Buddhist Meditation, Philosophy & Practices 2025

With Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre

We run weekly sessions that include instruction in Buddhist meditation practices, presentations of Buddhist teachings, together with opportunities for questions and discussion in a supportive group. Beginners are very welcome.

During 2025 we will present and investigate the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, one of the major texts of Tibetan Buddhism. This text outlines a progressive path of mental and emotional transformation involving study, contemplation and meditation. This path enables ordinary people like us to develop increasing levels of mental calm, kindness, happiness, and clarity about reality. These qualities enable us to live more skilfully and to help others more effectively.

Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre continues to offer this program every year in recognition of the deepening understanding and transformation that results from repeated study and contemplation of the Stages of the Path. The sessions are presented by senior students who have studied and practiced Buddhist teachings for several decades. We value questions and discussion during our sessions!

• The first Tuesday of each month is devoted to introducing and practising various types of Buddhist meditation. This is a great opportunity to learn to meditate from experienced meditators in a supportive environment.

• For the remaining Tuesdays of each month, we present the Buddhist philosophical framework and the logical arguments and ethical guidelines that, when contemplated and practiced, lead to transformation of the mind and heart.

Please Note: For people experiencing mental health conditions, meditation is not a substitute for professional clinical treatment. Furthermore, meditation may be harmful for people experiencing Complex Trauma, PTSD, significant Substance Dependence or Psychotic Disorders. If in doubt, please seek advice from a psychologist or psychiatrist before attending.

September Program

During August, we explored how a practitioner following the path of great scope develops bodhicitta – the determination to become enlightened in order to gain the skillful means to benefit all sentient beings.  When someone develops this vast aspiration, they become a bodhisattva.  Through practising the Six Perfections - Generosity, Ethics, Patience, Joyous Effort, Concentration and Wisdom - bodhisattvas accumulate the causes and conditions that lead to buddhahood.

Fortunately for those of us who are not yet bodhisattvas, His Holiness the Dalai Lama says we can nevertheless practice similitudes of the Six Perfections, and through practising these, we can continually expand our capacity for love and compassion. 

We will begin September with Maurice leading a practice session on the practice of Giving and Taking or Tong Len.  During the following weeks we will explore the Perfections of Generosity, Ethics, Patience and Joyous Effort.  Practising these four perfections helps to create a vast store of positive karmic potentials that are necessary to bring about full awakening or buddhahood.

2nd September              Tong Len practice session (Maurice Oliver)

9th September               Generosity (Tony Were)

16th September            Ethics (Julia Broome)

23rd September            Patience (Maurice Oliver)

30th September            Joyous Effort (Tony Dix)

LOCATION

• You can attend the sessions in person at Kickstart Arts in New Town, Hobart or via Zoom. The venue is wheelchair accessible. The Zoom link will be sent via email after you book.

COST

• There is no charge for attending these sessions, however you are encouraged to make a donation toward Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre’s ongoing running costs when booking a ticket. Suggested donation $5-$25 per session, according to your circumstances.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

• An opportunity to learn and practice mindfulness and other Buddhist meditation practices.

• An introduction and explanation of both basic and more advanced teachings of the Buddha.

• A supportive environment to discuss and ask questions about Buddhist teachings and practice.

WHAT TO BRING

• Your curiosity, interest and intention to learn more about Buddhism.

• A cushion or two if you wish to meditate in a traditional cross-legged posture.

• Meditating while sitting on a chair or lying on the floor is also fine if this is more comfortable for you.

Got a question? Please contact info@tashicholing.net