Spiritual Director
Foundation For the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT)
Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Lama Zopa Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist scholar and meditator who for over 30 years has overseen the spiritual activities of the extensive worldwide network of centers, projects and services that form the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) which he founded with Lama Thubten Yeshe.
7 October 2023 - 7.30pm - 9.30pm
The ultimate purpose of the Buddhist view, practice and meditation is to lead us to Enlightenment in order to benefit others. Everyone has the potential for Enlightenment but not necessarily the inclination or ability in this life. Luckily Buddhism isn’t just for yogis. It can also help us, ordinary people, in our everyday life. Karma, equanimity, mindfulness and Bodhicitta are profound Buddhist practices. Hearing, contemplating, and meditating on the Buddha’s teachings, can help us live a better life, with less noise and confusion in our minds. By lessening the ego grasping, developing a discerning mind, and expanding our compassion. We become less concerned and critical of others and become more open and understanding. Sessions will run for one hour and include guided meditations, a talk, and time for questions.
While our teachers kindly volunteer their time for these teachings and do not take any payment, there is a suggested facility fee of $5. This fee goes towards the general running of our centre.
Everyone is welcome and there is no need to book. For any inquires about these teachings please contact spc@tarainstitute.org.au or call 9596 8900.
“Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and
loving-kindness. When one desires to alleviate the suffering of others and to promote their
well-being, then generosity - in action, word, and thought - is this desire put into practice. It is
important to recognise the & quot; generosity" here refers not just to giving in a material sense, but to
generosity of the heart.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wed 25th December 2024 8pm |
Brighton East
Lama Tsong Khapa Day
Celebrating Lama Tsong Khapa Day
Lama Tsong Khapa was considered an emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom, and single-handedly inspired an
entire religious renaissance. He founded the Gelugpa lineage which continues to this day. Tara Institute and the
Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) exist as part of that lineage.
On this day, many thousands of Buddhists commemorate this anniversary by making offerings and prayers, and
dedicating the merit to the flourishing of the Buddha’s teachings.
Please join us at Tara Institute to share in this beautiful ceremony of chanting and meditation. Supporting the puja is an
opportunity to accumulate enormous merit, through making tsog, flower and light offerings, sangha offerings, and
participating in karma yoga to set up and clean up afterwards.
Fri, 22 Nov 8pm - Mon, 25 Nov 7am | Brighton East
Nyung Nye Retreat
Retreat
Fasting & Purification Practice on Chenrezig, Buddha of Compassion
Nyung nye means “abiding in the retreat.” In other words, you are retreating from negative karmas of body, speech and mind. Nyung nye is an unbelievably powerful practice of purification, purifying negative karmas and downfalls, and purification is the most important thing to do all the time, especially for us beginners.
The Nyung Nye meditation practice, based on Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion, is a concentrated practice consisting of seven meditation sessions, with praises, prostrations and mantra recitations over two days. The emphasis of this practice is on developing compassion.
The eight Mahayana precepts are taken and, on the second day, additional vows of not drinking any fluids, eating or talking are observed. The benefits of engaging in this practice are inestimable.
We rejoice that Geshe Lobsang Dorjee will be joining us at this Nyung Nye.
Job #1 - CENTRE MANAGER
Tara Institute is a Tibetan Buddhist Centre based in Brighton, Melbourne, Australia. It is an affiliated centre of the FPMT. 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. We are seeking an experienced Centre Manager to provide support to the Director and various Committees that oversee the running of Tara Institute. This is a part-time role so “Job Share” can also be considered. If interested, please read the full Advertisement and Position Description and apply by submitting your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest to work at Tara Institute.
Job #2 - BUILDING MANAGER
Tara Institute is a Tibetan Buddhist Centre based in Brighton, Melbourne, Australia. It is an affiliated centre of the FPMT. 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. We are seeking an experienced Building Manager to manage the Building Management & Maintenance activity to ensure Tara Institute continues to provide a safe and operational environment for residents and members. This is a part-time role equivalent to 1 day per week. If interested, please read the full Advertisement and Position Description and apply by submitting your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest to work at Tara Institute.
The 21 Taras thangka - a connection to Lama Zopa
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Melbourne Town Hall
The 21 Taras thangka will be displayed at the Melbourne Town Hall 10am to 6pm as part of Vesak celebrations. It is not guaranteed the Taras will be shown every year, as Vesak could easily be held in another venue without the ceiling height required to display this massive magnificent thangka. So please come and experience it while you can!
The thangka was displayed for a month during Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s last retreat at the Great Stupa, and he was looking at all the Taras – a lot. So they have loads of his blessings and energy. The 21 Taras thangka is a connection to Lama Zopa. When the thangka is unrolled on 11th May, and the Taras are released, so are Lama Zopa’s vibrations!
He gave TI the 21 Taras thangka and instructed us to display it for as many people as possible to see. Even if you have seen the Taras before, you must see them again. The experience will be different, and this may be your last chance.
Bring your friends! This is an amazing piece of art to be appreciated, Buddhist or not. Just the sheer size - 15m high & 9m wide - will be impressive!
Sunday April 28th ~ 9am - 5pm | Brighton East
2024 APRIL ONE DAY COURSE
How to Meditate and Benefits of Meditation
We meditate to experience how our mind works.
We meditate to investigate the basic energy we already have, the energy of our body, speech and mind: what is it, where does it come from, why does it do what it does? This is not an external search; it’s a search of our own mind and is so worthwhile. through meditation you can discover how the selfish mind of attachment is the cause of all mental disease and frustration and how changing your attitude can make your mind healthy and give purpose and meaning to your life.
Geshe Lobsang will be teaching on How to Meditate and the Benefits in this one day course.
Sun, 22 Oct | 10am - 2pm | Brighton East
Long Life Puja for
Venerable Geshe Doga
SAVE THE DATE!
Each year, in order to thank our beloved teacher Geshe Doga for his unwavering commitment and kindness to the students and friends of Tara Institute since 1984, the Long Life Puja is offered to him for his long and healthy life. Follow by a delicious lunch.
Everyone is welcome!
Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24
9am - 5pm
Lunch Included
Members - $50
Non-Members - $70
As quoted by Geshe Doga in 2015 teaching - The purpose of learning about the twelve links of interdependent origination is to achieve the goal of reaching the highest states of samsaric existence, and also to gain freedom from this samsaric realm. Through understanding these twelve links we will understand how we are reborn time and time again, and this understanding will help us to avoid being reborn in the lower, or suffering realms.
Please click here to register
Call 9596 8900 or email spc@tarainstitute.org.au for more information.
Sun, 15 Oct | 10am - 12pm | Brighton East
White Tara Initiation for Long Life
with Geshe Doga
White Tara is associated with practices which can contribute to enhancing one’s lifespan and overcome life-threatening hindrances. White Tara practice can also be done on behalf of someone who is ill. Venerable Geshe Doga prepares for the empowerment by doing a White Tara retreat on our behalf, and dedicates the positive energy to our physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.
Book Your Evening Meals!
Our dining room is once again be serving evening meals prior to teaching sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Why not come for a delicious vegetarian meal before heading into the Gompa for a Dharma teaching?
(Please note that 4th Oct 2023 is the last date of the meal service for this year.)
Bookings essential, please email Paul at admin@tarainstitute.org.au, phone 9596 8900 by 2pm on the day
Sun, 24 Sept | 9am - 5pm | Brighton East
Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
ONE DAY COURSE
with Geshe Lobsang Dorje
Lunch included Members - $50 Non-members - $70
As quoted by Geshe Doga in 2015 teaching - The purpose of learning about the twelve links of interdependent origination is to achieve the goal of reaching the highest states of samsaric existence, and also to gain freedom from this samsaric realm.
Sun, 22 Oct | 10am - 2pm | Brighton East
Long Life Puja for
Venerable Geshe Doga
SAVE THE DATE!
Each year, in order to thank our beloved teacher Geshe Doga for his unwavering commitment and kindness to the students and friends of Tara Institute since 1984, the Long Life Puja is offered to him for his long and healthy life. Follow by a delicious lunch.
Everyone is welcome!
Fri, 03 Nov 8pm - Mon, 06 Nov 7am | Brighton East
Nyung Nye Retreat
Retreat
Fasting & Purification Practice on Chenrezig, Buddha of Compassion
Residential
TI members $60 / Non-members $75
Non residential
TI members $45 / Non-members $60
The Nyung Nye meditation practice, based on Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion, is a concentrated practice consisting of eight meditation sessions, with praises, prostrations and mantra recitations over 2 days. The emphasis of this practice is on developing compassion.
Sat, 07 Oct | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | Brighton East
TI Fundraising (Building fund)-
Movie Night
<Wondering But Not Lost>
by Director Paul McGowan - English / 89 min
Event Cost:
Members $10 Non-members $12 Concession: $5
Celebrated Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher Mingyur Rinpoche walks away from his life of comfort to live that of a wandering yogi, spending four and a half years incognito on the streets of India, Nepal, and in Himalayan caves. He returns to share insights gained into the true nature of mind.
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Sun, 24 Sept | 9am - 5pm | Brighton East
Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
ONE DAY COURSE
with Geshe Lobsang Dorje
Lunch included Members - $50 Non-members - $70
As quoted by Geshe Doga in 2015 teaching - The purpose of learning about the twelve links of interdependent origination is to achieve the goal of reaching the highest states of samsaric existence, and also to gain freedom from this samsaric realm.
Sun, 22 Oct | 10am - 2pm | Brighton East
Long Life Puja for
Venerable Geshe Doga
SAVE THE DATE!
Each year, in order to thank our beloved teacher Geshe Doga for his unwavering commitment and kindness to the students and friends of Tara Institute since 1984, the Long Life Puja is offered to him for his long and healthy life. Follow by a delicious lunch.
Everyone is welcome!
Fri, 03 Nov 8pm - Mon, 06 Nov 7am | Brighton East
Nyung Nye Retreat
Retreat
Fasting & Purification Practice on Chenrezig, Buddha of Compassion
Residential
TI members $60 / Non-members $75
Non residential
TI members $45 / Non-members $60
The Nyung Nye meditation practice, based on Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion, is a concentrated practice consisting of eight meditation sessions, with praises, prostrations and mantra recitations over 2 days. The emphasis of this practice is on developing compassion.
Sat, 07 Oct | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | Brighton East
TI Fundraising -
Movie Night
<Wondering But Not Lost>
by Director Paul McGowan - English / 89 min
Event Cost:
Members $10 Non-members $12 Concession: $5
As part of TI’s continuous efforts and initiatives to upkeep our historic building, we are holding this special fundraising event.
Please come along to watch this inspiring movie about Mingyur Rinpoche, who is also a close friend of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Sun, 15 Oct | 10am - 12pm | Brighton East
White Tara Initiation for Long Life
with Geshe Doga
White Tara is associated with practices which can contribute to enhancing one’s lifespan and overcome life-threatening hindrances. White Tara practice can also be done on behalf of someone who is ill. Venerable Geshe Doga prepares for the empowerment by doing a White Tara retreat on our behalf, and dedicates the positive energy to our physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.
MEDITATIONS for Modern Minds
Volume 3
By Katrina Moxey
This book is a collection of fascinating Monday night Introduction to Buddhism teachings at Tara Institute in 2022, which also includes step-by-step meditations and sometimes question and answer sessions. Each author has also written a compelling personal introduction before their teaching on how meditation and buddhism has helped them navigate the ups and downs of life.
These are unique teachings in that they are given by experienced and engaging teachers who can clearly talk about the concepts in ancient Buddhist teachings and apply them to modern life.
DONATIONS
If you have benefitted from this Centre and would like to extend that benefit to others, then please consider donating to Tara Institute. This will help to support the Centre so it can continue to sustain this comfortable venue where the Buddha's teachings can truly benefit many people.
You can use the button on the right or, if you prefer, you can transfer money directly into our bank account - details below:
A/c Name: Tara Centre for Wisdom Culture Inc
Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
BSB: 063242
Account No: 10227562
(SWIFT CODE: CTBAAU2S)
Address: 3 Mavis Avenue East Brighton, 3187, Australia
Please email TI Office to inform of the transfer, or just call the office on 9596 8900 to arrange donation with credit card over the phone. Thank you.
SUPPORT THE DHARMA
Your generosity allows us to continue to support those in need and enables us to provide our sangha, friends and the community with a peaceful environment in which to teach, learn, meditate, heal, create and explore the precious Dharma.
LATEST NEWS
Discover more about the people, programs and events at Tara institute
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS
MONDAYS
Tibetan Language Teaching with Geshe Lobsang
5, 12, 19 & 26 June at 6:30pm
Geshe Lobsang teaches Tibetan language classes Classes that are open to everyone.
Please register your interest in attending these classes by emailing geshe.care@tarainstitute.org.au
Dharma Club for Children
One Sunday a month from
10:30am - 12:30pm
If you are aged between 4 and 15 and want to have some fun and live a healthy life, then Dharma Club might be for you.
The aim is to give children an understanding of how to be happy.
The Buddhist teachings are brought to life through listening to stories, learning meditation, acting in plays and joining discussions.
The Healing Group - Led by with Venerable Rigsal, Kathi Edward and Ross Moore
Once a fortnight (Thursdays) from 11am to 12.30pm
Lama Zopa Rinpoche has given very clear and extensive guidance on how to support people who face serious and perhaps life-threatening illnesses. As a result we have a rich source of insight and inspiration on which to draw. On the basis of Rinpoche's profound approach to healing, as presented in his books such as 'Ultimate Healing', we will incorporate advice, discussions and guided meditations, each session being complete in itself but also sequentially building on the previous ones.
Teachings and Programmes from Tara Institute
MONDAYS
Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation
with Clare Callinan
5, 12, 19 & 26 June at 8:00pm
Each month, a senior student introduces an aspect of Buddhist philosophy and meditation.
The aim is to couple Buddhist theory with practical techniques that you can use every day for example mindfulness, inner peace and happiness.
Everyone's welcome to join for one or all sessions each month.
TUESDAYS
Middle Length Lamrim
with Venerable Geshe Doga
6, 13, 20 & 27 June at 7:45pm
Geshe Doga will continue his commentary on Lama Tsong Khapa’s Middle Length Lam Rim.
The sections on calm abiding and special insight in this text are especially praised for their clarity and detail. To hear the teachings of Lama Tsong Khapa are said to be extremely rare, but to receive these from such a qualified and realised teacher as Geshe Doga is beyond compare.
WEDNESDAYS
Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life
with Geshe Lobsang Dorje
7, 14 & 21, 28 June at 8:00pm
Venerable Geshe Lobsang will teach on Shantideva’s text The Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life.
These teachings will occur every Wednesday and students are welcome to attend when they are available. There is no need to register prior to the teaching, simply come along.
Venerable Geshe Doga
Abbot at TI
Geshe Doga became resident teacher at Tara Institute in September 1984. His first teachings were from Shantideva’s “Guide to a Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” and “Lo Rig” or mind and its functions. Geshela has now been teaching at Tara Institute for 39 years in 2023.
Over the years, Tara Institute has grown enormously thanks to the confidence that Geshe Doga’s patient and lucid guidance has given us. Lama Zopa Rinpoche always asks us to treasure Geshela and to heed his advice.
Venerable Geshe Lobsang
Resident Teacher at TI
Venerable Geshe Lobsang Dorje was born in 1971 in a village called Kargong in the Eastern Tibet.
Geshela studied at Sera Jey Monastic University where he obtained his Lharampa degree in 2014. In
total, he spent twenty four years (1992-2015) studying the major Buddhist corpus relating to sutra
and tantra.
Geshela arrived in Australia in August 2018, having been invited by most Venerable Geshe Doga, in
consultation with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, to come to Tara Institute to support the teaching program.
Geshela teaches the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life on Wednesday nights, and teaches Tibetan to
students on Monday nights and also gives a day teaching on the last Sunday of every month.
THE GOLDEN LIGHT SUTRA
Recitations for Venerable Geshe Doga’s Long Life
Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche has recommended we do this practice to remove any
obstacles to the Venerable Geshe Doga’s long life.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
It is anticipated that people will continue to finish their recitation at home, given the time allocated for group recitation. Attendees are requested to please report their count to TI Office or email spc@tarainstitute.org.au once they complete their recitation
TARGET - 3000
TALLY SO FAR - 1,103
It is especially effective if done by Venerable Geshe Doga’s own students, Rinpoche explained.
If you would like to participate in this meritorious practice, or to report any new recitations for our tally,
please contact spc@tarainstitute.org.au or call the office on 03 9596 8900
You can download the text from the FPMT website here
LEARN MORE ABOUT NYUNG NYE PRACTICE
Geshe Lobsang will give a commentary on this transformative practice.
The day will comprise teachings, meditation and discussion.
Sunday May 7 ~ 10 - 11:30am
Nyung Nye (fasting retreat) is a Vajrayana practice from the Kriya (action) class of Tantra. It is a powerful, quick and effective method to purify negativities and at the same time collect much positive potential. Meditators of the past have been known to purify serious disease through this practice. The primary purpose, however, is the attainment of supreme Enlightenment for the benefit of all living beings.
This commentary is not compulsory, you are welcome to participate in the retreat without attending this session.
Cost:$5, includes coffee, tea & biscuits (please bring pen and paper to write).
To register, please click here, call the office on 9596 8900, or email admin@tarainstitute.org.au
CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR THE SWIFT RETURN OF KYABJE LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE
Our precious guru
Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche
is sitting in meditation at Kopan Monastery.
Please read the FPMT news here:
https://fpmt.org/fpmt-community-news/announcements/very-important-news-about-lama-zopa-rinpoche/
Please join us at Tara Institute for the following program of prayers for Rinpoche
-
Friday Night April 14 ~ 7pm Prayers for Rinpoche - with a light supper of soup offered at 6pm in the dining room
-
Saturday April 15 ~ 7pm Prayers for Rinpoche and Guru Puja
-
Sunday April 16 ~ 10am Guru Puja
-
Monday April 17 ~ 7pm Prayers for Rinpoche
If you would like to support the pujas at Tara Institute , South India and Kopan Monasteries to pray for Rinpoche's swift return please donate to the Tara Institute bank account and specify "Lama Zopa Puja" as all offerings will be shared between Tara Institute, South Indian Monasteries and Kopan.
Tara Centre for Wisdom Culture
Commonwealth Bank
BSB 063242
Account 10227562
Tea light offerings and flowers can be offered at any time here at Tara Institute over the next coming days.
TSOG offerings can be offered on Saturday and Sunday at the Guru Pujas.
Rinpoche's prayer program includes the Guru Puja, A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (chapter 10) and King of Prayers, please bring your copy if you have them.
If you are not able to come to Tara Institute, these are the prayers that you can do at home.
WELCOME TO TARA INSTITUTE
Buddhist Meditation Centre in Melbourne Australia
Welcome to everyone who aspires to gain happiness and inner peace, through the study,
meditation and practice of Mahayana Buddhism.
Our programmes suit beginners and more advanced students in the quest for a more meaningful life.
THE LATEST NEWS
Latest news, teaching transcripts, and announcements from Tara Institute.
Vision
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Story
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Community
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