Introduction to Meditation

Garrie O'Toole

2.30pm - 4pm, Sundays

14 & 21 April

At E-Vam Institute, Carlton North

This course will introduce the basic theory and practice of meditation as practiced in the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. We will explore issues of posture, mental attitude, obstacles to meditation and their antidotes as well as commonly experienced stages along the path. The course will introduce a number of difference meditation techniques including Tranquil Abiding meditation and Insight (Vipassana) meditation. The course involves discussion and practical exercises and serves as an introductory course on its own, or a foundation for the Introduction to Lojong Meditation course in May. Sessions can also be attended individually.

Garrie O’Toole has been involved in Buddhist practice and study since 1978. He has been a student of Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche since 1984 and has completed a Master of Arts Degree in Buddhist Studies.

Lineage and Devotion

Jakob Leschly

730-9pm Wednesday

17 April 2013

At E-Vam Institute, Carlton North

In the vajrayana path, enlightenment is manifest as our teacher, the guru, and all aspects of the vajrayana path are merely ways of integrating the guru’s inspiration. Although embodying what is beyond thought, words and expression, the guru is with us in a perceptible form, so with the memory of the guru, awakening is with us at any time we choose to think of them. An evening of exploring how we can cultivate our extraordinary lineage heritage of wisdom and compassion through the path of devotion and blessing.

Jakob Leschly began his studies of Buddhism in 1974 and has studied with numerous great teachers, particularly Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Jakob completed a three year retreat in 1984 and has since worked as a translator and interpreter as well as a philosophy and meditation instructor. He has also completed a BA in Tibetan Studies. He now lives with his family in New South Wales and teaches in Australia and New Zealand.

Finding the Middle Way in Post/Modernity

Jakob Leschly and Dr Kathleen Gregory

730-9pm Thursday 18 April

Postmodernism describes not only a particular philosophical stance but is also a descriptor for our contemporary time which is characterised by the rejection of tradition, principles and certainty. At the extreme, it purports nihilism but at the same time, ‘postmodernists’ engage in the world making decisions about how they conduct their lives and how they treat others. We are interested in addressing two interrelated areas: Firstly, Buddhism and ‘emptiness’ in particular, which is often used by postmodernists to support the nihilistic position. Secondly, the question of ethics remains problematic within a postmodern landscape wherein from a Buddhist view, it can be said ‘emptiness’ and ‘ethics’ are mutually realised. This talk will explore these ideas and provide an opportunity for discussion.

Jakob Leschly began his studies of Buddhism in 1974 and has studied with numerous great teachers, particularly Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Jakob completed a three year retreat in 1984 and has since worked as a translator and interpreter as well as a philosophy and meditation instructor. He has also completed a BA in Tibetan Studies. He now lives with his family in New South Wales and teaches in Australia and New Zealand.

Dr Kathleen Gregory has been a psychologist for over twenty years, she is a Member of the College of Counseling Psychologists and also an academic. She has been a Buddhist practitioner under the guidance of Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche since 1994. She has an MA in Psychoanalytic Studies and a PhD in Comparative Philosophy. She coordinates the Master of Counseling program at La Trobe University, works in private practice, and has been a regular presenter at E-Vam Institute on Buddhism and Psychotherapy.

Introduction to Lojong Meditation

Garrie O'Toole

2.30pm - 4pm

Sundays 5-26 May

At E-Vam Institute, Carlton North

For many centuries Indian and Tibetan Buddhists have employed this collection of pithy, penetrating Dharma slogans to develop compassion, equanimity, loving kindness, and joy for others. Known as 'lojong', or mind-training , these slogans have been the subject of deep study, contemplation and commentary by many great masters. This course will introduce the lojong slogans and how they can be used in meditation. The course will be based on the commentary by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche in his book 'The Practice of Lojong: Cultivating Compassion through Training the Mind', Shambhala Publications 2003.

Garrie O’Toole has been involved in Buddhist practice and study since 1978. He has been a student of Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche since 1984 and has completed a Master of Arts Degree in Buddhist Studies.

Buddhism offers a comprehensive 'psychology' detailing not only the characteristics and attributes of optimum 'psychological healthiness', but also the habits and tendencies which hamper or hinder that healthiness. From this perspective, our 'psychology' from a Buddhist view has both the capacity for transformation of what are regarded as 'mental afflictions', and the concomitant flourishing of our mental health. Fundamentally, all our experiences can become the foundation for making our life a completely workable situation. Through lectures, discussions, meditation and contemplations this course explores the parameters and applications of Buddhist psychology within psychotherapy and in relation to common clinical presentations. This course is open to both psychotherapists as well as others interested to explore the helpfulness of Buddhist psychology in their own lives.

Dr Kathleen Gregory is a counselling psychologist, academic, and has been a Buddhist practitioner for over sixteen years. She has an MA in Psychoanalytic Studies and a PhD in Comparative Philosophy. She coordinates the Master of Counselling program at La Trobe University, works in private practice, and has been a regular presenter at the E-Vam Institute on Buddhism and Psychotherapy.

This course will introduce students to the Hachi Dainingaku, translated as ‘On the Eight Realisations of a Great One’ from Dogen Zenji's famous text the Shobogenzo. This text is said to be the last that Zen Master Dogen wrote before his death in 1253, and includes many quotes from Buddha. The course is suitable for everyone interested in Zen Buddhism including beginners as well as those who have practiced Zen or another Buddhist tradition for some time.

Ekai Korematsu Osho is resident teacher of Jikishoan Zen Community in Melbourne. He is a transmitted teacher in the lineage of the Soto Zen tradition in Japan and has taught meditation in Japan, India and the USA for over 30 years. Since 1997 he has been a Faculty Member of Antioch University, USA, for Education Abroad Buddhist Studies Program.

Under -35s Buddhist Study Group

Each Saturday at 3.00pm

Dates: TBA

Please contact Lena to be added to the mailing list which includes announcements of course dates.

Contact: Lena Vizzone - lena@evaminstitute.org

Venue E-Vam Institute, Carlton North

This is the second part of a two part series offered to younger people (aged 35 and under) with an interest in Buddhism. This is delivered as an informal discussion group facilitated by young students of Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX.

We will be following Rinpoche's "The Essence of Buddhism" and cover topics such as Insight Meditation, Dealing with conflicting emotions, Spiritual Progress and Mahamudra teachings & meditation.

Each class runs for approximately one hour which includes ten minutes of guided meditation. The class is on Saturday at 3pm for four weeks starting February 9, 2013 and costs only $5 per class.

This study group is a great opportunity for young people with an interest in Buddhism to deepen their knowledge and understanding of important Buddhist concepts, as well as discuss their learnings with other young people who share an interest in Buddhism.


Cost: $5
Location: E-Vam Institute, 673 Lygon Street, Carlton North
Contact: Lena Vizzone - lena@evaminstitute.org

Shogam Vidhalaya:
Study group for under 35s
at E-Vam Institute Melbourne

TBA

Please contact Lena to be added to the mailing list which includes announcements of course dates.

Contact: Lena Vizzone - lena@evaminstitute.org

The Shogam Vidhslaya students, having commenced their studies under the tutelage of Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche IX, with Mipham Rinpoche's Gateway to Knowledge, will continue their studies in 2013. The course requires a commitment to four years of study, with an option to continue for an extra four years. Students are expected to attend classes regularly, complete assigned homework on a weekly basis, and expand their Dharma vocabulary in English and Sanskrit.

Four years will be devoted to studying classic texts of the Abhidharma, Madhyamika, and Yogacharya, both in theory and practice and then an additional four years will be devoted to Tantric and Mahamudra studies and practice if people want to go further. The majority of the works of the main Indian and Tibetan masters will be studied. For enquiries please contact Lena Vizzone at lena@evaminstitute.org.

Under 35’s Vajrasattva Puja Practice

Dates: First Saturday of the month

Time: 10.30 am
Venue: E-VAM Institute

Please contact Lena to be added to the mailing list which includes announcements of course dates.

Contact: Lena Vizzone - lena@evaminstitute.org

Traleg Rinpoche suggested the under 35’s group practice this puja on the first Saturday of the month. This is free of charge and suitable for beginners and for those curious about practice within the Tibetan Buddhist system.

Texts of the practice will be available and also ritual implements will be available for purchase for those wishing to participate on a regular basis. However it is not necessary to have the ritual implements to participate in the group practice. We look forward to seeing you there.

For any further queries please call the E-Vam office on 9387 0422.