Teachings (301 redirects to new version)
We offer three levels of teachings to cater to the interests and needs of a range of students.
1- Introductory
Introductory classes are run periodically by experienced students. Some cover a specific topic such as meditation or Buddhist practices. Others are open to discuss any topic on Buddhism that interests you.
+ Details of Introductory Classes
- Explanation of Prayers and Rituals
7.30pm Wednesday 24 June
Would you like to know about the prayers before teachings, prostrations, visualisations, hand mudras, altars and any other matters you want to bring up? This session will explain these aspects of the practice, the psychology behind them, and how they can help in daily life. All welcome.
By donation.
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Alternately, you may prefer to begin by attending one of our regular meditation sessions. It is easiest to start meditating in a group with an experienced student leading the meditation. A number of different led meditations are held each week. All are suitable for new students. You are encouraged to stay back at the end for a hot beverage, to meet new people and enjoy the conversation.
+ Details of our regular Meditation Sessions
- Sunday Morning Meditation
10am each Sunday (check our Calendar)
A general guided meditation suitable for new or more experienced students.
By donation | |
- Monday Evening Meditation
7.15pm each Monday (except public holidays - check our Calendar)
These meditations are suitable for new or experienced students and utilize Buddhist techniques without the Buddhist jargon.
By donation
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- Tuesday Morning Meditation
10am each Tuesday (check our Calendar)
Led by Venerable Drolma, a Buddhist nun, these sessions are suitable for new or experienced students and involve relaxation and meditation on Buddhist concepts.
By donation
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2- Intermediate
Wednesday night and the Sunday afternoon teachings are at an intermediate level suitable for both new and more experienced students. Classes are given by the centre’s resident teacher, Geshe Sonam. The classes cover specific topics over a series of weeks. You may wish to attend a single class but the most benefit is obtained by attending the entire series.
+ Details of Intermediate Classes
- Eight Verses of Thought Transformation
7.30pm Wednesday 8, 15, 22, 29 April and 6 May
These eight verses are the hub of Buddhist practice and show how we can transform our restrictive, self-centredness into loving kindness, compassion and wisdom. That by gradually changing our attitudes towards ourselves and others we can learn to be happy and content in any situation.
By donation
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- Mind Training Like Rays of the Sun
2.30pm Sundays (not on 7 or 14 June)
Based on the essential sayings of the no-nonsense scholar/meditator Kadampa masters, this text deals with the erroneous minds of self grasping and self cherishing. We suffer because we allow these minds to take hold. This is one of the great texts dealing with eliminating these disturbing emotions.
By donation
On the last Sunday of each month this class is immediately followed by a Q&A session with Geshela.
- Q&A and Cake with Geshela
3.30pm Sunday 26 April, 31 May, 28 June
Join Geshe Sonam for a cup of tea and cake in an informal setting to ask any questions or raise any issues you may have. Q&As are held on the last
Sunday of each month.
All welcome.
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3- Advanced
Tuesday night teachings are for students wanting a more advanced approach. Classes are given by the centre’s resident teacher, Geshe Sonam. Some of the teachings require a particular initiation (check the details).
+ Details of Advanced Classes
- The Heart Sutra
7.30pm Tuesdays 7, 21 Apr; 5, 12, 19 May
Note: These teachings are in the advanced stream but anyone can attend
Less than two pages long, the Heart Sutra is a pithy summary of the emptiness of self and all phenomena. An understanding of emptiness helps stop negative emotions arising. A realization of emptiness stops uncontrolled rebirths.
By donation.
Note: An audio recording of the sessions is available on this web site.
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- Meditation on the Yamantaka Sadhana
7.30pm Tuesdays 26 May; 30 Jun;
Note: A Yamantaka Initiation is a prerequisite to attend the Yamantaka teachings.
On the last Tuesday of May and June Geshela will explain aspects of the Yamantaka practice. A number of students have received this initiation from Kyabje Choden Rinpoche and have a commitment to do the practice every day.
By donation.
Note: An audio recording of the sessions is available on this web site.
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- Lama Tsong Khapa Guru Yoga and Commentary
7.30pm from Tuesday 16 June
Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche has said that to have the opportunity to practice this great holy being's (Lama Tsong Khapa’s) yoga is, in general, even more fortunate than having the opportunity to receive other teachings and the opportunity to do other dharma practice. Attempting the guru yoga practice of the inseparability of your own root guru and Lama Tsong Khapa establishes the root of all happiness from this life up to enlightenment.
By donation.
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+ Meditation Hall (Gompa) Etiquette
Some behaviour (such as not wearing footwear in the Gompa) is based on eastern tradition but it is mostly to benefit your mind by cultivating respect for the Buddhist teachings which liberate from suffering.
- It is respectful to arrive on time and remain for the complete session
- Dress modestly: skirts below the knees, shoulders covered and modest necklines
- Please leave your head uncovered
- Please turn mobile phones off or to silent
- The teacher sits higher than the students out of respect for the teachings
- Please stand for the teacher to enter the hall and sit after the teacher sits down
- Prostrations are optional though placing your palms together at the chest shows respect for the teachings
- Respect statues and Dharma books as they represent the Buddha’s teachings. For example, don’t put Dharma material directly on the floor, step over it, place it where you sit, or point your feet at the altar, teacher or holy objects
- Feel free to use a chair if sitting cross-legged is or becomes uncomfortable
- Maintain silence, especially during teachings, meditations and pujas
- At the end of the teachings stand before the teacher gets up
- Pets are generally not allowed into the gompa and office/kitchen area for health and safety reasons. Should they require special prayers in the case of illness or death, please contact the Spiritual Program Coordinator at spc@hayagriva.org.au or our Centre on 9367 4817 to arrange a visit.
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Our Resident Teacher
Spiritual development does not come from just reading books on Buddhism and meditation. It is essential to receive teachings from a qualified teacher whose pure lineage can be traced back to the Buddha. In that respect we are fortunate to have Geshe Ngawang Sonam as our resident teacher. Ordained as a monk at the age of 10, he was awarded the title of Geshe after 22 years of study at Sera Jey Monastery in southern India. This study included all the major texts in the Gelugpa tradition. Follow this link to read the full biography of Geshe Ngawang Sonam
