Buddhist Meditations, Teachings & Practices

with Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre

A program of weekly sessions that include instruction in Buddhist meditation practices and presentations of Buddhist teachings together with opportunities for questions and discussion. Beginners are welcome.

During 2024 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 in turn, enable us to help others more effectively.

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. There will also be a short meditation and opportunity for questions and discussion each session.

The sessions are presented by senior students from Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre who have studied and practiced Buddhist teachings for several decades.

There is no charge for attending, however participants 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.

If you wish to attend in person, please be reassured that our venue is wheelchair accessible. For those wishing to attend via Zoom, the link will be sent by email after you book.

Upcoming Program

We are continuing to follow the graduated path to enlightenment, a step by step series of contemplations through which the mind is brought to awakening, as first compiled by Je Tsong Kha Pa, renowned Tibetan yogi and scholar of the late 14th/early 15th century, who sought to capture the Buddha’s teaching in an easy to follow and logical sequence of understanding and practice.

On Tuesday 7th May, Kate MacNicol will lead a meditation practice evening.

On Tuesdays, 14, 21 and 28 May. Sue Willey will teach on the first two of the Four Noble Truths.

The Four Noble Truths – the Noble Truth of Dukkha, or as it is most commonly translated, the Truth of Suffering, the Noble Truth of the Cause or Origin of that Suffering, The Noble Truth of the Ending of Suffering, and the Noble Truth of the Path to the Ending of Suffering – were the first things the historical Buddha taught after his awakening, and are the core of all teaching in the buddhadharma. In many ways, they encapsulate every other aspect of understanding and practice in the buddhadharma and remain an ongoing touchstone for all on this path.

First we must be willing to acknowledge our suffering rather than running away from it, or blindly reacting to difficult circumstances. It is through meeting our suffering, gently and compassionately, that we are then able to look deeply into it to understand what it is that gives rise to that suffering.

This will provide the foundation for later in the program when the third and fourth Noble Truths will be explored and we learn that through understanding what gives rise to suffering we see that an end to it is possible and available and discover ways in which we can bring that about.

During May we will explore what the Buddha had to say about suffering, and through facilitated discussion and the opportunity to ask questions, as well as mindfulness, calming and analytical meditations, we will begin to explore and understand our own experience of these great Truths.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

An opportunity to learn and practice mindfulness and other meditations.
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 find out or 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.

HOW TO FIND THE GOLDEN ROOM

Please go to this page which will show you how to access the room where meditations are held.

WHAT ABOUT COVID?

The Tasmanian Department of Health classifies the current risk as low.

We ask that you please attend from home if you are experiencing COVID-19 or cold or flu-like symptoms.

People at risk of severe illness should consider wearing a face mask when attending in person.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Please Note: For people experiencing mental health conditions, meditation is not a substitute for professional clinical treatment. In particular, 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.

Got a question? Please contact info@tashicholing.net