Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden in Australia
Freedom, non-violence and peace for better world conditions
Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden is founder and spiritual leader
of the Tibetan Buddhist Society. He addresses the needs of the world in the spheres
of Buddhism, religion generally, community leadership, environment, national development
and international issues.
Drawing from his eight internationally acclaimed books, used
as the basis for the propagation of his teachings, Geshe-la asks that Buddhists
embrace non-violence, freedom and peace. With the deepest respect he appeals to
all the great religious traditions of the world to take common values – love, compassion
and charity – as the basis for harmony. He would have all leaders - religious, political,
business or communal - be wise, well intended and, above all, honest! We have great
examples to follow in this in Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and His Holiness the
Dalai Lama.
In the face of climate change, Geshe-la promotes care for
the environment through the use of clean energy – solar, wind or hydro – and a water
strategy including recycling: the means used for the care of the Tibetan Buddhist
Society gardens.
Geshe-la would have the nations of the world move away from
the destruction and senseless waste of human life resulting from military interventions,
to balance rich and poor, developing and developed. He prays for the end of any
military occupation, from the Gaza to Tibet, so that every person may enjoy the
type of freedom that we have in Australia.
Unbroken lineage
Born in 1924, Geshe-la became a monk when he was seven. Trained
with discipline and dedication rare in today’s world, he embodies an unbroken lineage
of the Buddhist teachings dating back to the Buddha himself.
Geshe Loden received his full training at Sera Je Monastery
in Tibet when it was one of the three great monasteries in the world. In 1959 China’s
invasion of Tibet destroyed meant the end of many monasteries and along with many
other Tibetans Geshe-la escaped on foot to India to continue his practice and studies.
Geshe Loden is one of the few Dharma teachers in the world
to have attained the highest level of proficiency in all the major spheres of Buddhist
thought. He holds the highest possible degree of Geshe Lharampa, a Master’s degree
in Vajrayana Buddhism and an Acharya (Master’s) degree from Varanasi Sanskrit University
in India.
Coming to Australia
Since coming to Australia to teach in 1976 Geshe-la has presented
meditation and lecture courses and vajrayana teachings to thousands of students,
including subjects never taught here before.
Geshe-la founded the Tibetan Buddhist Society in 1979.
The sacred temple and tranquil gardens of the Peaceful Land of Joy Meditation Centre
in Melbourne reflect his gratitude for the support and shelter he has enjoyed in
Australia over the past 30 years.
Major achievements
Geshe Loden said he feels his life has had three major achievements
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to have studied and practised thoroughly and with great energy
through many hardships to become a Lharampa Geshe
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to have constructed a traditional Tibetan temple in Australia
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to have authored seven Dharma books and a prayer book.
He rejoices in his actions since coming to Australia as a
refugee – when he had little money or English - by thinking of the great benefit
to other living beings.
For many years I have eaten Australian food, drunk Australian
water, had shelter and conditions provided by the Australian people. My activities
are to repay the kindness of the Australian people.
Read the full biography of Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden
Geshe Loden in Tibet
Geshe Loden in India
Geshe Loden in Australia
Geshe Loden’s books
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