Workshops & Events
Workshops & Events
Our meditation courses and retreats are an ideal way to get experience of meditation and inner peace. These courses examine a particular topic in greater depth than would be possible in a Drop-in class.
Our courses and retreats are open to everyone and are suitable for all levels of experience, including beginners. For more information about specific courses or retreats, select a course from the list below.
Nyungnay Retreat
A purifying ritual practice | 17-18 April | In-person and online
This special fasting and purification retreat is performed in conjunction with the meditation practise of Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara. Engaging in this retreat is very powerful for purifying negative karma and pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred. It is also a special method for receiving the blessings of Buddha and improving our love, compassion and bodhichitta (the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all).
Usually this practise is done over two days, with the Mahayana precepts* being taken at the beginning of each day. On the first day it is customary to abstain from all meals apart from lunch. On the second day we engage in a complete fast, abstaining from all food and drink for 24 hours. On both days, we do three sessions of meditation, combining prostrations with chanted meditation. Those who are unable to engage in a complete fast can participate in the sessions on the second day, provided they take the Mahayana precepts on that day. Each session is free of charge. (If you wish to join us for lunch on Saturday the fee is $7)
*The Mahayana precepts are vows we take to abstain from certain actions for the duration of 24 hours. For more information about precepts please refer to our website or ask your class teacher.
Relax, Rejuvenate, Recharge retreat with Gen Dornying
Meditation Retreat | 21-23 April | In-person and online
Rarely do we put the time aside to really take care of ourselves. Self care is more than bubble baths or time spent outdoors. To truly take care of ourself we need to take care of our mind. It’s time to prioritise mental health and wellness.
Give yourself the luxury of a retreat. Retreats are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the stillness and peace that meditation brings. When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and the mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within.
Spend a few days in the tranquil environment of the Dandenong Ranges and be transported to a state of mental peace through meditating and receiving spiritual instructions from Senior Buddhist Monk Gen Kelsang Dornying. Relax, rejuvenate and recharge your mind.
Stop Worrying, Start Living with Gen Dornying
Meditation Workshop | 24 April | In-person and online
Worry is a mental response to things we have little or no control over, however no amount of worry or stress can solve the actual problem, it only makes things worse.
If we are to respond to difficult situations with a positive or peaceful mind they would not be problems for us. Instead of feeling anxious we would feel calm, clear and happy, regardless of the circumstances.
On this course, learn to overcome worry and anxiety and enjoy the quality of life that can only come from inner peace.
How to be Kind to Yourself with Gen Dornying
Ballarat Public Talk | 28 April | Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute
Most of us would agree that we need to be a little kinder to ourself,
and a quick internet search reveals pages of ideas for indulging ourself.
However, we’ve tried all our life to feel good through enjoyments and
positive ‘self-talk’ yet many of us still haven’t silenced our own inner critic,
or truly accepted the person we are.
Buddhist Monk Gen Dornying will visit Ballarat to give a special public talk on this important topic. Suitable for everyone, this uplifting talk
will be a lighthearted and entertaining evening on the art of genuine self-acceptance and happiness. Learn how to be truly kind to yourself, as
well as those you love.
Silent Weekend Meditation Retreat with Gen Dornying
Meditation Retreat | 7-9 May | In-person at KMCA
Pure Happiness with Gen Kelsang Lhachog
Meditation Workshop | 15 May | In-person and online
Although our pursuit of happiness is becoming more and more fast-paced and sophisticated, it is also increasingly giving rise to anxious and uncomfortable feelings and blocking our experience of real happiness. By engaging in the powerful and ancient meditations on taking away suffering and giving happiness, we can reverse this situation and create genuine inner peace and contentment.
In this workshop Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Centre Sydney, Gen Kelsang Lhachog will explain these magical meditations and how to engage in them. We all want to be the best person we can and this workshop will teach us how to accomplish this. We will increase our inner strength, improve our good qualities and experience directly the pure enjoyment that comes from a pure mind.
Self-Esteem with Gen Dornying
In-person and online Meditation Workshop | 23 May
Live from Darwin.
The way we relate to our self affects every area of our life. The ability to be happy with who we are, regardless of personal challenges and what others think of us is essential.
Buddha explained the art of self-acceptance and taught many
techniques for developing happiness and a positive self view.
On this meditation day course with Gen Kelsang Dornying learn and practice these techniques
for yourself and quickly enjoy confidence, happiness and stable
self esteem.
Open to meditators of all levels, including beginners. Everybody welcome.