Our Program

The Centre offers a variety of teachings, meditations, retreats and pujas (rituals).
All classes held at 9 Sherman Ave, Katoomba.
Everyone is welcome - You don't have to be Buddhist or become one to attend our classes.
The Centre is open to everyone on Wednesdays & Fridays 2pm - 4.30pm. Come along and enjoy the quietness of the Library/Reading Room & Meditation Room with Tea & Coffee available in the Kitchen. Children's activities and books are available but require parent/carers supervision. Library borrowing rights are limited to current members only.

Tuesdays

Discovering Buddhism

A new 5 weekly block of this 14 module series of the ABC's of Tibetan Buddhism gives the newer student a deeper understanding of basic concepts and practices according to the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. Developed as a study program, participants will be asked to read hand-out materials, engage in light verbal/written exams to ascertain clear understanding, and to deepen that understanding. The 5th session of each module will be devoted to a meditational practice session. Subjects include How to Meditate, Presenting the Spiritual Path, Death and Rebirth, Transforming Problems. It's optimal to attend all modules but not required - you may choose the module of interest. Suitable for everyone.

Module 2 continuing:
This 5 week series is designed for people with little, or no, knowledge of meditation and Buddhism. It is an introduction course for people wishing to learn to meditate but cautious of anything "religious". As such, the primary aim is to present methods which are able to benefit the participants relatively quickly. Buddhist jargon is kept to a minimum and definitions made in general, easily understood terms.

Teacher: Venerable Tencho
Dates: Tuesday 7th, 14th and 21st September
Times:
Mornings: 10.30am - 12 noon
Evenings: 7pm - 8.30pm
Suggested contribution: $15. $10 members/concession.

Wednesdays

Meditation Classes

Morning Mindfulness 10.30 - 11.30am
Developing a focused mind that allows creativity and clarity to arise isn't something difficult or mysterious. It simply takes familiarity and practice. Benefit your physical and mental states by training the mind to be calm, peaceful and happy. Suitable for everyone . Bookings not required.

Teacher: Venerable Tencho
Dates: Wednesday 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th September.
Time: 10.30 - 11.30am
Suggested contribution: $5 per session.

Evening Guided Meditation 7.15 - 8.15pm
Guided Buddhist Meditations using reflection and visualization to transform and lighten the mind, creating positive attitudes to benefit oneself and your relationship with others. Suitable for everyone. Bookings not required.

Teacher: Venerable Tencho
Dates: Wednesday 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th September.
Time: 7pm - 8pm
Suggested contribution: $5 per session.

Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th September

Four Immeasurable Qualities of the Heart,
presented by Wai Cheong Kok

The immeasurable qualities of love, compassion, joy and equanimity are also known as the "Brahma Vihara"--the divine abiding of the heart. When we cultivate and enhance these natural qualities of ours, we too can find such a sublime abiding in our day-to-day living. This retreat features a combination of explanation, guided meditations, q&a for exploring the conditions that encourage and the obstacles that hinder their development. Lunch provided.

Teacher: Wai Cheong Kok
Date: Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th September.
Time: 10am - 4pm
Suggested contribution: $30 each day. $25 daily for members/concession.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL, simply fill in the form below:

Saturday 11th September

The Four Dharma Seals, with Geshe Samten.

As Buddhism expanded from India into the east and west, by necessity it melded with established culture and traditional religions of the area. However, there are four characteristics that specifically define Buddhism.
1. All compounded phenomena are impermanent.
2. All contaminated emotions are suffering.
3. All phenomena are empty.
4. Nirvana is peace and beyond concepts.

Geshe Samten will explain the meaning of these Four Seals, how they relate to everyday living, and for our mind and spiritual development. Understanding and acceptance of these Seals are what defines you as a Buddhist. Come along and check it out for yourself.

Teacher: Geshe Samten.
Date: Saturday 11th September.
Time: 2pm - 5pm.
Suggested contribution: $25. $20 members/concession
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL, before 7pm Thursday 9th :
To book, email julessappho@gmail.com. Thank-you.

Sunday 12th September

Meditation

Guided Buddhist Meditations using reflection and visualisation to transform and lighten the mind, creating positive attitudes to benefit oneself and your relationship with others. Suitable for everyone. Bookings not required, just drop in!

Teacher: Venerable Tencho.
Date: Sunday 12th September.
Time: 9.30 - 10.30am.
Suggested contribution: $10.

Sunday 12th September

A Knit-in!
Calling All Knitters & Crocheters

The earthquake that hit Tibet in April this year has left many people in need. With the Tibetan Winter fast approaching, woollen jumpers are needed for the children. Knit for Tibet is the charity that will ensure our knitted items get to those children in need. Please visit their website for more information. http://www.kyegurelieffund.org/knit-for-tibet.php
To kick start this project, please join us at the centre on Sunday 12th September from 1pm-4pm & again on Sunday 19th September from 10am -1pm. Coffee, tea & cake will be provided.

Please bring all your supplies to make a jumper including wool (Knit for Tibet has asked that we use 100% wool, or close to it, for its warmth and water and fire resistant qualities), needles or hooks & patterns. Be as colourful and creative as you like! Please use dark and bright colours, rather than white or light coloured wool.

Here are a few websites that offer free patterns.
Ravelry - To access the free patterns you'll need to register (free): https://www.ravelry.com/account/login
Lion Brand - To access the free patterns, you'll need to register (free): https://www.lionbrand.com
Crochet Pattern Central - No sign in is required to view free patterns. http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php
Knitting Pattern Central - No sign in is required to view free patterns. http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory.php

Don't wait until the 12th to start your jumper...start today!
For those of you who aren't knitters or crocheters, please think about donating some pure wool or a few dollars so wool can be purchased for our knitters. If you have any questions about the knitting days please email Jules Sappho:- julessappho@gmail.com
Date: Sunday 12th September.
Time: 1pm - 4pm.

Saturday 18th September

Ritual Practice Afternoon - Green Tara

These free afternoon sessions introduce the student to some of the basic rituals and prayers of Tibetan Buddhism. Green Tara - learn the benefits of chanting Tara's praises and puja set-up.
Suitable for everyone, children friendly classes.

Date: Saturday 18th September.
Time: 2pm - 4pm.
Contribution Free.

Sunday 19th September

A Knit-in!
Calling All Knitters & Crocheters

The earthquake that hit Tibet in April this year has left many people in need. With the Tibetan Winter fast approaching, woollen jumpers are needed for the children. Knit for Tibet is the charity that will ensure our knitted items get to those children in need. Please visit their website for more information. http://www.kyegurelieffund.org/knit-for-tibet.php
To kick start this project, please join us at the centre on Sunday 12th September from 1pm-4pm & again on Sunday 19th September from 10am -1pm. Coffee, tea & cake will be provided.
Please bring all your supplies to make a jumper including wool (Knit for Tibet has asked that we use 100% wool, or close to it, for its warmth and water and fire resistant qualities), needles or hooks & patterns. Be as colourful and creative as you like! Please use dark and bright colours, rather than white or light coloured wool.

Here are a few websites that offer free patterns.
Ravelry - To access the free patterns you'll need to register (free): https://www.ravelry.com/account/login
Lion Brand - To access the free patterns, you'll need to register (free): https://www.lionbrand.com
Crochet Pattern Central - No sign in is required to view free patterns. http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php
Knitting Pattern Central - No sign in is required to view free patterns. http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory.php

Don't wait until the 19th to start your jumper...start today!
For those of you who aren't knitters or crocheters, please think about donating some pure wool or a few dollars so wool can be purchased for our knitters. If you have any questions about the knitting days please email Jules Sappho:- julessappho@gmail.com
Date: Sunday 19th September.
Time: 10am - 1pm.

Sunday 19th September

Buddha's Book Club

Each month a book will be chosen from the Lama Yeshe Wisdom archive, and you can pick up your copy at the Centre. Please make a note of any questions that arise while reading the book. We will all meet in the library to discuss elements of the book and enjoy a hot cuppa. Please bring afternoon tea to share with the group. Coffee and tea provided.

September's book is 'Teachings from Tibet - Guidance from Great Lamas'. This 16 chapter book will form the basis for bookclub over coming months, taking one chapter at a time. This month's discussion is on the third chapter

Date: Sunday 19th September
Time: 2 - 3.30pm.
Contribution: Free! Donations welcome.

Saturday 25th September

Garage sale!

Our annual fundraising garage sale is on today. Please donate your quality items for sale, and drop them off at the Centre before Wednesday 22nd September. Call the Centre to arrange a suitable delivery time. Volunteers required to help price, set up and help out on the day.

Date: Saturday 25th September
Time: 8am - 3pm

Sunday 26th September

Meditation

Guided Buddhist Meditations using reflection and visualisation to transform and lighten the mind, creating positive attitudes to benefit oneself and your relationship with others. Suitable for everyone. Bookings not required, just drop in!

Teacher: Venerable Tencho.
Date: Sunday 26th September.
Time: 9.30 - 10.30am.
Suggested contribution: $10.

According to the Tibetan Calendar

Pujas and Practices

Friday 3rd September 6pm: Guru Puja Tsog
Wednesday 15th September 5pm: Tara Puja

Upcoming October events:

Here are some exciting events coming up next month. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Friday October 1st

Wind and Water - the Wonderful World of Feng Shui -
A Public Talk with Venerable Jampa Lhundrup

Feng-shui or geomancy helps us to live in harmony with our environment. Feng Shui explains how your outer surroundings affect your inner experience. Ven Jampa Ludrup has studied this ancestral art with the great Chinese Master Yap Chen Hai and Lilian Too. He spends many months of the year travelling internationally, leading courses and giving lessons and private consultations to companies, institutions and individuals.

Venue: Katoomba YHA
Date: Friday October 1st.
Time:
6pm - 7pm: Soup supper ($5), Chai and Bliss balls. Tibetan handcrafts for sale.
7pm - 8.30pm: Talk on Feng Shui
Contribution: $20. $15 members/concession.
Supper BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL, before Wednesday 29th October.
To book, email julessappho@gmail.com. Thank you.

About Venerable Jampa Lhundrup

Venerable Jampa started his working career as a science teacher and in 1979 moved into the information technology industry. He spent 15 years in computer education and writing before undertaking a complete change of lifestyle when he became a Buddhist monk in the Tibetan tradition. In 1996 Ven. Jampa was an attendant to Ven. Lama Zopa Rinpoche during his tour of Nepal, India, Singapore and Malaysia. At this time Lama Zopa made his first contact with Feng Shui grand master Yap Cheng Hai and world renowned expert, and prolific author, Lillian Too. With Lama Zopa's encouragement, Ven. Jampa made a study of their system of Feng Shui and after personal experimentation he started to give advice and consultations. Over the last few years he has acted as consultant to many businesses, institutions and individuals in such diverse places as Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Nepal, England, South Africa, France, Spain, Latvia, Monaco and Italy. He has also given many successful courses in Italy, France, Germany, Singapore, Tahiti, the U.S.A, the U.K. and Australia.

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October

Fundamentals of Feng Shui workshop with Venerable Jampa Lhundrup

The Fundamentals of Feng Shui Weekend Introduction to Feng Shui - An ancient art with modern relevance. Topics include: The schools of Feng Shui, introduction to the Form School, landscape, aspect, rivers and roads, neighbours, defensive and aggressive Feng Shui, garden, shape of the building, front door, Interior layout of the house, compass school, the five elements and their directions, Feng Shui tools, the top ten Feng Shui tips. Limited places for this workshop with international Feng Shui teacher - book early to avoid disappointment.

Date: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October
Time: 10am - 4.30pm both days.
Contribution: $90. $85 members/concession for both days.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL before Wednesday 29th September, if not 'sold out' prior.
To book, email julessappho@gmail.com. Thank you.

Tuesday 5th - Saturday 9th October

Tibetan art workshop with Andy Weber

This course will focus on creating the mantra garland of Avalokitesvara Buddha of Compassion, one of the best known Tibetan Buddhist mantras, 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. It will explore the colours of the syllables and how they relate to the wheel of life, our existence, and the way in which each syllable represents a certain aspect of our mind and relates to our ever changing emotional states. Beginners & Advanced students are welcome. Opportunities to study with Andy Weber are becoming increasingly rare. This is a course not to be missed.


Teacher: Andy Weber
Dates: Tuesday 5th - Saturday 9th October.
Times:
Tuesday 5th October: 1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 6th - Saturday 9th: 10am - 5pm
Workshop facility fee: $325. $300 members. Lunch & Refreshments provided.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL, beforeFriday 1st October. Very limited places, book early to not miss out. Booking information: $150 deposit by 14/9/10 (total course fee to be paid by 28/9/10. Student material list will be emailed upon booking.
To book, email julessappho@gmail.com. Thank you.

Friday 8th October
Symbolism in Tibetan Sacred Art

Presented by Andy Weber. The word 'tangkha' (Tibetan Buddhist scroll painting) literally means 'recorded message'. This talk will look deeply into the symbolism of this ancient tradition and explore its present purpose, its use in meditation and the spiritual importance for Tibetan Buddhist practitioners. A Chenrezig Buddha of Compassion mural is located outside the Vet Clinic in Waratah St .

Teacher: Andy Weber.
Venue: Katoomba YHA.
Time:
6pm - 7pm: Soup supper ($5), Chai and bliss balls. Art work and Tibetan handcrafts for sale.
7pm - 8.30pm: Talk by Andy Weber.
Contribution: $20. $15 members/concession.
Supper bookings essential.
To book, email julessappho@gmail.com. Thanks.

Friday 15th October

Work, Relationships and Spirituality - A Public Talk with Thubten Yeshe.

Details coming soon!
Date: Friday 15th October
Venue: Katoomba YHA.
Time:
6pm - 7pm: Soup supper ($5), Chai and bliss bliss balls. Tibetan handcrafts for sale.
7pm - 8.30pm: Talk.
Contribution: $20. $15 members/concession.
Supper bookings essential.
To book, email julessappho@gmail.com. Thanks.

Saturday 16th - Equanimity + Kindness = Happiness.

One Day workshop with Thubten Yeshe.
Details coming soon!
Date: Saturday 16th October
Time: 10am - 4pm.
Facility fee: $30. $25 members/concession.

Membership

Membership is one of the most practical ways that friends of Kunsang Yeshe Centre can provide valuable support. Our membership contributions enable us to meet the cost of providing teachings, meditations and practices.

Members enjoy:
- Access to the extensive KYC library
- Discounts on teachings, meditations and retreats
- 10% discount on shop items
- Invitation to our annual member's luncheon
- Voting rights at our AGM
- The opportunity to serve on our executive committee
- Your name will be included on the benefactor's list at pujas
- Great merit!

Yearly membership fees:

Single - $100
Family - $150
Concession - $50

Our membership period is from July 1st through to June 30 each year. A pro-rata rate will apply to members joining after July 1st. Ask at classes for a membership application, or email our membership coordinator, Rosemarie Harvey for one.

Donations

Donations assist Kunsang Yeshe to provide low cost teachings, meditations and workshops. As a non-profit organisation, we rely on donations, fundraising and volunteers to operate our centre. If you would like to make a financial offering, here are our banking details:

Direct Deposit:
Commonwealth Bank
BSB: 062559
Account #: 10268959
Please mark these as 'Donation' in the description field.
Or
Cheques Payable to:
Kunsang Yeshe Centre
P.O. Box 655 Katoomba 2780