OUR STORY
We are a Tibetan Buddhist Centre which, through the guidance of our Tibetan teacher, Venerable Geshe Doga, offers a variety of classes in Mahayana Buddhist philosophy and meditation to suit everyone, from beginners and advanced students, through to children, young adults and people struggling with an illness.
Buddhism is not just a philosophy nor a system of psychology. It is a way of life. Buddhism is concerned with the wholesome cultivation of the mind. As ordinary human beings we all experience inner turmoil time and again - that comes in various forms such as shattered expectations, low self-esteem, doubts, fears, worries, anger, jealousy, anxieties, mild to severe depression and so forth.
Although external circumstances can contribute to experiencing a troubled mind, the Buddha has taught that ultimately all inner turmoil is caused by non-other than misconceptions that are held deep within our own mind. It is because we fail to recognize this fact that we have a tendency to blame others and external circumstances for our troubles. However, blaming others doesn't calm our inner turmoil, on the contrary, it contributes to even more angst.
So the key to overcoming our inner and outer troubles is none other than identifying the source of our own inner conflicts and misconceptions. Meditation is said to be one such technique which, when applied properly and consistently, can help to identify this factor and restore clarity and calmness within our own mind.
Our program creates opportunities for everyone to listen to, reflect, meditate on, practice and actualize the unmistaken teachings of the Buddha through which people’s minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others. We are committed to creating harmonious environments and helping all beings develop their full potential of infinite wisdom and compassion. Our organization is based on the Buddhist tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught to us by our founders Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
We follow the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and are affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a world-wide organization founded in the early 1970s. Everyone is most welcome, religious or non-religious!
The main function of Tara Institute is to provide Buddhist teachings and to offer charitable service to the greater community and to promote the attitude of loving kindness. Venerable Geshe Doga has been the resident teacher at the Centre since 1984.
In addition to the regular weekly programme are weekend courses, pujas, special healing courses, social events and activities for children. The Centre is residential for full-time residents. It is supported through residency, membership fees, donations and volunteer work. Amongst the facilities are a library, dining room and a well-stocked bookshop. Please see our newsletter and calendar also.
Tara Institute is one of nearly 160 centres and study groups under the worldwide affiliation umbrella of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT).
The Centre has a large membership base that supports its activities, as well as a floating population of about 400 who attend the programme or visit periodically.
Tara Institute is named after the female Buddha,
Tara, who represents the enlightened and
liberating activities of all the Buddhas.
Tara was born from the tears of compassion of Avalokiteshvara, the Great Compassionate One, and
puts his wishes into practice, caring for each and every sentient being as a mother would her precious child.
MEMBERSHIP & SUPPORT
This enables the Tara Institute community to support the dharma and allow us all to receive precious teachings from Venerable Geshe Doga and Geshe Lobsang
Lama Zopa said: My point here is for you to understand what we are doing and what you are helping with. This is so that you can rejoice. It really is unbelievable, incredible, what you are helping with, and this creates so much benefit for the world and for sentient beings. This actually creates the cause to liberate so many beings. This is an incredible opportunity for you to rejoice, and if you rejoice and then dedicate the merits, it is amazing.