by Anna Goldstein
The unprecedented era in which we live is full of wondrous and less wondrous occurrences.
One of the most momentous advances has been the arrival and accessibility of highly realised Dharma teachers in the West, from all Buddhist and cultural traditions.
This article offers homage to such teachers and expresses our appreciation and gratitude for the unbelievable opportunity we have been offered to embrace the rare and precious Dharma teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Early days
Prior to the 1950s, Western access to Buddhist teachers was very limited and could involve long and difficult journeys to Eastern countries. Many Asian countries had few Western visitors, and access to food and other services was not easy, not to mention the significant language and cultural barriers faced by aspiring students.
During the 1960s and 70s, travel became progressively easier, and step by step, there was greater cultural exchange and increasing opportunities for those interested in the inner world of the mind, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy. For many Westerners, Tibetan Buddhism held strong appeal.
In 1959, following the tragic invasion by outside forces, His Holiness and many high lamas fled Tibet and were offered refuge in India. Their arrival in India was a silver lining for Western students as many of these lamas had studied and meditated for decades and carried precious Dharma knowledge, along with the wish to impart it to those interested from every background.
With the generous offer of access to land by their Indian hosts, Tibetan refugees, guided by His Holiness, established replicas of significant Tibetan monasteries in both northern and southern India.
The gift of Dharma to the West
Groups of young spiritual seekers began to visit India to study and to invite Buddhist teachers to the West. Some of the earliest spiritual leaders in the West included Venerable Geshe Sopa at Deer Park Institute in the United States and Venerable Geshe Rabten, founder of Rabten Choeling in Switzerland. Lama Yeshe established centres in many countries through the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, with far-reaching impact.
Venerable Geshe Loden came to Australia during this period, initially at the invitation of Lama Yeshe, and from 1976 was the first full time resident Tibetan lama in this country. Geshe Loden ultimately went on to establish our own Tibetan Buddhist Society centres in 1979.
From the late 1970s to the mid-2000s, His Holiness the Dalai Lama also travelled the world, inspiring thousands of Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, eager to hear his ecumenical message of world peace, universal responsibility, compassion, secular ethics, and many profound Buddhist teachings.
Homage to our wonderful teachers
The Tibetan Buddhist Society and everything we experience flows from this foundation. The following list pays homage to our opportunities here in our homeland, Australia, none of which would have been possible 80 years ago, and none of which would have been possible without these remarkable high lamas.
The courage, fortitude, determination, wisdom, love, and compassion of these marvellous human beings – just like us, victims of the fragilities of the human condition – is beyond all goodness.
Heartfelt thanks to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his unwavering dedication to preserving and sharing Tibetan culture and Buddhism. His countless contributions to benefit all living beings. Read more here.
Gratitude to the early Tibetan teachers like Venerables Geshe Rabten, Geshe Sopa, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa who brought Buddhism to the West with great courage and vision.
Infinite and deep thanks to our own founder and spiritual guide, Venerable Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden, who, at 55 commenced a remarkable 33-year project to establish thriving Dharma centres and to author nine essential, internationally acclaimed Dharma texts here in Australia. Read more in his biography and an earlier newsletter edition featuring photos and text about his early life in Australia.
We also express our gratitude to the esteemed teachers who continue to advance teaching and blessings across the world, including His Eminence Ling Rinpoche; resident instructors such as Venerable Geshe Doga from Tara Institute and Venerable Geshe Rabten from Atisha Centre; as well as the renowned lama, Zasep Tulku Rinpoche initially Geshe Loden’s translator, and the founder of vibrant Dharma centres in Canada and Australia.
Lastly, thank you to young lamas like Loden Rinpoche, the reincarnation of Geshe Loden, who dedicate their lives to the Dharma from a young age. Read more here.
We are truly fortunate and deeply grateful to receive these exceptional blessings and teachings.