buddhist meditation classes in melbourne

 

These summaries are provided to inform interested supporters and friends of the Peaceful Land of Joy Meditation Centre about recent issues discussed at TBS directors’ meetings.

Melbourne directors meet four to six times a year. After each meeting a summary will be posted on the Community Information page on the Society’s website with a link from regular newsletters and communications. You may wish to bookmark this link on your browser.

22 June 2024

Updates from last meeting

  • First Aid Proposal – A proposal, for first aid training has been developed and has been distributed for review.
  • TBS Solar – further exploration to determine if the roof is strong enough to support Solar panels.
  • Vajrayana retreat – Tim McKibben and Jean D’Cruz to lead it.
  • Visiting teachers – A plan is in development for visiting Geshes and will be finalised in consultation with the Events and Classes Team.

Photos of Loden Rinpoche – guidelines

  • Guidelines to be developed for TBS people travelling to India about taking photos of Rinpoche. Taking and use of photos of children need to be handled with care and Geshe Loden was very careful about how photos were taken of him.

Photos of Loden Rinpoche

  • Photos will be selected for the TBS temple and publications such as the newsletter.

Festival Update

  • As many people are travelling to India for Rinpoche’s enthronement ceremony there is a need to simplify the Buddhist Spring Festival. It was decided to do a ‘light’ festival with a Christmas lunch on the same day.

Associate director nominations

  • Directors nominated potential Associate directors. From this list 3 will be selected by Directors voting and they will be approached to see if they are happy to take up this role. The aim is to expand the range of our community members to help guide the future of the centre .

Heating for Residents

  • It is important to provide a comfortable environment for residents and there is a gap in heating of common areas. A proposal will be developed.

Denma College Request

  • Denma have asked TBS to help with the building of a path from Denma college to the Sera Je temple. TBS Directors agreed to sending a donation of $1,000.

Next meeting: Saturday 7  September 1.30pm

 7 September 2024

Updates from last meeting

  • First Aid Proposal – A proposal, for first aid training of some residents and purchase of a defibrillator, has been sent to directors – carried forward for discussion at a future meeting.
  • TBS Solar – on hold pending resolution of temple roof issues.
  • Heating/cooling for residents – reverse cycle systems have been installed in central kitchen and East house meals areas.
  • Invited Geshes – There are 2 slots on 2025 calendar for invited Geshes/Lamas. sp the group working on this proposal can plan accordingly.
  • TBS donation to Denma college – $1000 has been donated for building a path.

Associate director nominations

  • Three (new) Associate director nominees were proposed They will be approached to see if they are happy to take up this role. The aim is to expand the range of our community members to help guide the future of the centre .

Leaders for long retreats 2025

  • Les to be invited to lead Yamantaka retreat, in addition to the January Mahamudra retreat in 2025. Need leader for mid-year retreat. Retreat team suggest topic of The Six Perfections.

Photos of Loden Rinpoche – guidelines

  • Guidelines have been developed and circulated. Purpose is to share with TBS people travelling to India. In general, pictures of children need to be handled carefully, and Geshe-la was always very careful with how his pictures were used. Directors requested to provide feedback on guidelines.

Prayer book for individuals

  • Proposal for a book in the temple, for individuals to write their (or others) names in (with any accompanying details) to request healing prayers, to be placed on altar or a side table. Clear instructions to be provided regarding consideration of privacy and that the details entered will be in a public space. Good for community spirit, to raise awareness of issues people have, and an opportunity for people to have prayers said for themselves ( The proposal was accepted.

Tushita website and dust covers

  • Proposal tabled for new Tushita website, and commemorative dust covers to mark Loden Rinpoche’s recognition (details previously circulated). Aim of the proposal was to make the Tushita books more attractive to younger people and a global audience, through a more youthful aesthetic. A separate Tushita website would enable a fresh look and feel with better SEO etc via social media marketing. There was in principle support for the website concept, with some further consideration required about the dust covers, The proposal will be worked through in more detail by the Tushita team and others .

Next meeting: Saturday 7 December 1.30pm