A Support Group for People with Serious Illnesses and Their Carers or Friends

Wednesdays, 10am - 12.30pm 

Next twelve week block: 4 August to 20 October, 2010

Led by Bob Sharples

"As long as we ingnore its inner cause, we have no real cure for disease"

Ultimate Healing

by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Although the basis of the meditations and discussions is Tibetan Buddhism, and the place where the classes are held is a Tibetan Buddhist Centre, we believe that our presentations are accessible to all, whether one has a spiritual tradition or not.

Our purpose is to encourage the further development of peace and harmony in one's life which can lead to the healing of body and mind.

This group is a development of the Healing Meditation Program which has been running at Tara Institute since 1991.

The Focus of the classes is to support people with serious illnesses and to develop meditational skills that will support them in their goal of healing. By "healing" we mean the essential healing of the mind. When the mind experiences wholeness, there is peace and acceptance of the whole of ourselves.

The program runs over a 12-week period. Each week there is an opportunity to develop more skill and confidence in meditation. There is also a discussion topic based on introducing participants to basic Buddhist concepts which are relevant to health and healing.

It is anticipated that the topics will give participants the chance to understand these fundamental ideas in a gentle and conducive environment.

Wednesday Schedule

Group Leaders

Bob Sharples is a psychologist who worked closely with Ian Gawler at his Yarra Junction centre for eleven years until November 2001. Bob  has been a member of Tara Institute for over twenty-five years. He has had many years of clinical experience bringing together his Buddhist training and his professional work as a psychologist. He brings a wealth of experience and a great enthusiasm to the group.

Venerable Lozang Rigsal was ordained by Geshe Tashi Tsering seven years ago at Chenrezig Institute.  Five of those years were spent in the Buddhist Study Program.  As well as studying, Rigsal was involved in the Cittimani Hospice since its inception in the role of counsellor.  A further two years were spent at Dorje Chang in New Zealand.

Topics of the 12-week Programme

1. Introduction to meditation
2. Meditation ~ deepening the practice
3. This precious human rebirth ~ how to use it well
4. The Four Noble Truths
5. Karma: the law of cause and effect
6. Understanding impermanence
7. Understanding interdependence
8. Cultivating love and compassion
9. Cultivating wisdom
10. Universal Compassion and the highest aspiration
11. Generating positive emotions ~ a matter of choice
12. Taking it further ~ deepening the practice in daily life

We welcome newcomers who wish to experience the group before deciding whether to join or not. Once enrolled, it is anticipated that participants will make a firm commitment to attend the full 12-week program. However, it is also understood that sessions may have to be missed due to treatment and poor health. The course is designed to help participants build a confidence in meditation through regular practice and reinforcement in the weekly group. There will be every opportunity to catch up on missed sessions in the following 12-week cycle.