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 continue 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.

During July we will investigate the teachings on Bodhicitta. This Sanskrit word may be translated as the mind of enlightenment or the altruistic intention. Bodhicitta refers to the intention to become fully awakened in order to benefit all other beings. This vast intention, which is based on great compassion, is said to be the essence of Mahayana Buddhist practice and the seed of enlightenment or Buddhahood.

Geshe Tashi Tsering explains the worldly benefits from practising Bodhicitta as: “The primary concern of bodhicitta is to develop a caring attitude toward others and by doing this we will reduce our attachment, aversion and ignorance. As a result, we will become happier and more content. We will also become less fearful of losing objects of attachment or of unwanted events. We will become less focused on our personal problems and have more space for others”.

2nd July: Meditation practice evening with Kate & Janice

9th July: Meeting Suffering with Compassion, Louise Taylor

16th July: Great Compassion & Bodhicitta, Sue Willey

23rd July: Great Compassion & Bodhicitta, Sue Willey

30th July: Sangha video night – topic tba

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