Drawing
Vajrasattva National tour of artist ANDY WEBER
Andy
Weber spent eight years living and studying the iconographical art
of Tibetan Buddhism under the guidance of accomplished masters in
India and Nepal. His unique style of authentic images for visualization
are highly respected not only by the growing number of Western Buddhists
but also by Tibetan Lamas of all traditions, many of whom have commissioned
his work. His thangka paintings (Tibetan scroll paintings) can be
seen in Buddhist centers and temples throughout the world including
the Potala Palace in Lhasa and his images have become well known
and popular through numerous publications.
Public Talk & Slideshow
The Symbolism of Vajrasattva
Andy will give a slideshow explaining the meaning of Vajrasattva
and how the entire teachings on purification are contianed in the
traditional images that depict Vajrasattva. He will explain how
to 'read' all the intricate symbolism in the Vajrasattva thangka
(Tibetan Buddhist painting) and thus how to meditate to incorporate
those qualities in our own mind. There will be plenty of opportunity
to ask questions.
Drawing
Vajrasattva
How to draw oneself closer to Vajrasattva by practicing depicting
his image. We will learn about the meaning of the specific details,
and through hands-on tuition we will be able to complete a drawing.
Students will gain a genuine insight into sacred art. Andy will
give plenty of background to both ancient and modern painting techniques,
and we will learn the unique grid system of drawing, and the meaning
of each gesture and feature.
No artistic experience is required!
This weekend is open to everyone, you don't need to
be an artist or have any artistic talent. We have had students at
previous course who drew their last doodle in kindergarten! This
is a way to deepen your experience, sharpen your concentration,
and really enjoy yourself! Drawing Vajrasattva is also a powerful
method to connect with our inner potential to purify both inner
and out negativites.
Saturday
18th - Sunday 19th September 9.00 am - 5.00 pm both days $185 (concession $165) BYO lunch (fridge and microwave available). Places are limited so please book
in advance with
a $20 non-refundable deposit. A list of arts materials to bring
will be emailed to you when you book
An annual blessing held on the feast
day of St. Francis of Assisi. We start with a special meditation
practice composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and dedicated especially
for animals. This is folloowed by circumambulating the stupa with
our animals, reciting some very short sutras, and making special
prayers. Suitable for small dogs, birds, cats in carry cages etc.
About the
Day
When we were looking for a bigger better building, LTC received
a very generous donation of $600,000 towards the purchase and mortgage
of the Camp Hill property. One of our commitments to the sponsor
is to hold a special animal event each year, dedicated to the welfare
of animals everywhere. This animal blessing is a very real and long-lasting
way to benefit not just our own animals, but make special prayers
for those not lucky enough to have domestic and loving homes.
Sunday 3rd October,
2010 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Suggested donation $10 All animals must be suitably restrained!
One-day
Workshop Ethics for Work and Home
The workshop will develop a firm foundation for ethical decision
making in our workplaces, at home and in social situations. This
is a secular workshop that uses the 16 Guidelines of Essential Education
to present an ethical framework in the form of practical, straightforward
tools to apply in everyday life. They distil wisdom from Mother
Teresa, Gandhi and Nelson Mandela among others, and are used in
homes, schools, hospices, drug rehabilitation centres, prisons and
workplaces across five continents. More information at www.essential-education.org
About the Workshops
The entire 16 Guidelines will be presented over four individual
workshops run throughout the year. Each workshop will cover four
of the 16 Guidelines in-depth. You can attend all four workshops,
or just the one.
About the facilitators
Else
Shepherd is a student of western philosophy and ethics in
the Christian and Buddhist traditions. She has taught extensively
at adult education, TAFE, and university level for the past 40 years
and has completed the Essential Education 16 Guidelines course for
trainers.
Leigh-Anne
Ryan has a background in medical science, western and Buddhist
psychology. She facilitates therapy groups for adults and currently
leads a 16 Guidelines based group for children and their families.
She has completed the 16 Guidelines course for trainers.
Saturday 6th November 9 am - 4 pm Suggested donation $65 / $55 (refreshments and
course notes provided, BYO lunch)
Bookingswith a $20 deposit
are essential to ensure your place, as we are limited to 22 for
all of Queensland!
From
Afflictions to Perfections Buddhist Board Game
This is a board game with a difference! It dramatically demonstrates
the Buddhist path, the negative mental factors and how they can
be overcome, and how tenacious we have to be to develop our positive
qualities. The cards are made up of the 6 Perfections, 11 positive
mental factors, 6 root delusions, 20 secondary afflictions and a
few other wild cards. It is an engrossing and entertaining way to
learn about the potential of our mind in practical detail.
About the Game
This game was inspired by Geshe Jamyang's teachings, developed by
Miffi Maxmillion, tested by dedicated LTC students, and launched
on Losar 2010.
Wednesday 25th August
7 pm
Tuesday 26th October 10.30 am Suggested donation $10-$5
(refreshments provided, but you can bring snacks to share)
Bookingsappreciated
Rebirth The Tibetan Game of Liberation
This is the Buddhist game of snakes and ladders, where we experience
the vagaries of karma and rebirth in all its messy and terrifying
glory! This game contains all the teachings of the Buddhist path.
It is an incredibly powerful way to integrate the lam rim teachings
and gain an appreciation of our current exceptional circumstances
as human beings with leisure and fortune.
About the Game
The game was made by a monk for his sick mother when she was too
sick to study the Dharma. The odds have been karmicly worked out
as to which rebirth we move to. Our next rebirth rests on the throw
of a dice. We travel through the various realms, often circling
through hells, animals, humans, and the hells again, until a (very
genuine!) sense of renunciation arises to be liberated from this
round of existence. We may also travel on the different spiritual
paths all the way to Buddhahood. The top row of the board illustrates
the Buddha's life story. Apparently, the shortest path to Buddhahood
is if you throw 11 ones in a row!
About the Event
This time we are holding the game on a weeknight, so will be in
groups of no more than 3, so we can go home relatively early!
Usually, this game takes a long time! We can only
go home once somebody becomes enlightened. Each game has its own
unique group 'karma' and flavour. Some people go straight onto the
Buddhist path and reach enlightenment in a very short time, while
others spend hours circling in the hells. In the process we not
only learn about the nature of cyclic existence, but we learn about
each other and develop a strong sense of community within the group.
We have many yummy snacks and chai tea to sustain us along the way!
TBA
7 pm - 9 pm evening small group / 2 pm - 8 pm afternoonlarge group Suggested donation $10-$5
(refreshments provided, but you can bring snacks to share)
Bookingsappreciated
Sutra
Recitation Lord Buddha's First Teaching (Wheel
Turning Day)
Come celebrate one of the holiest days of the year by joining us
for a group recitation of the "Sutra of Golden Light".
Wheel-Turning Day marks the anniversary of Lord Buddha's first teaching,
or turning the wheel of Dharma. This day also marks International
Sangha Day. Monks and nuns throughout the world will be reciting
sutras and making special dedications all day.
The "Sutra of Golden Light" is said
to be especially powerful in alleviating global problems like disharmony
and war, as well as natural disasters like earthquakes, floods,
droughts and global warming. It is quite a long sutra, so we will
recite the first chapter together, then break into small groups
to recite a chapter each. We will end by reciting the last chapter
and dedicating together. We will make special dedications for world
peace and harmony, the reverse of global warming and pacification
of natural disasters. There will be lots of chai tea served as well!
Taking
Refuge in the Three Gems with Geshe Tashi Tsering
This is a short ceremony where one officially becomes a Buddhist,
that is, one takes as one’s primary refuge the Triple Gem
– the Buddha, his teachings (the Dharma), and the Sangha.
Geshe-la will give the Refuge and lay vows in this unbroken lineage
from the time of the Buddha.
This is also one of the only opportunities
for lay people to take vows. These vows are to avoid harming or
killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and intoxicants. You
must be able to take the first vow - to avoid harming or killing
- but may leave out some of others if you know for certain you cannot
keep them.
If this is
your first time
If this is your first time in taking refuge, you receive a refuge
booklet outlining the vows as well as the refuge commitments. You
also receive a Tibetan Refuge name. Geshe-la will explain the refuge
commitments and the vows during the ceremony.
What to bring
Wear nice, clean or special clothes (your Sunday best!). You may
wish to bring a small offering. We have offering scarves
in the gompa to borrow.
Usually
held annually in December
7.30 pm - 9.00 pm (arrive from 7pm) $20 suggested
donation Bookingsare essential
1 week in advance, if this is your first time taking
the vows.
Drawing
Vajrasattva
Else
Shepherd
Leigh-Anne
Ryan
