1.15pm to 2.30pm. Held in the Tara Room at Chenrezig Institute. By donation.
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Guru Puja
Recognising the kindness of our teachers, we give thanks for their wisdom and compassion. Guru puja is mostly chanted in Tibetan and takes about two hours including offerings of chai and food.
11th and 26th January from 6.30pm in the Gompa
Tara Puja
The enlightened activities of the Buddhas manifest in this female aspect to help living beings successfully accomplish their goals.
Tara puja is a mix of Tibetan and English and takes one hour, during which we offer chai and cake.
25th January from 6:30pm in the Gompa
Vajrayogini Practice
This is an intimate practice day, only for students with the appropriate initiation.
There is an additional self-initiation after lunch for those qualified by the approach retreat.
21st January from 9.30am in the Tara Room
Vajra Cutter Sutra Recitation
This text is recommended
for the long and healthy life
of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
20th January from 11am in
the Tara Room
Medicine Buddha Puja A puja to remove health and life obstacles and increase wellbeing and prosperity. Medicine Buddha puja is predominantly in English and takes about an hour, during which we offer chai. 31st January from 6.30pm in the Gompa
Dzambala Puja A puja to increase each student’s generosity, resulting in both spiritual and material abundance. Dzambala puja is a mix of Tibetan and English and involves water offerings to Dzambala. It takes about one hour.
7th January from 6.30pm in the Gompa
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Wellbeing Program
Cultivating Emotional Balance with Corey Jackson
A happy and rewarding life is within our grasp and achieving it is a skill we can learn. Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) is an evidence-based training that blends ancient techniques for developing mindfulness, empathy and compassion with ground breaking scientific understanding of emotions.
The course has been shown to reduce people’s destructive emotional episodes, improve professional and personal relationships and develop resilience in the face of adversity. Focusing on both theory and practice, CEB aims to give a genuine experience of ancient techniques made relevant to a modern lifestyle and world view.
This unique program is the brainchild of Dr. Paul Ekman, a world renowned psychologist within the field of emotions and Dr Alan Wallace, a highly respected meditation teacher and scholar of contemplative traditions.
Introductory weekend: Saturday 20 January 9.00 am – Sunday 21 January 3.30 pm, at the Wellbeing Centre at Chenrezig Institute.
The course continues: February 3-4 and February 17-18 for those who have attended the introductory weekend (making a total of six sessions to complete the training).
Facility fee $150 for the introductory weekend, $420 for the whole course. Meals and Accommodation are available separately.
Corey Jackson holds a degree in Psychology and Sanskrit from the University of Sydney, where he was awarded the Khyentse Foundation award for excellence in Buddhist Studies. The Cultivating Emotional Balance project perfectly facilitates his passion for using ancient wisdom in a thoroughly modern context.
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Yoga for Anxiety and Depression with NeLi Martin
Yoga has some powerful techniques for affecting the nervous system. You can learn to re-wire your anxiety through activation of the relaxation response and re-framing the stress response.
You’ll learn: Asana and Pranayama for calming the nervous system and activating the relaxation response deep in the body at a cellular level. Asana and Pranayama for energising the nervous and vital systems of the body. Meditation approaches to set intentions and connect to your purpose whilst cultivating calm, alert states of mind.
Sunday 28 Jan 9.00 am - 4.00 pm at the Wellbeing Centre Facility fee $75 Book www.chenrezig.com.au
Restorative Yoga: Relax and Re-energise with Annie McGhee
Stay cool and calm this summer taking time to slow down, nurture yourself and surrender to a deeper sense relaxation for your body and mind. We’ll use props to support the body into safe and comfortable positions to facilitate deep relaxation and ease.
Resting in each pose you’ll be able to calmly observe your thoughts arising and fading, meeting them with kindness and acceptance. Restorative yoga emphasizes relaxation and stillness and is appropriate for everyone.
Thursday 25th Jan, 6.30pm - Saturday 27th Jan, 4.30pm. Held at the Wellbeing Centre at Chenrezig Institute. Facility fee $120.
NeLi Martin is a Buddhist psychologist who integrates mindfulness, yoga and dance practices into her work with people from all walks of life.
Annie McGhee is a registered yoga teacher who has been practising for more than five decades . She has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism for 20 years.
Wellbeing Program
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Stay Chenrezig Institute offers a unique opportunity to stay
in a Tibetan Buddhist community. Come for our weekly classes, courses or retreats or simply enjoy the peaceful rainforest atmosphere.
There is a range of comfortable and affordable accommodation options, ranging from $27 per night for a simple dorm room through to $80 per night for your own comfortable retreat hut with ensuite. Please visit our website for a detailed list and photos of all our accommodation options.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Eat Lama Yeshe began the tradition of cooking for students
and the custom of preparing meals with mindfulness and care continues to this day, with many volunteers offering service under the guidance of our experienced cooks. Breakfast, lunch and supper are available as well as delicious homemade cake, chai and tea. All our food is vegetarian and a vegan, gluten and dairy free option is available to order for lunch.
We cook our meals especially for you, so please ensure you book before 10.00am on the day of your meal and let us know if you are gluten or dairy free or Vegan so that you wont be disappointed.
Opening Hours:
7.00am – 6.30pm Thursday to Sunday Breakfast 7.00am to 8.00am
Lunch 12 noon to 1.00pm Supper 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Play While you’re here you might like to visit our
beautiful Garden of Enlightenment, consecrated by the Dalai Lama. Our friendly library volunteers are happy to share their knowledge of our impressive collection of books and dvds. You can sign up for our weekly yoga classes in our Wellbeing Centre. Down in the Art Studio you can learn traditional Buddhist arts such as tsa tsa painting and stupa making.
Our Dharma gift shop has everything you need to set up your altar, as well as a wide selection of books, practice items and gifts for friends and family.
Open 10.00am - 2.00pm ,Thurs - Fri and 8.30am - 3.00pm Sat - Sun.
January
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
Centre Closed
2
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Commences 6:30pm
3
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
4
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
5
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
6
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
7
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
Dzambala Puja 6:30pm (Main Gompa)
8
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
9
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
10
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
11
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
Guru Puja
6.30pm
12
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
13
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Continues
14
Path to Peace:
Lam Rim
Retreat
Concludes at 12 noon
Visitor Information Training
15
16
17 16 Guidelines
Level Two Training
(Wellbeing)
Commences 6:30pm
18 16 Guidelines
Level Two Train-ing
(Wellbeing)
Concludes
5.00pm
Taste of Tibetan
Buddhism
1.15pm - 2.30pm
19
Guided Meditation
1.15pm - 1.45pm
Mahamudra Retreat
Commences 6.30pm
(Main Gompa)
20 Mahamudra
Retreat Continues
(Main Gompa)
Cultivating
Emotional Balance Commences
9.00am (Wellbeing)
Vajra Cutter Sutra Recitation
10am to 11am
21 Mahamudra
Retreat Concludes 4.30pm
(Main Gompa)
Cultivating
Emotional Balance Concludes 3.30am
(Wellbeing)
Vajrayogini Practice Day 9:30 am to 3pm
Tara Room
22
23
24
25
Taste of Tibetan
Buddhism
1.15pm - 2.30pm
Restorative Yoga Retreat
Commences 6.30pm
(Wellbeing)
Tara Puja 6:30pm
26
The Perfection of Meditation with
Geshe Sherab Commences 9am
(Main Gompa)
Restorative Yoga Retreat
Continues
(Wellbeing)
Guru Puja 6:30pm
(Main Gompa)
27
The Perfection of Meditation with
Geshe Sherab
Continues (Main Gompa)
Restorative Yoga Retreat
Concludes
(Wellbeing)
28
The Perfection of Meditation with Geshe Sherab
Concludes 4pm (Main Gompa)
Yoga for Anxiety and Depression
9:00 am to 4pm
(Wellbeing)
29
30
31
Medicine
Buddha Puja 6:30pm