News from the Director - May

Greetings to all BH students, new and experienced.

First, a warm welcome back to Geshe Pema Tsering, who returned from Sera Je monastery, South India, his home monastery. Geshe spent 3 months with his old friend, a Geshe who also teaches in the West, and is now ill. The bond between monastic students is strong as they live, eat, work, practise and debate together for years. They are like family to each other.

In Geshe's absence, Ven Gyatso drove from his Bendigo monastery, Thubten Shedrup Ling to give talks and teachings on karma, rebirth and bodhicitta. As well, many students had appointments with Gyatso. And on the topic of visiting teachers, we are thrilled to see Jampa Gendun again. Jampa  has taught so many of us in the past and will be at BH for two weeks in April. We hope to see these teachers again and again.

Our successes

I am delighted to report that Budda House’s financial status continues to improve. Thanks to a combination of fundraising occasions and donations, we are truly strengthening our centre. There has been a very encouraging response to our new membership structure, which has resulted in a surge in applications. Following the successful dinner in the Gompa, Katrin is busy with her fundraising group organising our next dinner and video night. 

Our gratitude

As usual, I humbly thank the many, silent volunteers who run the office, the spiritual program and those who care for Geshe. I would like to highlight the work done by Lyndy Abram, who undoubtedly holds a pivotal position in keeping the centre smoothly oiled. Lyndy spends untold hours ensuring that meditations and teachings run to schedule. She also leads meditation and Introduction to Buddhism programs herself. The position of Spiritual Coordinator is so valuable in keeping the centre on-track with its education sessions exactly according to the vision of lamas Yeshe and Zopa.  How lucky we are to have this original student of Lama Yeshe back to work again for us.

Our wishes

Our short-term goals include further strengthening BH by keeping Geshe's programs strong, and by bringing out visiting teachers. The Buddha taught in many ways in direct relation to students' capacities. These methods are reflected in the variety of approaches offered to students at the centre: not the least of which is via our extraordinary bookshop. Westerners like to complement their learning by choosing authors that 'speak to them': thus the shop and library are so important. But without meditation, the teachings are purely academic and don't reach the heart. And  most importantly, the example of our role model, Geshe-la, who lives the path is the living example of someone who has learned and integrated the Dharma.

We are part of a large number of centres in the world under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and were the first centre in Adelaide. Our founder, Lama Yeshe named the organisation, FPMT, Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition. He had the extraordinary vision to develop a secular form of teaching Buddhism through the 16 Guidelines or Essential Education which is now been promoted world wide. 

Our longer goals must be to extend our work into the community. Students accepted into the second part of the 16 Guidelines for Life course with Alison Murdoch will take these into their workplaces, families and volunteering experiences: this is one example of Engaged Buddhism. As well, Lama Zopa and HHDL through his 'Ethics for a New Millennium' encourage us all to care for the planet by living ethically and sustainably. Teachers, nurses, managers, in fact all kinds of students inevitably take away something positive from our programs. The Dharma is anything but theoretical. It is alive and thriving.

In conclusion, I wish for the long, healthy lives of our great sangha everywhere. The sanity and health of beings depend on them all over the world.

George Manos
Director