Bringing Buddha’s Wisdom to More People
From profound teachings on wisdom at Tara IKRC to inspiring community activities at KMC Perth, Australia.
Precious Teachings on Wisdom at Tara International Kadampa Retreat Centre
A Weekend of Insight and Inspiration
Exploring the Essence of Wisdom
Over 130 people gathered at Tara IKRC to receive precious teachings from Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab on The Joy of the Middle Way – The Essence of Wisdom, exploring the profound meaning of Chapter 9 of Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life.
With a completely full Meditation Hall and even the meditation rooms in Ashe Hall transformed into additional accommodation, the Center was filled with a sense of enthusiasm and positive energy. It was a delight to welcome such a diverse gathering of people, from local residents attending their very first course to our international volunteers and experienced Kadampa practitioners who had travelled from around the world especially for these precious teachings.
Throughout the weekend, Gen-la Khyenrab illuminated the profound meaning of Shantideva's teachings on wisdom with clarity, precision and depth. Making these extraordinary teachings accessible and practical, Gen-la skilfully guided everyone towards a deeper understanding of the ultimate nature of reality and how this wisdom can transform our experience of daily life.
There were many opportunities to ask questions, clarify our understanding and deepen our personal experience of these profound instructions. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was one of joyful concentration and sincere spiritual enquiry, with conversations naturally turning again and again to Dharma as people shared their understanding, insights and experiences.
Kadampa Community
Enjoying Time Together
Newcomers and experienced practitioners alike enjoyed spending time together, forming friendships and encouraging one another in their spiritual practice. Whether gathered in the World Peace Café, enjoying meals together or walking through Tara's peaceful grounds.
Our wonderful local community of volunteers particularly relished the opportunity to be involved in such a lively and well-attended event. Working joyfully behind the scenes, they helped to ensure that everyone felt welcomed, comfortable and cared for throughout their stay. Their kindness and dedication contributed enormously to making the weekend such a special experience.
Despite the center being full to capacity, everyone enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, clean and comfortable accommodation and the warm, friendly atmosphere that makes Tara such a special place to visit. It was a beautiful example of a Kadampa community coming together to cherish others and create the best possible conditions for receiving and practicing Dharma.
The blessings of the weekend continued beyond the course itself, with Gen-la Khyenrab very kindly guiding a further two days of retreat following the teachings. This provided a particularly precious opportunity for those attending to take the profound instructions they had received into their hearts through meditation. After the lively atmosphere of the weekend, these quieter days of retreat offered an opportunity to reflect, contemplate and meditate.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have received such profound and precious teachings from Gen-la Khyenrab, whose extraordinary kindness, wisdom and dedication continue to be an inspiration.
Inspiring New Beginnings in Perth
Sharing Wisdom, Changing Lives
Bringing Dharma to the Northern Suburbs
Perth, Australia, is one of the longest cities in the world with a coast-hugging sprawl that stretches more than 150 km long! To help more and more people access Dharma teachings in their local area, our hearts and minds are directed towards creating a second dedicated space in the northern suburbs alongside our well-established central/south center location.
To help create the causes for this to appear, our two northern branch classes hosted their own half-day workshop! The team of volunteers, many of whom have learnt how to run events through attending weekend events at the center, did a fantastic job preparing for and welcoming everyone to the event, called How to Stop Overthinking. The energy was light and joyful, with many new people listening to Kadampa Buddhist teachings for the first time and taking home Venerable Geshe-la's books to inspire them to continue their practice. Our Resident Teacher Gen Tara of KMC Perth taught a range of simple, practical techniques - from a simple breathing meditation to profound advice for making our suffering meaningful.
We hope this is the beginning of many more activities in the northern suburbs of Perth. Thank you to our kind volunteers, to everyone who attended, and to Venerable Geshe-la for making this development possible.
