by Emily Anderson and Tarun Subba
Hi! We are Emily and Tarun, and we’ve been volunteering at the Tibetan Buddhist Society for about two years now. It’s been an amazing experience! Meeting new people and being part of this beautiful sangha established by Geshe Loden has been deeply fulfilling.
We first heard about TBS through the positive words of friends, and we were welcomed from the start. Each time stepping through the gates we experience an immense feeling of unforgettable peace. As a Buddhist couple, we value giving time and contributing to temples and communities around Australia, and we find so many opportunities here to fulfill this and be of benefit to others.
We have had many opportunities to help wherever we’re needed, especially during big events. We truly enjoy welcoming visitors and helping during events at the Tibetan Buddhist Society, like the New Year Meditation Festival, Vietnamese New Year, Buddhist Spring Festival, garden open days and working bees.
We also assist when high lamas visit the centre for teachings and empowerments. and especially enjoy creating flower arrangements for these occasions. Lately, we’ve been assisting in the centre’s Enjoyment Shop, and this has been wonderful.
From time to time, we enjoy the insightful meditation sessions on Tuesdays that draw from the treasure trove of Geshe-la’s extensive publications. We also participate in other on-site practices and online teachings. Interacting with different sangha members and visitors is something we both cherish. These moments allow us to learn and grow through others’ personal life experiences and perspectives.
Whether in the tranquil gardens or the incredible temple, being at the centre feels blissful, peaceful and memorable, and we genuinely feel the warm presence of Geshe-la still there to this day.
Volunteering is not only our way to integrate Dharma into daily life; but also our small way of contributing to Geshe-la’s incredible dedication in creating such a beautiful temple and sangha, where the Dharma can flourish.
Read similar: Repaying Geshe-la’s kindness by Jonathan Parker.
If you are interested in volunteering at TBS please see our Volunteer hub for further information.