From The Director - Feb 09

Dear Buddha House members, students and friends.

Our year commenced with Lama Choden Rinpoche's teachings. Those who attended discovered a wonderful teacher and look forward to his return. To those of you who first came to Buddha House during his teachings, we welcome you, look forward to getting to know you over this year and are delighted to have you as part of our community of Dharma students. To the large band of volunteers who assisted in hosting the weekend, we say a mighty thank-you!

On Australia Day, Geshela became an Australian Citizen! Geshe-la told us how special this day was to him. For the first time in his life he has a country to call home and the rights of a citizen. Australia could wish for no better citizen than Geshe Pema Tsering.

It won't surprise you that there are some changes happening around Buddha House. After contributing a mammoth effort in 2007/2008, Ven Jamyang has handed over the reins of Spiritual Programs Coordinator to Lyndy Abram. Ven. Jamyang will now focus on teaching, pastoral care and supporting us in our outreach, amongst many other tasks. Please support Ven Jamyang and Lyndy in their new roles. We are so lucky to have their talents and dedication.

Jen Watkins, our centre manager since mid 2007, will leave the role in early March to follow her childbirth education career. Jen will be sorely missed in the office, but will still frequent Buddha House as a student (and volunteer). We will be advertising the Centre Manager's position so, if you have good office, people management and organisational skills and a solid understanding of Dharma this challenging and rewarding job may be for you. Contact Christele Kervin through BH office.

Noticed that we haven't moved to a new Buddha House? Unfortunately our bid was too low to win the Prospect property. We will keep looking while continuing to rent Fisher St on a monthly basis and while continuing our fund raising.

The newly enlarged Buddha House Board is working with energy and focus. Henry Yap has graciously accepted the role of acting treasurer while we search for a permanent treasurer so if you have treasury and accounting skills, please talk to me.

Buddha House is currently running on a monthly deficit. To manage our way forward, we have established a series of subcommittees, each led by a board member, and each looking for people to take on defined, active membership roles on the Finance and Building Fund, Fundraising, Building Fund, Spiritual Programs, Promotion and Marketing and Human Resources Committees. Let the office know if you are interested in applying for a committee position.

Other ways that you help Buddha House thrive are by contributing to our teachers' salaries and by joining Buddha House as a member.

And finally, if you haven't booked for the Easter Retreat, there may still be space. Give the office a call.

See you at Buddha House.