Buddhist Meditation, Teachings and Practice

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 who sought to present the Buddha’s teaching in an easy to follow and logical sequence of understanding and practice.

During September, we will investigate the perfection of concentration which results in meditative stability known as calm abiding or serenity.  Serenity is the fifth of the Six Perfections practised by Bodhisattvas on the path to awakening in order to benefit all living beings. 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama states that with meditative stability, all our virtuous activities become more focussed and have a stronger effect on our mind, for example, reflecting on Dharma topics, visualisations or reciting prayers.  Serenity combined with insight and focussed on emptiness can remove all afflictions and cognitive obscurations from our minds.  Serenity makes the body and mind more peaceful which brings happiness in this life. 

Tony Were will introduce concentration (samadhi) including its definition, features, the role of mindfulness and introspection, how concentration relates to ethics and to wisdom, the hindrances to developing concentration and their antidotes.

Maurice Oliver will follow this introduction with a detailed presentation on serenity based on traditional lamrim texts.

3rd September:                 Meditation practice with Kate MacNicol

10th September:               Introduction to Concentration with Tony Were

17th September:               Serenity with Maurice Oliver

24th September:               Serenity with Maurice Oliver

The Dharma Library will be open for browsing and borrowing 7:30pm – 8:30pm on Tuesday 10th & 24th September.

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