Lama Zopa Rinpoche says there is no better practice than purification.  During this residential retreat you will learn how to purify negative karma with the powerful practice of Vajrasattva in the context of the Four Opponent Powers. You will be led through a series of meditations and practices which encourage you to release anxiety over past regrettable actions and help you affirm your positive aspirations.

“We can develop our consciousness to the limitless states of universal compassion, love, wisdom and freedom. The Vajrasattva practice can lead us beyond ego, beyond grasping, and beyond the dualistic mind. That’s what the Vajrasattva practice is about.” – Lama Yeshe

Date:  28 August, 2018 – 2 September, 2018

Time:  Registration from 4pm on 28 August; Retreat finishes 5pm 2 September

Costs: Early Bird Rates now closed

Regular Rates – from 1 June 2018

Single accommodation with ensuite – $1095 (limited number)

Single accommodation (shared bathroom) – $995

Twin Shared accommodation (shared bathroom) – $895

Commuters – $595 (includes morning & afternoon tea, lunch & dinner)

This retreat is open to all.

If you have special accommodation needs, or are ordained sangha, please contact VI’s office manager, Anne Sinclair prior to booking a place, at anne@vajrayana.com.au.

Note the following dietary needs will be catered for: vegetarian and gluten free options. If you require a vegan diet there may be some options available however you may wish to supplement your diet by bringing additional food.

The availability of a scholarship fund will be dependent upon donations received. It will be allocated at the discretion of Vajrayana Institute management up to a maximum of 30% of the participant’s registration fee.

Location: Peter Canisius House, 102 Mona Vale Road, Pymble.

Health & safety

This retreat involves periods of meditation and silence. If you have a history of psychiatric illness or have received counselling or treatment for any psychological condition, we recommend that you seek professional advice as to the suitability of this retreat for you.

You will be asked to complete a short form about your relevant medical history. All information provided to retreat organisers will remain confidential.

About  the teacher

Venerable Robina is a Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Buddhist Gelugpa tradition and lineage of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. She is an extraordinary woman with boundless energy and charisma and her style when teaching the Dharma is sparklingly clear, direct and compassionate.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation received in writing up to 30 days before the start of the retreat will receive a 50% refund of the registration fee. We regret that no refunds can be made if the cancellation is received within 30 days before the start of the retreat unless the place can be filled from the waiting list, whereupon we will refund 50% of the registration fee.

Learn the art of mantra rolling and help prepare mantras for statue filling. Any students requesting statues to be consecrated should attend these sessions, to roll the mantras for their statues. All are welcome to participate in learning this wonderfully meditative practice.

Dates: Saturday

• August 11
• September 1
• October 13
• November 3

Time: 2:30 – 4:30pm

Cost: Donations welcome

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

• 5 August
• 2 September
• 4 November
• 2 December

Cost: By donation

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: Sundays

• August 5, 19, 26
• September 2, 9, 16, 23
• October 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am

Cost: $10/$9 VI member

After living in the Solomon Islands for many years and raising a family, Ven Dekyi became a nun in 1993. Over the intervening years Venerable Jampa Dekyi has studied most of the Basic Studies Program topics including Lama Tsong Khapa’s long Lam Rim, the Lam Rim Chen-mo. She was resident teacher at Vajrayana Institute in Sydney for five years and for a year at Kadam Sharawa Centre in Gosford.
Venerable Dekyi was a visiting teacher at Hayagriva Buddhist Centre before travelling to Tushita Meditation Centre India where she was the resident teacher for a period. She resides at Chenrezig Institute In Queeensland.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama says that Compassion is the practice most needed at this time in the world. Charles Darwin said as humans we are hardwired for compassion. Lama Zopa Rinpoche advises us to ‘Live with compassion; Die with Compassion; Work with Compassion; Meditate with
Compassion; and when problems come, embrace them with compassion- towards ourselves and others.  Learn how we can practice compassion in our daily lives.

Date & time: Monday 3rd September 7 – 8.30pm

Cost: $30 / $27 for VI members

Package Monday and Wednesday teachings (Compassionate Activism)

Cost: $55 / $50 for VI members

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

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 Buddhahood.  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

• August 7, 14, 21, 28
• September 4, 11, 18, 25
• October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• November 6, 13, 20, 27
• December 4, 11, 18 [20 weeks]

Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm

Cost: $265/$225 semester package or  $15/$13 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

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.

Participants receive teaching and instruction from Paul every second week. At other times participants are self directed.

Dates: Wednesdays

• August 1 8, 15, 22, 29
• September 5, 12, 19, 26
• October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• December 7, 12, 19 (22 weeks)

Time: 10:30am-12:30pm

Cost: $20/$18 VI member

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.

It’s a commonly held misconception that spiritual practice and activism conflict. In fact, the logical consequence of successful practice is action for the sake of others; it just naturally follows.
But our actions – helping our next door neighbour or helping stop the  destruction of the planet – Need to be grounded in wisdom. This brings optimism and confidence that every small action counts and the courage never to give up.

Date & time: Wednesday 5th September 7 – 8.30pm

Cost: $30 / $27 for VI members

Package Monday and Wednesday teachings (Radical Compassion)

Cost: $55 / $50 for VI members

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

‘I bow to the one who, with no beginning, middle or end, has a serene stillness and is clear-minded and fully evolved, who became clear from his own aspects and once clear, shows fearless, constant paths of the mind to bring realisation to those with no realisation… ‘ Maitreya Buddha

One of the major texts studied in all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Maitreya’s Sublime Continuum clarifies the meaning of our tathagata essence or buddha potential in particular the emptiness of the mind that allows evolution to a state of complete enlightenment. The first chapter of this work which explains four related ‘vajra’ subjects – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha and buddha potential – is the focus of this teaching.

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

• August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• September 6, 13, 20, 27
• October 4, 11, 18, 25
• November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• December 6, 13, 20 [21 weeks]

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

Cost: $285/$245 (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.

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

• August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• September 7, 14, 21, 28
• October 5, 12, 19, 26
• November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• December 7, 14

Time: 11.15am -12.30pm

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

We spend our lives being seduced by the outside world, believing utterly that happiness and suffering come from “out there”. Even more fundamentally, we assume that we are the handiwork of someone else; that we’re innocent victims who didn’t ask to get born and that there’s no logic for why things happen. The experiential implications of this are fear, blame, anger, and guilt, bringing ever-deepening levels of suffering and hopelessness.

Buddha’s view of reality is that we come into this life at the first moment of conception in our mother’s womb fully programmed with our own tendencies and the seeds of our experiences in this life. As the Dalai Lama says, the view of karma is one of “self-creation.” We are, literally, the creators of our lives, our happiness, and our suffering. We are the boss.

With this view we realize that everything we experience is our own “karmic appearance”, as Lama Zopa Rinpoche puts it. Everything is made by our own minds, in the past and in the present. And because of this there is no karma that we can’t change.

The experiential implication of this view is empowerment, accountability, and the courage to change and, combining it with an understanding of the Buddha’s model of the mind, we gradually loosen the grip of ego-grasping and the other neuroses, thus developing our marvelous potential for clarity, self-confidence, empathy and the other qualities that Buddha says are at the core of our being.

Date & Time: Friday 7th September 7 – 8.30pm & Saturday 8th September 10am – 4.30pm

Cost: $100 / $85 for VI members

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

We spend our lives being seduced by the outside world, believing utterly that happiness and suffering come from “out there”. Even more fundamentally, we assume that we are the handiwork of someone else; that we’re innocent victims who didn’t ask to get born and that there’s no logic for why things happen. The experiential implications of this are fear, blame, anger, and guilt, bringing ever-deepening levels of suffering and hopelessness.

Buddha’s view of reality is that we come into this life at the first moment of conception in our mother’s womb fully programmed with our own tendencies and the seeds of our experiences in this life. As the Dalai Lama says, the view of karma is one of “self-creation.” We are, literally, the creators of our lives, our happiness, and our suffering. We are the boss.

With this view we realize that everything we experience is our own “karmic appearance”, as Lama Zopa Rinpoche puts it. Everything is made by our own minds, in the past and in the present. And because of this there is no karma that we can’t change.

The experiential implication of this view is empowerment, accountability, and the courage to change and, combining it with an understanding of the Buddha’s model of the mind, we gradually loosen the grip of ego-grasping and the other neuroses, thus developing our marvelous potential for clarity, self-confidence, empathy and the other qualities that Buddha says are at the core of our being.

Date & Time: Friday 7th September 7 – 8.30pm & Saturday 8th September 10am – 4.30pm

Cost: $100 / $85 for VI members

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

Explore the process of death and rebirth and its impact on how we live our lives. Learn to fulfill your purpose in life, resolve conflicts, and develop the skills to help yourself and others at death.

Date: Sunday 9 September

Time: 10am – 3.30pm

Cost: $35 / $30

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

About the teacher

Alan Marsh has been a student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and member of Vajrayana Institute since it began in the early 1980’s, under the directorship of Ven. Roger Kunsang. During his long association with VI, he’s occupied various positions on the management committee, and was a member of the board of FPMTA for several years. Alan also established and has maintained the garden at Ashfield after VI moved from Newtown, with the help of several kind volunteers.

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: Sundays

• August 5, 19, 26
• September 2, 9, 16, 23
• October 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am

Cost: $10/$9 VI member

After living in the Solomon Islands for many years and raising a family, Ven Dekyi became a nun in 1993. Over the intervening years Venerable Jampa Dekyi has studied most of the Basic Studies Program topics including Lama Tsong Khapa’s long Lam Rim, the Lam Rim Chen-mo. She was resident teacher at Vajrayana Institute in Sydney for five years and for a year at Kadam Sharawa Centre in Gosford.
Venerable Dekyi was a visiting teacher at Hayagriva Buddhist Centre before travelling to Tushita Meditation Centre India where she was the resident teacher for a period. She resides at Chenrezig Institute In Queeensland.

Learn the essential facts about the law of cause and effect. Explore ways to deal with life most effectively and take control of your future!

Dates: Mondays

• September 10, 17, 24,
• October 8, 15 [Oct 1st Public Holiday][5 weeks]

Retreat day Sunday 21 October

Time: 7-8.30pm

Cost: $112/$90 VI members;  Single sessions $25/$20 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

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 Buddhahood.  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

• August 7, 14, 21, 28
• September 4, 11, 18, 25
• October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• November 6, 13, 20, 27
• December 4, 11, 18 [20 weeks]

Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm

Cost: $265/$225 semester package or  $15/$13 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

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.

Participants receive teaching and instruction from Paul every second week. At other times participants are self directed.

Dates: Wednesdays

• August 1 8, 15, 22, 29
• September 5, 12, 19, 26
• October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• December 7, 12, 19 (22 weeks)

Time: 10:30am-12:30pm

Cost: $20/$18 VI member

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: Wednesdays

• August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• September 12, 19, 26
• October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• December 7, 12, 19

Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Cost: $10/$9 VI member

Renouncing the anxieties of the worldly concerns of this life is the first step if we want to be happy. They destroy our peace of mind and lead to negative emotions such as anger, attachment, jealousy, laziness and guilt. Learn how to recognise when they have taken control and what to do about it.

Date & time: 12, 19, 26 September; 7.00-8.30pm

Cost: $15/$13 or $40/$30 package for all teachings in the series

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

‘I bow to the one who, with no beginning, middle or end, has a serene stillness and is clear-minded and fully evolved, who became clear from his own aspects and once clear, shows fearless, constant paths of the mind to bring realisation to those with no realisation… ‘ Maitreya Buddha

One of the major texts studied in all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Maitreya’s Sublime Continuum clarifies the meaning of our tathagata essence or buddha potential in particular the emptiness of the mind that allows evolution to a state of complete enlightenment. The first chapter of this work which explains four related ‘vajra’ subjects – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha and buddha potential – is the focus of this teaching.

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

• August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• September 6, 13, 20, 27
• October 4, 11, 18, 25
• November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• December 6, 13, 20 [21 weeks]

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

Cost: $285/$245 (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.

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

• August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• September 7, 14, 21, 28
• October 5, 12, 19, 26
• November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• December 7, 14

Time: 11.15am -12.30pm

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

Shamatha is the practice of calming the mind and its ‘formations’. This is done by practicing single-pointed meditation most commonly through mindfulness of breathing. Shamatha is the basis of all Buddhist practice. The process of undoing bewilderment is based on stabilizing and strengthening our mind.

Dates: Saturday 15th September

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

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 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: Sundays

• August 5, 19, 26
• September 2, 9, 16, 23
• October 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am

Cost: $10/$9 VI member

After living in the Solomon Islands for many years and raising a family, Ven Dekyi became a nun in 1993. Over the intervening years Venerable Jampa Dekyi has studied most of the Basic Studies Program topics including Lama Tsong Khapa’s long Lam Rim, the Lam Rim Chen-mo. She was resident teacher at Vajrayana Institute in Sydney for five years and for a year at Kadam Sharawa Centre in Gosford.
Venerable Dekyi was a visiting teacher at Hayagriva Buddhist Centre before travelling to Tushita Meditation Centre India where she was the resident teacher for a period. She resides at Chenrezig Institute In Queeensland.

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.

Learn the essential facts about the law of cause and effect. Explore ways to deal with life most effectively and take control of your future!

Dates: Mondays

• September 10, 17, 24,
• October 8, 15 [Oct 1st Public Holiday][5 weeks]

Retreat day Sunday 21 October

Time: 7-8.30pm

Cost: $112/$90 VI members;  Single sessions $25/$20 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

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 Buddhahood.  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

• August 7, 14, 21, 28
• September 4, 11, 18, 25
• October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• November 6, 13, 20, 27
• December 4, 11, 18 [20 weeks]

Time: Tuesday evenings, 7pm – 8.30pm

Cost: $265/$225 semester package or  $15/$13 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

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.

Participants receive teaching and instruction from Paul every second week. At other times participants are self directed.

Dates: Wednesdays

• August 1 8, 15, 22, 29
• September 5, 12, 19, 26
• October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• December 7, 12, 19 (22 weeks)

Time: 10:30am-12:30pm

Cost: $20/$18 VI member

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: Wednesdays

• August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• September 12, 19, 26
• October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• December 7, 12, 19

Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Cost: $10/$9 VI member

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.

Renouncing the anxieties of the worldly concerns of this life is the first step if we want to be happy. They destroy our peace of mind and lead to negative emotions such as anger, attachment, jealousy, laziness and guilt. Learn how to recognise when they have taken control and what to do about it.

Date & time: 12, 19, 26 September; 7.00-8.30pm

Cost: $15/$13 or $40/$30 package for all teachings in the series

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

‘I bow to the one who, with no beginning, middle or end, has a serene stillness and is clear-minded and fully evolved, who became clear from his own aspects and once clear, shows fearless, constant paths of the mind to bring realisation to those with no realisation… ‘ Maitreya Buddha

One of the major texts studied in all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Maitreya’s Sublime Continuum clarifies the meaning of our tathagata essence or buddha potential in particular the emptiness of the mind that allows evolution to a state of complete enlightenment. The first chapter of this work which explains four related ‘vajra’ subjects – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha and buddha potential – is the focus of this teaching.

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

• August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• September 6, 13, 20, 27
• October 4, 11, 18, 25
• November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• December 6, 13, 20 [21 weeks]

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

Cost: $285/$245 (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.

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

• August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• September 7, 14, 21, 28
• October 5, 12, 19, 26
• November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• December 7, 14

Time: 11.15am -12.30pm

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

This year Vajrayana Institute is bouncing into spring with a Fete at its Open Day. For young and old, it will be a fun-filled day bringing the community together!

Face painting, second hand books, white elephant stall (second hand items), plant stall, high tea and chai and much, much more!

For those searching for pre-loved treasure, the VI Fete offers the bargain hunter an array of clothes, bric-a-brac, toys and books. And don’t forget the usual Open Day specialities of yoga, meditation and introductory talks about Buddhism.

With a raffle drawn at 2.30pm, you could even win yourself a fabulous prize! Don’t forget to pick up some $2 raffle tickets at reception on Fete day.

Save this date! Start spreading the word! Get your family and friends together and come along and join in on the fun at VI’s Fete and Open Day!

Saturday 22^nd September 10.00am – 3.00pm

Who is Vajrayogini? She is the ultimate flowering of the female energy that lies within all of us, a fully enlightened buddha, the essence of totality- beyond duality, beyond ego, and fully controlled. Emphasizing wisdom, the yoga method of Vajrayogini trains us to identify with her divine qualities and leads us on the quickest path to enlightenment.

“The Vajrayogini yoga method is extremely powerful. It is just what we need in these degenerate times, with our delusions running rampant and our minds grasping at concretized sense pleasures. Therefore, a method such as this, which has the wisdom to transform delusions, is of the utmost need, especially as it has the profound property of becoming more powerful as delusions becomes stronger.” –Lama Thubten Yeshe

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 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: Sundays

• August 5, 19, 26
• September 2, 9, 16, 23
• October 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am

Cost: $10/$9 VI member

After living in the Solomon Islands for many years and raising a family, Ven Dekyi became a nun in 1993. Over the intervening years Venerable Jampa Dekyi has studied most of the Basic Studies Program topics including Lama Tsong Khapa’s long Lam Rim, the Lam Rim Chen-mo. She was resident teacher at Vajrayana Institute in Sydney for five years and for a year at Kadam Sharawa Centre in Gosford.
Venerable Dekyi was a visiting teacher at Hayagriva Buddhist Centre before travelling to Tushita Meditation Centre India where she was the resident teacher for a period. She resides at Chenrezig Institute In Queeensland.