Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Alan in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Friday

• 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Feb
• 8, 15, 22, 29 March
• 5, 12, 19, 26 April
• 3, 10, 17, 24, May
• 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 June

Time – 10am – 11am

Suggested donation $10

Yoga works with the body and the breath to still the mind. Through regular practice, achieve a sense of lightness and ease in the body and clarity and stillness of mind. At VI, we teach an integrated style of classical yoga incorporating breath, movement and meditation.

Classes are suitable for all ages and abilities. Mats provided.

Dates: Friday mornings

• 22, 29 Feb 
• 8, 15, 22, 29 March 
• 5, 12, 19, 26 April 
• 3, 10, 17, 24, May
• 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 June

Time: 11.15am -12.30pm

Cost: $15 per class or buy a 10-pack of classes for $120

A puja is a special ceremony in which prayers are offered to the Buddhas or different manifestations of enlightened beings to request their blessings or invoke their help.

Pujas are performed to avert and clear the three types of obstacles which arise due to the lack of merit, which prevent us from achieving our worldly and spiritual goals. These include issues affecting our day to day life, our mental and physical health and difficulties we might be experiencing in Dharma practice. Removing these obstacles will help us to achieve happiness and good fortune in all our activities.

The following pujas are held at VI each month:

• Guru Puja with Tsog
• Tara Puja
• Medicine Buddha Puja
• Yamantaka Self Initiation (Restricted attendance)
• Vajrayogini Self Initiation (Restricted attendance)

There is also an opportunity to observe a Precepts Day at home by taking the 8 Mahayana precepts and devoting the day to practice.

Guru Puja with Tsog (also known as Lama Chopa) – twice each month

During the practice of Lama Chopa, we invoke all the lamas of the graduated path lineage beginning with Shakyamuni Buddha himself, extending to our present direct teachers who have shown us the path. We pay homage to them, make offerings, and request each of them to please bless our minds with the same realizations that they themselves have generated. By offering sincere, heartfelt requests, we make our minds ripe to receive the full blessings of this precious lineage and quickly actualize the realizations we need to attain enlightenment.

Note: starting times for Pujas vary – please check the calendar for exact times.

Students will learn the meaning and practice of drawing and painting traditional Buddhist art in the Tibetan style, beginning with the face of the Buddha and progressing through to completion of a thangka for those who wish to participate on an ongoing basis. Guidance is also offered in these sessions to those who have one work or more in progress.

A list of art materials required will be provided upon registration.

Paul provides participants teaching and instruction every second week. Students are encouraged to attend and self direct on the alternate weeks.

Dates with Paul Smith: Saturdays (check calendar for dates)

Time: 1pm – 3pm

Cost: $20 / $18 VI member

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email office@vajrayana.com.au

Join us in an open discussion group on the first book in the ‘Foundation of Buddhist Thought’ series by Geshe Tashi Tsering called ‘The Four Noble Truths’ (ISBN 9780861712700). Please order your own copy of the book from bookdepository.com, booktopia.com.au, dymocks.com.au, or your local bookshop. Everybody is welcome to join the drop-in discussion group.

Geshe Tashi Tsering is the author. He was previously resident teacher at Jamyang Buddhist Centre (England) and is currently abbot of Sera Mey Monastery (India). The special quality of the ‘Foundation of Buddhist Thought’ series is how Geshe Tashi draws upon the depth of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy to show how Buddhism can make a real difference to the way we live our lives today.

The four noble truths are well known as the Buddha’s first teaching after he achieved enlightenment. The truths diagnose the human existential crisis (suffering and its origin) and prescribe a solution (cessation and the path). To understand the four noble truths is to understand Buddhism as a whole.

Dates: Drop-in discussion group runs for 10 weeks:

– Saturday 2, 16, 23 February (not the 9th).

– Saturday 2, 9 March

Time: 2pm – 4pm

Cost: By donation

Dharma for Kids uses the Ready Set Happy, a set of practical, inspirational tools to encourage children to think about ethics and values.

Dates & time: Sunday 10.00-11.15am

• 3 Feb
• 3 March
• 7 April
• 5 May
• 2 June

Cost: By donation

About the teachers
Jackie and Lesta have been leading dharma classes and meditation in primary schools for many years and are regular students at VI.

Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice and find out the elements necessary to generate realisations. Get some tips for making every action meaningful.

Date: Sunday 3rd March

Time: 10am – 3.30pm

Cost: $40 / $35 VI members and DB students

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Venerable Dekyi in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Sunday

• 3, 10, 17, 24 Feb
• 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 March
• 7, 14, 21, 28 April
• 5, 12, 19, 26, May
• 3, 9, 16, 23, 30 June

Time – 10.30am – 11.30am

Suggested donation $10

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Venerable Dekyi in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Tuesday

• Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
• March 5, 12, 19, 26
• April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• May 7, 14, 21, 28
• June  4, 11, 18, 25

Time – 10am – 11am

Suggested donation $10

Nagarjuna is renowned for his penetrating analysis of reality.  In the Precious Garland Nagarjuna describes the cause & effect sequences for the  development of happiness within ordinary life, as well as the practices of wisdom, realizing emptiness & compassion that lead to enlightenment.  He describes a Buddha’s qualities & offers encouraging advice on the effectiveness of practices that reveal the vast attributes of Buddha-hood.  The Precious Garland includes a detailed analysis of attachment to sensual objects as a preparation for realization of the profound truth that, when realized, makes attachment impossible.

Dates:  Tuesdays

• February 26
• March 5, 12, 19, 26
• April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• May 7, 14, 21, 28
• June 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm

Cost: $250/$225 for the Semester Package or  $15/$13 per session. Please use the register button below to book the package or pay for single sessions at reception before class.

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to study and practice with one of the foremost artists of the Tibetan iconography Andy Weber. Learn painting techniques, tsa tsa making, gold leafing and gold painting  over 2 days. Andy spent seven years living and studying the iconographical art of Tibetan Buddhism under the guidance of accomplished masters in India and Nepal. With over 35 years experience, his is unique style of authentic images for visualization are highly respected by Buddhist practitioners of all Tibetan traditions. His thangka paintings can be seen in Buddhist centres and temples throughout the world including the Potala Palace in Lhasa and his images have become well known and popular through numerous publications.

The workshop will include following subjects:

TSA TSA CASTING: Andy will demonstrate how to cast a tsa tsa in a mould and reveal some of the hidden tricks. Some students will have the chance to cast their own.

TSA TSA PAINTING: Students will learn how to paint tsa tsas  which includes also gold leafing and face painting

GOLD PAINTING: Andy will demonstrate how to prepare pure gold for statue painting and tangkhas.

This unique two-day workshop is a hands-on experience and Andy will show some of the tricks form his personal experience. Students need to bring their own paints and brushes.

Note: Students are welcome to bring their present paintings / drawings with them to receive advise and further instructions.

Dates & Time: Wednesdays 6th and 13th March  10:00am – 4:00pm

Cost: $100 / $90 (members) per day

Morning and afternoon tea provided. Please BYO lunch

Registration is required for this event!

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Alan in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Wednesday

• 6, 13, 20, 27 Feb
• 6, 13, 20, 27 March
• 3, 10, 17, 24 April
• 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May
• 5, 12, 19, 26 June

Time – 6pm – 7pm

Suggested donation $10

Key Buddhist topics to help us live with an open heart and a clear mind (how to meditate, our potential for Buddha-hood, faith based on logic and experience, death and reincarnation, karma and compassion) Includes hands-on practice in sitting comfortably, setting up an altar and a developing a daily practice.

Dates: Each course runs for 5 weeks on Wednesday evenings

Course 1 – February 6, 13, 20, 27 March 6

Course 2 – March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24

Course 3 – May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12

Time: 7pm – 830pm

Cost: $15 / $13 or package a whole course for $70 / $60

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Whether we are religious or not, we all want to make the most of our life and not be caught wasting time on distractions. Discover how to make every moment of the day more meaningful and how to transform our mundane activities into the path to lasting happiness.

These teachings are open to everyone!

Dates: Thursday

• 7, 14, 21, 28 Feb
• 7, 28 March
• 4, 11, 18, 25 April
• 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May
• 6, 13, 20 June

Time: 10am – 11.30am

Cost: $15 / 13

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

In this class, Geshe la will focus on the famous wisdom chapter (chapter 9) of Shantideva’s classic text ”Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds” on Bodhicitta and the six perfections.  This chapter is a detailed and profound exposition on emptiness, ultimate reality according to Buddhism.

The dialogue takes place between the Madhyamaka school, represented by the author Shantideva, and various other Buddhist and non‐Buddhist schools.

This is an advanced level course on Buddhist philosophy.

Audio recordings of Basic Program subjects taught by Geshe Samten are available on the VI website on our Resources page.

Dates: Every Thursday

• March 7, 14, 21, 28
• April 4, 11, 18, 25
• May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• June 6, 13, 20, 27

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
[Discussion group from 6:00pm – 6:45pm]

Cost: $260/$230 (General semester pass / VI member semester pass)  OR $15/$13 (Per session / VI member per session)

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Alan in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Friday

• 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Feb
• 8, 15, 22, 29 March
• 5, 12, 19, 26 April
• 3, 10, 17, 24, May
• 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 June

Time – 10am – 11am

Suggested donation $10

Yoga works with the body and the breath to still the mind. Through regular practice, achieve a sense of lightness and ease in the body and clarity and stillness of mind. At VI, we teach an integrated style of classical yoga incorporating breath, movement and meditation.

Classes are suitable for all ages and abilities. Mats provided.

Dates: Friday mornings

• 22, 29 Feb 
• 8, 15, 22, 29 March 
• 5, 12, 19, 26 April 
• 3, 10, 17, 24, May
• 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 June

Time: 11.15am -12.30pm

Cost: $15 per class or buy a 10-pack of classes for $120

Students will learn the meaning and practice of drawing and painting traditional Buddhist art in the Tibetan style, beginning with the face of the Buddha and progressing through to completion of a thangka for those who wish to participate on an ongoing basis. Guidance is also offered in these sessions to those who have one work or more in progress.

A list of art materials required will be provided upon registration.

Paul provides participants teaching and instruction every second week. Students are encouraged to attend and self direct on the alternate weeks.

Dates with Paul Smith: Saturdays (check calendar for dates)

Time: 1pm – 3pm

Cost: $20 / $18 VI member

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email office@vajrayana.com.au

Join us in an open discussion group on the first book in the ‘Foundation of Buddhist Thought’ series by Geshe Tashi Tsering called ‘The Four Noble Truths’ (ISBN 9780861712700). Please order your own copy of the book from bookdepository.com, booktopia.com.au, dymocks.com.au, or your local bookshop. Everybody is welcome to join the drop-in discussion group.

Geshe Tashi Tsering is the author. He was previously resident teacher at Jamyang Buddhist Centre (England) and is currently abbot of Sera Mey Monastery (India). The special quality of the ‘Foundation of Buddhist Thought’ series is how Geshe Tashi draws upon the depth of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy to show how Buddhism can make a real difference to the way we live our lives today.

The four noble truths are well known as the Buddha’s first teaching after he achieved enlightenment. The truths diagnose the human existential crisis (suffering and its origin) and prescribe a solution (cessation and the path). To understand the four noble truths is to understand Buddhism as a whole.

Dates: Drop-in discussion group runs for 10 weeks:

– Saturday 2, 16, 23 February (not the 9th).

– Saturday 2, 9 March

Time: 2pm – 4pm

Cost: By donation

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Venerable Dekyi in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Sunday

• 3, 10, 17, 24 Feb
• 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 March
• 7, 14, 21, 28 April
• 5, 12, 19, 26, May
• 3, 9, 16, 23, 30 June

Time – 10.30am – 11.30am

Suggested donation $10

Investigate what “samsara” is and how we are stuck in it. Find out what “nirvana” is and how to achieve it. Learn how to be free from suffering and empower yourself with practical tools to deal with and eliminate disturbing emotions forever.

Dates: Monday

• March 11, 18, 25
• April 1

Retreat day: Sunday April 7^th

Time: 7 – 8.30pm

Cost: $70 / $55 VI members;  Single sessions $20/$15 VI members. Book Retreat day separately.

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Venerable Dekyi in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Tuesday

• Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
• March 5, 12, 19, 26
• April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• May 7, 14, 21, 28
• June  4, 11, 18, 25

Time – 10am – 11am

Suggested donation $10

Nagarjuna is renowned for his penetrating analysis of reality.  In the Precious Garland Nagarjuna describes the cause & effect sequences for the  development of happiness within ordinary life, as well as the practices of wisdom, realizing emptiness & compassion that lead to enlightenment.  He describes a Buddha’s qualities & offers encouraging advice on the effectiveness of practices that reveal the vast attributes of Buddha-hood.  The Precious Garland includes a detailed analysis of attachment to sensual objects as a preparation for realization of the profound truth that, when realized, makes attachment impossible.

Dates:  Tuesdays

• February 26
• March 5, 12, 19, 26
• April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• May 7, 14, 21, 28
• June 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm

Cost: $250/$225 for the Semester Package or  $15/$13 per session. Please use the register button below to book the package or pay for single sessions at reception before class.

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to study and practice with one of the foremost artists of the Tibetan iconography Andy Weber. Learn painting techniques, tsa tsa making, gold leafing and gold painting  over 2 days. Andy spent seven years living and studying the iconographical art of Tibetan Buddhism under the guidance of accomplished masters in India and Nepal. With over 35 years experience, his is unique style of authentic images for visualization are highly respected by Buddhist practitioners of all Tibetan traditions. His thangka paintings can be seen in Buddhist centres and temples throughout the world including the Potala Palace in Lhasa and his images have become well known and popular through numerous publications.

The workshop will include following subjects:

TSA TSA CASTING: Andy will demonstrate how to cast a tsa tsa in a mould and reveal some of the hidden tricks. Some students will have the chance to cast their own.

TSA TSA PAINTING: Students will learn how to paint tsa tsas  which includes also gold leafing and face painting

GOLD PAINTING: Andy will demonstrate how to prepare pure gold for statue painting and tangkhas.

This unique two-day workshop is a hands-on experience and Andy will show some of the tricks form his personal experience. Students need to bring their own paints and brushes.

Note: Students are welcome to bring their present paintings / drawings with them to receive advise and further instructions.

Dates & Time: Wednesdays 6th and 13th March  10:00am – 4:00pm

Cost: $100 / $90 (members) per day

Morning and afternoon tea provided. Please BYO lunch

Registration is required for this event!

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Alan in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Wednesday

• 6, 13, 20, 27 Feb
• 6, 13, 20, 27 March
• 3, 10, 17, 24 April
• 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May
• 5, 12, 19, 26 June

Time – 6pm – 7pm

Suggested donation $10

A puja is a special ceremony in which prayers are offered to the Buddhas or different manifestations of enlightened beings to request their blessings or invoke their help.

Pujas are performed to avert and clear the three types of obstacles which arise due to the lack of merit, which prevent us from achieving our worldly and spiritual goals. These include issues affecting our day to day life, our mental and physical health and difficulties we might be experiencing in Dharma practice. Removing these obstacles will help us to achieve happiness and good fortune in all our activities.

The following pujas are held at VI each month:

• Guru Puja with Tsog
• Tara Puja
• Medicine Buddha Puja
• Yamantaka Self Initiation (Restricted attendance)
• Vajrayogini Self Initiation (Restricted attendance)

There is also an opportunity to observe a Precepts Day at home by taking the 8 Mahayana precepts and devoting the day to practice.

Tara Puja – once each month

The Tara Puja is a practice focusing on Tara, making offerings and giving praise, as a way of creating merits and strengthening our connection with our own enlightened potential. Tara is also known as the “Mother of all Buddhas” because she embodies wisdom – all buddhas are born from this wisdom, she is the manifestation of the Buddha’s omniscient mind.

“Reciting the 21 Taras’ prayer with devotion – remembering Tara singing praises and reciting mantras at any time of the day or night – protects you from fear and dangers, and fulfils all your wishes.” Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Green Tara is especially swift in granting the wishes of sentient beings.

Note: times for Tara Pujas vary – please check the calendar for exact times.

In this class, Geshe la will focus on the famous wisdom chapter (chapter 9) of Shantideva’s classic text ”Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds” on Bodhicitta and the six perfections.  This chapter is a detailed and profound exposition on emptiness, ultimate reality according to Buddhism.

The dialogue takes place between the Madhyamaka school, represented by the author Shantideva, and various other Buddhist and non‐Buddhist schools.

This is an advanced level course on Buddhist philosophy.

Audio recordings of Basic Program subjects taught by Geshe Samten are available on the VI website on our Resources page.

Dates: Every Thursday

• March 7, 14, 21, 28
• April 4, 11, 18, 25
• May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• June 6, 13, 20, 27

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
[Discussion group from 6:00pm – 6:45pm]

Cost: $260/$230 (General semester pass / VI member semester pass)  OR $15/$13 (Per session / VI member per session)

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Alan in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Friday

• 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Feb
• 8, 15, 22, 29 March
• 5, 12, 19, 26 April
• 3, 10, 17, 24, May
• 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 June

Time – 10am – 11am

Suggested donation $10

Yoga works with the body and the breath to still the mind. Through regular practice, achieve a sense of lightness and ease in the body and clarity and stillness of mind. At VI, we teach an integrated style of classical yoga incorporating breath, movement and meditation.

Classes are suitable for all ages and abilities. Mats provided.

Dates: Friday mornings

• 22, 29 Feb 
• 8, 15, 22, 29 March 
• 5, 12, 19, 26 April 
• 3, 10, 17, 24, May
• 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 June

Time: 11.15am -12.30pm

Cost: $15 per class or buy a 10-pack of classes for $120

I apologise for the extremely late notice but unfortunately we have to cancel tomorrows ‘Afternoons with Geshe la’ class. 

I’m sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

We may wonder: how do we determine whether a particular doctrine of tenet system is Buddhist or not? This is by assessing if it follows the four seals—four basic principles shared by all Buddhists. These four are:

1. All conditioned phenomena are transient.
2. All polluted phenomena are dukkha—unsatisfactory or in the nature of suffering.
3. All phenomena are empty and selfless.
4. Nirvana is true peace.

These are said to be the hallmark of the Buddha’s teaching, and it is often said that the mark of a real Buddhist is that he or she accepts these four. Of course, taking refuge is the real entrance to the Buddhist path, and that which serves to distinguish Buddhists from non-Buddhists, but in terms of the View, these four statements encapsulate the uniqueness of the Buddha’s teachings and really set the Buddhadharma apart from all other religions and philosophies.

Date: Saturday 16th March

Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Cost: $35/$32 VI member

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

A puja is a special ceremony in which prayers are offered to the Buddhas or different manifestations of enlightened beings to request their blessings or invoke their help.

Pujas are performed to avert and clear the three types of obstacles which arise due to the lack of merit, which prevent us from achieving our worldly and spiritual goals. These include issues affecting our day to day life, our mental and physical health and difficulties we might be experiencing in Dharma practice. Removing these obstacles will help us to achieve happiness and good fortune in all our activities.

The following pujas are held at VI each month:

• Guru Puja with Tsog
• Tara Puja
• Medicine Buddha Puja
• Yamantaka Self Initiation (Restricted attendance)
• Vajrayogini Self Initiation (Restricted attendance)

There is also an opportunity to observe a Precepts Day at home by taking the 8 Mahayana precepts and devoting the day to practice.

Guru Puja with Tsog (also known as Lama Chopa) – twice each month

During the practice of Lama Chopa, we invoke all the lamas of the graduated path lineage beginning with Shakyamuni Buddha himself, extending to our present direct teachers who have shown us the path. We pay homage to them, make offerings, and request each of them to please bless our minds with the same realizations that they themselves have generated. By offering sincere, heartfelt requests, we make our minds ripe to receive the full blessings of this precious lineage and quickly actualize the realizations we need to attain enlightenment.

Note: starting times for Pujas vary – please check the calendar for exact times.

This Yamantaka self-initiation is a brief text composed by the early twentieth-century master, Khangsar Thubten Chökyi Wangchuk, based on the secret oral instructions of the Ganden Hearing Lineage. In order to engage in its practice, one must have received the empowerment of Vajrabhairava (i.e., Yamantaka), completed an authorizing retreat of 100,000 mantras together with the traditional concluding fire puja.

This practice is restricted to only those with the appropriate tantric empowerment.

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Venerable Dekyi in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Sunday

• 3, 10, 17, 24 Feb
• 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 March
• 7, 14, 21, 28 April
• 5, 12, 19, 26, May
• 3, 9, 16, 23, 30 June

Time – 10.30am – 11.30am

Suggested donation $10

Investigate what “samsara” is and how we are stuck in it. Find out what “nirvana” is and how to achieve it. Learn how to be free from suffering and empower yourself with practical tools to deal with and eliminate disturbing emotions forever.

Dates: Monday

• March 11, 18, 25
• April 1

Retreat day: Sunday April 7^th

Time: 7 – 8.30pm

Cost: $70 / $55 VI members;  Single sessions $20/$15 VI members. Book Retreat day separately.

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Venerable Dekyi in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Tuesday

• Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
• March 5, 12, 19, 26
• April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• May 7, 14, 21, 28
• June  4, 11, 18, 25

Time – 10am – 11am

Suggested donation $10

Nagarjuna is renowned for his penetrating analysis of reality.  In the Precious Garland Nagarjuna describes the cause & effect sequences for the  development of happiness within ordinary life, as well as the practices of wisdom, realizing emptiness & compassion that lead to enlightenment.  He describes a Buddha’s qualities & offers encouraging advice on the effectiveness of practices that reveal the vast attributes of Buddha-hood.  The Precious Garland includes a detailed analysis of attachment to sensual objects as a preparation for realization of the profound truth that, when realized, makes attachment impossible.

Dates:  Tuesdays

• February 26
• March 5, 12, 19, 26
• April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• May 7, 14, 21, 28
• June 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm

Cost: $250/$225 for the Semester Package or  $15/$13 per session. Please use the register button below to book the package or pay for single sessions at reception before class.

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Alan in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Wednesday

• 6, 13, 20, 27 Feb
• 6, 13, 20, 27 March
• 3, 10, 17, 24 April
• 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May
• 5, 12, 19, 26 June

Time – 6pm – 7pm

Suggested donation $10

A puja is a special ceremony in which prayers are offered to the Buddhas or different manifestations of enlightened beings to request their blessings or invoke their help.

Pujas are performed to avert and clear the three types of obstacles which arise due to the lack of merit, which prevent us from achieving our worldly and spiritual goals. These include issues affecting our day to day life, our mental and physical health and difficulties we might be experiencing in Dharma practice. Removing these obstacles will help us to achieve happiness and good fortune in all our activities.

The following pujas are held at VI each month:

• Guru Puja with Tsog
• Tara Puja
• Medicine Buddha Puja
• Yamantaka Self Initiation (Restricted attendance)
• Vajrayogini Self Initiation (Restricted attendance)

There is also an opportunity to observe a Precepts Day at home by taking the 8 Mahayana precepts and devoting the day to practice.

Medicine Buddha Puja – once each month

Most commonly this puja is performed on behalf of sick people to assist with recovery from illness or an operation and those who are dying. It is also done to achieve higher rebirth for the deceased and is very powerful in bringing about success, both temporary and ultimate. The prayers invoke help from the Seven Medicine Buddhas and Buddha Shakyamuni.

Note: times for Medicine Buddha Pujas vary – please check the calendar for exact times

In this class, Geshe la will focus on the famous wisdom chapter (chapter 9) of Shantideva’s classic text ”Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds” on Bodhicitta and the six perfections.  This chapter is a detailed and profound exposition on emptiness, ultimate reality according to Buddhism.

The dialogue takes place between the Madhyamaka school, represented by the author Shantideva, and various other Buddhist and non‐Buddhist schools.

This is an advanced level course on Buddhist philosophy.

Audio recordings of Basic Program subjects taught by Geshe Samten are available on the VI website on our Resources page.

Dates: Every Thursday

• March 7, 14, 21, 28
• April 4, 11, 18, 25
• May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• June 6, 13, 20, 27

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
[Discussion group from 6:00pm – 6:45pm]

Cost: $260/$230 (General semester pass / VI member semester pass)  OR $15/$13 (Per session / VI member per session)

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Peace begins in the mind and a peaceful mind benefits both you and those around you. Join Alan in meditation to cultivate a peaceful and loving mind. The session includes mindfulness of breathing meditation and analytical meditation. Ideal for anyone wishing to kick start their own meditation or to be supported in their on-going practice by meditating with a group. Suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators.

Dates – Friday

• 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Feb
• 8, 15, 22, 29 March
• 5, 12, 19, 26 April
• 3, 10, 17, 24, May
• 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 June

Time – 10am – 11am

Suggested donation $10

Yoga works with the body and the breath to still the mind. Through regular practice, achieve a sense of lightness and ease in the body and clarity and stillness of mind. At VI, we teach an integrated style of classical yoga incorporating breath, movement and meditation.

Classes are suitable for all ages and abilities. Mats provided.

Dates: Friday mornings

• 22, 29 Feb 
• 8, 15, 22, 29 March 
• 5, 12, 19, 26 April 
• 3, 10, 17, 24, May
• 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 June

Time: 11.15am -12.30pm

Cost: $15 per class or buy a 10-pack of classes for $120

The greatest danger about the past is its becoming our future. The Will to Awaken is the determination not to allow this to happen. It requires us to re-evaluate many of our unexamined assumptions about ourselves and our life and what we could possibly do with both. The Will to Awaken along with the Awakened Heart and Mind comprise the Three Principal Aspects of the Buddhist Path.

Through talks, meditations and discussions we’ll explore the contemplations included in the Will to Awaken that help us to leave behind the fixed, repetitive stories that more-or-less keep us stuck and to genuinely open to change for the better.

Suitable for all.

Dates: Saturday March 23 and Saturday May 25

Time: 10am – 4pm

Cost: $60 / $53 (VI Members) per day

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email spc@vajrayana.com.au

Students will learn the meaning and practice of drawing and painting traditional Buddhist art in the Tibetan style, beginning with the face of the Buddha and progressing through to completion of a thangka for those who wish to participate on an ongoing basis. Guidance is also offered in these sessions to those who have one work or more in progress.

A list of art materials required will be provided upon registration.

Paul provides participants teaching and instruction every second week. Students are encouraged to attend and self direct on the alternate weeks.

Dates with Paul Smith: Saturdays (check calendar for dates)

Time: 1pm – 3pm

Cost: $20 / $18 VI member

At VI we aim to make Dharma teachings as accessible as possible, so if you wish to attend but are unable to afford the full cost of classes at this time please email office@vajrayana.com.au