FINAL POST - NEW BEGINNING

After 9 years running Meditation in the Shire, I have achieved my goal and now it is my turn to move on. I am leaving a well established meditation organisation under the new leadership of Stephen Proctor. who some of you already know very well. This is just what I wanted for the Sutherland Shire and I can now retire peacefully and devote my time to my family and grandchildren (now 3). Stephen is not new to meditation or Buddhism and is also a Tai Chi Instructor. He has been running both the Menai and Cronulla classes for a couple of months now and his classes have swelled in numbers. Next year Stephen has more plans and all will be revealed on our new Website, www.meditationintheshire.com.au (don't forget the "au"). Stephen has also opened a Facebook page which is very informative and busy. Subsequently, our former website, www.meditationintheshire.com will be taken down and, therefore, so therefore my email address will be changed. You can contact me now on casavecchia@bigpond.com or 0418 213 437. I will not be leaving you and I would love to hear from any of you especially if you want to catch up for coffee or lunch. Some of us have been doing this regularly and it is lovely to still keep in touch. Also I will be at the Cronulla class from time to time. Next year I hope to hold the occasional workshop and maybe sometime in the future, we may hold a Retreat. Stephen and I are working closely together but at the moment, I am more like the "silent partner". So, this will be my last post to you and I advise you all to keep your eye on the new Website which will give you all the news and information. If it is not on the Website, you can always call Stephen on 0466 531 023. There is a page there for news from me. I am very glad to see new people attending Stephen's classes and for those few of you who left because I was retiring, I do hope you are meditating at home. I would urge you to return to class for I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I have received feed back that Stephen's classes are "wonderful", "very enjoyable", and his voice is "soft, gentle and hypnotic". Just the opposite to mine eh? Bye for now to you all and I hope to see or hear from you from time to time. Much love and many blessings, Venerable Yangchen

RECOMMENCEMENT OF MEDITATION CLASS AT MENAI 16TH JULY

I am very pleased to introduce you to our new Meditation Leader, Stephen Procter, who comes to us with vast experience both in Buddhism and Meditation.    Stephen and his wife, Linda were live-in Managers of the Insight Meditation Centre in the Blue Mountains for a while.


Subsequently, the Meditation Class at Menai will be recommencing on MONDAY 16th July, the first Monday after the school holidays.   Please note the new day.   Time and Place the same as before and full particulars are on our Weekly Meditation Class Page of the Website.

The weekly Meditation Class on a Thursday morning will recommence on 18th July from 10 to 11 am as usual and I hope to see all of you then.   We are staying behind at Class on this Thursday for a cuppa to welcome Stephen and give you an opportunity to meet and talk to him, so please come along.

Pamela Gray has the children's classes up and running and full particulars can be found on our Children's Meditation Page.  They are very successful and the children love it!   They even have afternoon tea afterwards!  Very posh!

With the grateful assistance from Stephen and Pamela, I will now be free to run more workshops which will be posted on the Website in due course.   I will be in Cronulla from time to time as some of us have arranged to meet for coffee/lunch and I may even sneak into class.

The Refuge Ceremony will be held at Vajrayana Institute this year on 26th October 2013 and I will, as usual, be holding a half day workshop on what to expect.   For anyone wanting to take Refuge with the Vajrayana Institute, please let me know.   However, anyone is welcome at this Workshop whether you intend to take refuge or not.   More on that as it draws nearer.

Blessings to you all, Venerable Yangchen

Venerable Robina Courtin to have a Workshop in the Shire!

 

 After Robina's last visit to the Shire, she wants to return with ........

BUDDHISM AND CHOCOLATE CAKE WORKSHOP

Date and Time:   Sunday, 23rd June 9.30 am - 5 pm

Location:             Jannali Community Centre, Mary Street, (opposite Jannali Railway Station)

Contribution:       $60/$50 Concession

Contact:               Aleta Coroneo 0410 441 942

Please bring your own lunch

When you're really hungry for chocolate cake, it looks divine doesn't it?   And we think the divineness comes from the cake - this is attachment.  But after you've eaten 4 pieces of the chocolate cake, it looks disgusting .

Find out how understanding attachment can help us accomplish our innate potential.

ABOUT THE TEACHER:

Venerable Robina, our beloved teacher with the powerhouse personality and clean, clear teachings, is a Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Buddhist Gelug tradition and the lineage of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lame Zopa Rinpoche.   She founded the Liberation Prison Project in 1996 which she ran until 2009.  Her work was featured in the award-winning documentary, "Chasing Buddha".   She is an extraordinary teacher with boundless energy and charisma and her style when teaching is sparklingly clear, direct and compassionate.

About Meditation in The Shire

The History of Meditation in the Shire

Venerable Dawa Yangchen is the spiritual leader and was the program facilitator of Meditation in the Shire for many years. She became ordained in Sydney in June 2003 as a Getsal Nun in the Gelupka tradition and studies with the Vajrayana Institute which is a Branch of the "Federation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition" (FPMT).

The Spiritual leader of the FPMT is Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Meditation in the Shire (MITS) was Venerable Yangchen’s dream over 10 years ago; to bring the benefits of meditation to the people of the Sutherland Shire in Sydney, Australia. It was known at the time as Meditation With Venerable Yangchen, the name Meditation in The Shire had not even been thought of at that time as she was the sole teacher. It began with 2 students a week at her home and started to grow when Danielle from Engadine Yoga Centre requested MITS to run a class from her Centre. This grew into an evening, daytime and early Saturday morning class each week. After a few weeks, MITS ventured out into the Shire opening classes at Cronulla. All classes were for adults and teenagers then and 3 years later, classes were opened at Menai and included children from the age of 4 years.

Sutherland Shire Council generously offered to sponsor this project and this led to meditation classes ended up being held at Yarrawarrah, Menai and Cronulla for adults, children and teenagers. 18 classes a week! After a couple of years some of the students wanted to take their meditation practice further and explore Buddhism so MITS offered monthly workshops on both meditation and Buddhism. As well as workshops, MITS has conducted 2 one-day Retreats a year at Bundeena and an annual Three-Day Vipassana Retreat at Govinda Valley, Otford.

Venerable Yangchen is not a counsellor but had people referred to her by counsellors, therapists and doctors who are well aware of the therapeutical benefits of meditation. These people were seen privately, by appointment, at Menai and commence their therapy with intensive relaxation and breathing techniques and then progress onto mindful meditation techniques.

In late 2010 it was obvious that MITS (then existing then of 6 adult classes, 3 teenage classes, 6 children's classes and 6 private classes a week, 3 Retreats a year and several public speaking jobs as well as monthly workshops) and completely and solely run by her was becoming too much to handle on her own. By Mid 2011 it started to take a toll on her health and classes had to be cut back, in 2012 there were two classes plus a childrens class but by the end of 2012 with her health being affected there was the threat of the dream having to be let go of.

In June 2013 Stephen Procter was hired to teach the Cronulla meditation class and he soon reopened the Menai one which has proven popular and which is continuing to grow. The classes still have the same ethical base as those in Venerable Yangchens dream over 10 years ago, classes are run on Dana - Generosity and anyone who wants to learn Buddhist meditation and to bring a bit more happiness and peace into their life is welcome regardless of their financial background.

Venerable Yangchen has devoted her Buddhist practice to bringing the positive benefits of Buddhism and Meditation to all people, especially the Sutherland Shire, for that we all should be grateful.

Additional Daytime Meditation Class Available for 'Older Ladies'

I am now leading meditation for the Older Women's Network (OWN) who hold their class every Monday morning at the Sutherland United Services Club, East Parade, Sutherland.

• Coffee at 10 am in the Club Coffee Shop
• Class 10.45 to 11.45 am
• Cost $35 per term payable first visit but enables you to participate in all the week's activities free such as Tai Chi, Strengthening Exercise Class, Feldenkrais Class, International Dancing, Gentle Exercise Class, Performance Group, Drumming Classes and Monthly Luncheons with a Guest Speaker
• Elegibility, "any lady who thinks they are old enough to join"  (sorry Hans and Allan)
• Chairs available.  If you wish to sit on the floor, you need to bring your own mat and cushion
• Removal of shoes optional
• Air conditioned and carpeted
• Water and glasses supplied
• Wear comfortable clothing (socks in winter)

This is another class available for the 'older' ladies who may not be able to make it each week to the Thursday class at Cronulla.   For those ladies interested, please telephone Pat Donaghy on 9526 5746 or just come along a few minutes earlier and see the Class Co-ordinator, Roe.

Many blessings, Yangchen

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Weekly Meditation Classes

 

MENAI COMMUNITY CENTRE classes have now moved to:

CARINGBAH SENIOR CITIZENS HALL, 

Port Hacking Road, Caringbah (next door to the Caringbah Library)


Adults and Teenagers from the age of 16

TUESDAYS:      7 to 8 pm

For all enquiries regarding this class, please contact Aleta Coroneo on 0410 441 942

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 CRONULLA CENTRAL COMMUNITY CENTRE

38-60 Croydon Street (opp. Bowling Club) Lift to Level 3 to Meeting Rooms 1 and 2.   Pedestrian entrance on the Mall opposite Parlos Cafe.   If travelling by car, use the multi-storey Car Park, drive up to Levels 4 or 5 which have 4 hour parking.   On these Levels there is a lift.   Take the lift down to Level 3.    On leaving the lift turn immediately right and right again.   The Meeting Rooms are opposite the Library and there is a sign outside the door.

Adults and Teenagers from the age of 16

THURSDAYS:     10 am to 11 am 

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SUTHERLAND UNITED SERVICES CLUB
Older Women's Network:    United Services Club,   East Parade, Sutherland

Older Women: (eg. over 50)

MONDAYS:   10.45 to 11.45 am

This group is run by the Older Womens Network but led by Venerable Yangchen

Meditations are run in accordance with "Meditation in the Shire" Meditations

• Coffee at 10 am in the Club Coffee Shop (optional)
• Cost $40 per term payable first visit but enables you to participate in all the week's activities free such as Tai Chi, Strengthening Exercise Class, Feldenkrais Class, International Dancing, Gentle Exercise Class, Performance Group and Monthly Luncheons with a Guest Speaker
• Elegibility, "any lady who thinks they are old enough to join" (eg over 50)
• Chairs available.  If you wish to sit on the floor, you need to bring your own mat and cushion
• No removal of shoes necessary
• Air conditioned and carpeted
• Water and glasses supplied
• Wear comfortable clothing

This is another class available for the 'older' ladies who may not be able to make it each week to the classes run by Meditation in the Shire.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION FOR JOINING "OWN" OR ATTENDING THIS MEDITATION CLASS, PLEASE CONTACT NOREEN ON 9545 3489

 AS WITH ALL CLASSES, LATE ENTRY IS PERMITTED QUIETLY AND MINDFULLY

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FEE FOR A MEDITATION IN THE SHIRE CLASSES ONLY IS A SUGGESTED DONATION OF $10 OR WHATEVER ONE CAN AFFORD .......

• All classes are on a "drop-in" basis, not a course
• Chairs are provided in all Centres. If you wish to sit on the floor, a limited number of cushions and mats are provided
• You will be asked to remove your shoes so please wear socks in Winter
• Please wear something comfortable. NB: The body temperature drops during meditation, so it is advisable to bring a shawl or jumper
• It is advisable to bring a bottle of water

• MEDITATION CLASSES ARE NOT HELD ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS NOR DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

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Why should we meditate?   And why is it good for us? 

by Venerable Yangchen

 

The reason one does not learn to meditate is suspicion – ignorance and fear of the unknown.   They think it will “change” the way one thinks, what one believes in and it is some sort of “religious cult”.    Except for changing the way we think, meditation is not religious nor is it a cult.
The word “meditation” is Latin.   “Medicate” is Latin for “Medicine for the body”;   “Meditate” is “medicine for the mind” originally thinking that the mind is in the head – medicine for the head.    Meditation is thousands and thousands of years old.   The very first evidence of people meditating was found on the walls of the Egyptians buildings but I am sure even the cave man meditated without knowing it!
In the medieval days, Abbeys and Churches were built with enclaves in the walls where Priests or Monks sat and meditated and one can still find these in some old Churches today.    What would a Priest meditate on?   God?   Most probably.
However, most people think meditation is some sort of new age weird thing which started about the ‘60’s.   The reason why is that hundreds of backpackers roamed the Eastern countries looking for something spiritual and different.   Most of them found that in the Ashrams with the Yogis where, amongst other rituals, meditation was practiced.    Others wandered into Nepal and Tibet where Buddhism was practised.   The famous Kopan Monastery in India advertised that free bed and board was given, with very cheap meals as long as one listened to the Buddhist Teachings and meditated.   This was in the ‘60’s remember, when most of these backpackers were “stoned” and did not have much money.    The lure of free bed and board was enticing and so what if they had to meditate.   The Monks were delighted to have so many visitors and so taught them Buddhism and meditation.    A few (NOT STONED) remained in Kopan to become Monks but the others returned home as “hippies” and introduced meditation to the West.     The addiction, at that time, was LSD and some people have a picture of “meditators” as a long-haired stoned hippie sitting cross-legged, hands out to the sides and constantly chanting “OM” and this was the picture which was given and is remembered by most of us today.
However, we are not in the’60’s now!   And a lot of research has gone into the practice and the benefits of meditation.    Today one can sit, stand, lie or walk as one meditates as long as one does not fall asleep.  Some people sit on a cushion on the floor but most people sit on a chair or stool.    The key word is comfort!  Whichever position is best for you!   
The reason why meditation is a must is that it does change your mind.   It does change the way one thinks and ultimately behave.  But first let me explain.   One is born with a negative mind.   One is not born with a pure mind which becomes tainted by the life, people and world around us.    Our minds are born deluded, with a great sense of craving and desire.    The negativities cause us great suffering which is cyclic and can compound into great misery such as depression and suicide.    The Western life is a great example of this!     All the wealth, high living conditions, power and mod-cons do not eradicate our suffering!    It, in fact, they make it worse!     The poorer and undeveloped countries have no wealth, poor living conditions, no medicine, no doctors, no welfare system and certainly no mod-cons but despite this they have a very, very low depression and suicide rate compared to the West.   Overall, they are much happier people.
In order for us to live a better life free from cyclic suffering, we can either move to the East and live in simplicity or we can “think” about it.    Think!    Another word for meditation – that’s all!
And think we must, if we are to change the way live!    If we are happy living in this cyclic suffering, existing with anger, jealousy, hatred, selfishness, arguments, wars and intolerance for one another, then continue as you are!    Continue your life as suffering which will be of no benefit to you whatsoever.   You will crave for what you cannot have, desire the unattainable and lead a life of anger and hatred.
However, if you would like to change the way you think and your attitude to life, one must change their mind.    One must become “positive”, happy, kind, loving, compassionate, unselfish, and your attitude to life will become better and this will rub off onto your family members and family and they will be happy for you.
Why do we prefer to remain negative?    Because it’s easy!     Because we just do it without even thinking about it.    Every thought and comment we make about someone or something usually comes out “negative”.    “That person jumped the queue:   abuse them!”.      “That was broken deliberately in order to annoy me”, etc.    Very easy!   It just flows into our minds and out of our mouths!    Suffering and making those around us suffer.
To be positive is harder!   And we don’t like ‘hard’ things.   Westerners equate difficulties with “bondage”.      But in fact, it is the opposite!     Yes, we have to think about being positive;   we have to think about being kind;   we have to think about those loving words, the hugs and the kind gestures.    They don’t come naturally but they should.    They should not be in our second nature but our first nature.    And they give us freedom!     Happiness and love make us feel free. But is easier for us to be negative which requires no effort.
So in order to act and speak positively we have to be positive.    This means that we have to work on it;   “it” meaning the “mind”.   We have to think positive.   We have to delve into our mind and think about what we are thinking about, think about what we are saying and doing.     The only way to do this is by “meditation” which is no more than “thinking” but thinking about the right things – not just anything.
A good place to start is a Meditation Group to learn the skills and the expertise.    A group once a week is better than nothing but in order to gain any benefit from meditation, one should meditate each day.    Some of us say, “I haven’t got time to meditate!” and therefore take the easy way out and don’t meditate at all because we don’t want to find time.     However, if we start slowly we find we enjoy it and keep on at it.   We see the benefits and therefore we cannot do without it.
The affects of meditation, however, are not quick and very subtle.    One may have to meditate daily for quite a few months before one feels the benefits and this is why not many people bother to persevere to meditate.   They want a “quick fix”;   they want to “take a pill” and their problems will go away.    So meditation requires PATIENCE.   Some of my students have been meditating daily for 6, 7 and 8 years and cannot image life without it.     They find they have fewer problems in life.   Why?   Because it is no longer a “problem”;   it is an incident which they can deal with.    Their life is happier, more content because they no longer argue, get angry;   they like others;   are more compassionate, kinder and gentle to all sentient beings.      Then others around them are noticing and it is starting to rub off.   Or their friends, work colleagues and family are questioning the change in attitude.      And the thing is that no-one can pinpoint the change – it just happens slowly and subtly.      If we were to mention it’s because we meditate people don’t believe us or laugh at us.
So there are three words you need to be familiar with in order to meditate successfully.    MOTIVATION.   Do you  want to change the way you think?     DISCIPLINE.    You must set up a self-disciplined regime and stick to it and of course, PATIENCE.    Don’t expect a change overnight.
The most difficult thing about meditation is actually making the effort to do it.   Meditation itself is not difficult but like everything else, it takes time to learn to do it properly but the longer you meditate, the easier it becomes and you will find yourself wanting to do it more and more.
EXPECTATION IS THE FOUNDATION OF FAILURE!     Have no expectations about the actual meditation session or its results and you will succeed!
Of course, there are hundreds of books on meditation but reading about it is not the same as doing it.    It is not easy to read and meditate at the same time but you can learn how to do it from books and gets some examples of meditations but it is easier to join a group.     They are meditation groups everywhere now and the benefits of meditation are widely written about and advocated by doctors,etc. but it still takes that first step.    DO IT!

Workshops

ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM

 Is it a Philosophy?     or                                 

 Is it a Religion

A Workshop to discuss all this will be held on

Sunday, 19th May 2013

at Jannali Community Hall, Mary Street (opposite Jannali Railway Station)

from 10 am to 3 pm

Contribution:   Donation

Morning and Afternoon teas provided but please make your own lunch arrangements (Sandwich Shops and Cafes nearby)

Buddhist Material will be on sale for cash or cheque (sorry no Eftpos)

No need to Book - Just come along!