Table of Contents. Langri Tangpa Centre Inc.

Transcription

1 Table of Contents Association Information... 3 About LTC - Who we are and what we do... 4 Mission Statement... 4 History of the Centre... 5 The Five Pillars... 5 Governance Statement... 6 Membership... 6 The Year in Review... 7 Events... 7 Program... 7 People... 8 Place... 9 Finance... 9 With Thanks Spiritual Program News Special Events New to the Program Visiting Presenters Community Regular Teachings Annual Events Financial Performance Summary Charts Income Statement Statement of Financial Position Annual donations made on behalf of members One-off donations for this financial year Monks and Nuns How LTC supports the Sangha How You Can Help Helping in Kind Tax Deductible Donations A Message of Thanks Dedication Page 1 of 19

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3 Association Information ABN Address and contact details 535 Old Cleveland Road ph: Camp Hill QLD 4152 fax: website: Founder Lama Thubten Yeshe Spiritual Director Lama Zopa Rinpoche Management Committee Director Secretary Spiritual Program Co-ordinator Treasurer Elected Member Elected Member Elected Member Jane Willis Delma Dewar Miffi Maxmillion Sherryn West Margaret Holtham (Ven. Lozang Lhagsam) Julie Costello (Ven. Lozang Trin-lä) Carolyn Mason Bankers ANZ Business Banking Centre 1 / 324 Queen Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Solicitors Langenhan Lawyers Level 21, Riverside Centre 123 Eagle Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Auditor David Hartmann FCA Hartmann Auditors Suite 9, 1990 Logan Road Upper Mount Gravatt QLD 4122 Langri Tangpa Centre has current Public Liability insurance level of $20 million. Page 3 of 19

4 About LTC - Who we are and what we do Langri Tangpa Centre (LTC) is a Brisbane based not-for-profit Buddhist organisation established in 1982 by Inta McKimm and run entirely by volunteers. We are dedicated to the transmission of Tibetan Buddhism within a western context through the promotion of study and meditation, and the dissemination of pure Buddhist teachings, with a particular emphasis on those from Lama Tsong Khapa of the Gelug tradition. We offer a range of courses designed for students of all levels, from the curious beginner to the more advanced Dharma practitioner. Many of our courses are designed to be of benefit to the wider community whether they be Buddhist or not. We promote a friendly and supportive environment and encourage constant and vigorous enquiry. We host a variety of Buddhist events and ceremonies and provide a venue for international and local travelling teachers (both lay and ordained). Furthermore, we offer a non-religious yoga program with regular daytime and evening classes, and operate a small shop for the benefit of our members and visitors. Langri Tangpa Centre is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international notfor-profit organisation devoted to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service. LTC is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) We take our spiritual guidance and protection from HH the 14th Dalai Lama, from Lama Zopa Rinpoche the Spiritual Director of the FPMT, and from the teachings of Lama Thubten Yeshe. We have close ties with our FPMT sister centre Chenrezig Institute (CI), in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, and regularly host visits from their Tibetan geshe (an education degree equivalent to a university professor) and resident nuns for teachings and spiritual support. LTC is an ATO-endorsed Charitable Institution incorporated in Queensland under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (QLD). We also operate an ATO-endorsed School Building Fund with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and have been sanctioned as a community purpose organisation under the Collections Act 1966 (QLD). Mission Statement Following the inspirational example of HH the Dalai Lama, Langri Tangpa Centre (an FPMT affiliate) is dedicated to serving others with kindness and wisdom, and to educating people in ways to reduce suffering and promote the development of a more kind, compassionate and peaceful human family. We achieve our mission by: HH th 14th Dalai 1. Aiming to realise the vision and achieve the goals of our precious teachers Lama Thubten Yeshe ( ) and Lama Zopa Rinpoche (of the FPMT). 2. Personifying the teachings of our namesake the 11th century Buddhist master Geshe Langri Tangpa, by putting into practice his Eight Verses for Training the Mind. 3. Providing our members and the wider community with a safe, friendly, inclusive and supportive environment for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism (in particular the teachings of Je Tsong Khapa) and a forum for spiritual discussion. 4. Providing our members and visitors with the appropriate education and tools to overcome their suffering and become more caring, peaceful and happy members of society. 5. Abiding by and requiring all members and visitors to abide by the five Buddhist precepts while on LTC property; that is, to refrain from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and intoxicants. Page 4 of 19

5 History of the Centre Lama Zopa Rinpoche: "The Dharma centre is an emergency rescue operation, like when police go in with sirens blaring, helicopters whirling to rescue people in distress! Like that, the meditation centre plays a very Lama Zopa Rinpoche important role in the emergency rescue of people, human beings." Lama Thubten Yeshe ( ) and Lama Zopa Rinpoche founded the Centre in The name derives from Geshe Langri Tangpa, a Kadampa master renowned for his practice of exchanging his happiness for the sufferings of others. The Centre originally operated from the Newmarket home of Inta McKimm, an exceptionally kind and generous teacher with a passionate connection to the Dharma and her spiritual teachers. Inta single-handedly ran the Centre from her home for fifteen years until her death in Miffi Maxmillion (Inta s daughter) continued running the Centre from the Newmarket property until the Centre was relocated in June 2007 to a former Presbyterian church building in Camp Hill. Since this move LTC has continued to thrive and grow, offering an increasing range of Buddhist teachings, ceremonies and events designed to provide benefit all who attend the Centre. Geshe Langri Tangpa ( ), was a great Buddhist master and the author of the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation. One day, one of his close attendants told him, "The others call you Langri Tangpa Gloomy-face" to which he replied "How could my face be bright and cheery when I think about all the suffering in the three worlds of samsara? LTC strives to remove that suffering, so clearly discerned by Geshe Langri Tangpa, and offer help, happiness and hope to all who visit the Centre. Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim Lama Thubten Yeshe We invite the resident Geshe from Chenrezig Institute, Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim, to visit fortnightly and give teachings on core Buddhist texts. His kindness and humility put everyone at ease, and the LTC Sangha and students often share dinner together before the teachings. The Five Pillars In 2007 while Lama Zopa Rinpoche was on personal retreat he started jotting down many of his ideas and wishes for the future of the FPMT organisation. These notes became the extensive projects of Rinpche's Vast Visions. The Vast Visions incorporate the massive scope and desire to benefit sentient beings, and pose the question what more can we do to help others, to make a difference in the world, to remove suffering and achieve happiness?" The Five Pillars are a way of translating the Vast Visions into specific goals which our Centre can aspire to, so we can engage our community more broadly. LTC has incorporated the Five Pillars into the Centre as follows: 1. Dharma: The LTC curriculum ranges from entry level courses such as How Buddhism Helps and Everyday Dharma, to in-depth Buddhist study with the threeyear Discovering Buddhism program, regular pujas and meditation practice. 2. Universal Education for Compassion & Wisdom: Courses on offer at LTC include Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB), Easy Habits for Happiness, Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World, Healing Anxiety and Depression, and the Four Meditations for Happiness. 3. Social/Community Service: Our Dharma Wheels Road Trips to recite the Sutra of Golden Light to benefit sentient beings and the environment. We welcome the Bhutanese, Nepalese and Tibetan communities to special pujas. 4. Interfaith Activities: Visiting school groups for Study of Religion, and invitations to our bi-annual Open Day. 5. Revenue Generating Activities: We hire our hall for five classes of yoga per week, to three of the teachers from the Radiant Light School of Yoga. Royalties from CD sales in our shop also generate income for our Centre, and we are the only FPMT centre to offer royalties to our teachers. The LTC Management Committee is keen to continue supporting Rinpoche's Vast Visions, and incorporating the Five Pillars into the very fabric of LTC. Page 5 of 19

6 Governance Statement Langri Tangpa Centre is incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act (QLD) 1981, and operates under the rules of incorporation adopted by the members. Under these rules, LTC s affairs are managed by the Management Committee (the Committee). This governance statement outlines how the Committee discharges that responsibility. Everyone who visits LTC while on the premises must comply with a code of conduct which is based on the five precepts, that is: not to kill, lie, steal, engage in sexual misconduct or take intoxicants (including alcohol, narcotics and cigarettes). The Committee s primary role is to ensure LTC achieves its mission as outlined above. LTC is reliant on membership fees, donations, income from a small shop, grants, and most importantly its volunteers in providing an educational, safe and spiritually rewarding experience to its members and visitors. In relation to the use of income from Dharma items and activities the Committee s main motivation and intention is to make the Dharma available in order to benefit sentient beings. The Committee strives to avoid a mind-set of selling the Dharma. To achieve this, the Committee makes every effort to comply with the FPMT s stated policy Guidelines for the Use of Income from Dharma Items which is based on advice given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The Committee, which comprises the Director, Secretary, Spiritual Program Coordinator, Treasurer and at least one ordinary member, is elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. In fulfilling its role, the Committee meets at least nine times per year, the proceedings of each meeting are minuted. The Committee is assisted by a number of subcommittees, formed as required to manage Workplace Health and Safety, Risk Management, Grants, and Governance. The Committee reports to members at the annual general meeting (AGM). At the AGM the annual report, which includes the audited financial report for the year just ended, is presented to the members. The LTC Management Committee at the end of Left to Right: Miffi Maxmillion, Delma Dewar, Ven. Lozang Trin-la, Carolyn Mason, Ven. Lozang Lhagsam, Jane Willis and Sherryn West. LTC has adopted the ethical and grievance policies published by the FPMT. The Committee, all members and volunteers are expected to comply with these policies which are provided to each Committee member upon election and are available to all members and volunteers from reception upon request. Committee members are expected to comply with relevant laws and professional codes of conduct (as applicable), and to act with integrity, compassion, fairness and honesty at all times when dealing with members, volunteers, the general public and others who are stakeholders in our mission. Class leaders must sign an FPMT Inc. Teacher s Agreement to abide with the ethical guidelines of the FPMT. Membership Fully paid up members as at 30 June 2016: 163 Fully paid up members as at 30 June 2017: 142 Page 6 of 19

7 The Year in Review Jane Willis (Director) I rejoice in the past twelve months at Langri Tangpa Centre (LTC). After my fourth year as Director I am excited to present the Annual Report for 2016/17. I would like to acknowledge the amazing efforts and ongoing support of our wonderful volunteers, members, benefactors and the local community. Your immeasurable kindness and generosity has assisted LTC to achieve yet another successful year. Many new additions and achievements occurred over the past twelve months and I would like to share some of the year s highlights with you. In October 2016 LTC co-hosted the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) Annual National Meeting with our sister service Karuna Hospice. Representatives from Australian FPMT centres, study groups and services attended the meeting, including special guest Geshe Tenzin Zopa. The national meeting provided the opportunity to share initiatives and discuss national projects. The meeting was most successful with a highlight being the Saturday night social dinner with Geshe Tenzin Zopa. Full house at the Open Day 2017 public talk given by Geshe Tsultrim and trasnlated by Ven. Kartzon. Events We held our second Open Day in May, which attracted over 200 people to our centre. Members of local interfaith groups were invited with two local government councillors attending on the day. Many of our volunteers offered service, welcomed visitors, and ensured everyone stayed refreshed thanks to the generous donation for chai tea from local area member Ian Mackenzie. We showcased our Centre with tours, guided meditations and a public talk by Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim. LTC Sangha members provided blessings, and a chillout zone with creative crafts was provided for the many children who attended the day. May 2017 proved to be a most amazing month at LTC with over 560 people visiting the centre within just ten days. Miffi Maxmillion and LTC member Lulu Cook on the way to get coffee, at early morning Open Day. Program The new year kicked off in February with a Sand Mandala workshop with the monks from the Tashi Lunpo Monastery. The monks taught the workshop attendees how to use the traditional Tibetan sand art instruments to make their very own sand mandala. Many beautiful mandalas made on the day were swept together in the name of impermanence, and coloured sand was then distributed to workshop attendees. Geshe Sherab visited in the early new year to give two public talks, lead weekend teachings on the solution to dissatisfaction, and give a Medicine Buddha blessing. The teachings were well attended and everyone enjoyed the special clarity that Geshe Sherab brings to his teachings. Page 7 of 19

8 During the past year LTC has been blessed with two visits from Geshe Tenzin Zopa, giving public talks and weekend teachings. Geshe-la s enthusiasm, warmth and ability to explain Buddhist philosophy in contemporary terms has attracted a wide audience of both new and familiar faces. We look forward to many more teachings with Geshe-la s return in We have also been most fortunate to have Geshe Tsultrim, the resident Geshe from our sister centre Chenrezig Institute, continue the fortnightly teachings on Mind training like the Rays of the Sun. Teachings have been enjoyed by both longer term and new students, and have attracted new people to the centre. We were very blessed with KR Geshe Tashi Tsering's monthly visits to LTC to provide our students with teachings on the Path of Lower Tantra. KR Geshe Tashi Tsering's teachings were well attended by LTC longer term and advanced students. New program areas were developed by LTC s Spiritual Program Coordinator Miffi Maxmillion, including new meditations and ritual ceremonies. Balancing emotions classes have proved to be extremely popular, highlighting a need in the general community, and have brought many new students to the Centre. The beginner's Buddhist courses have provided new students with a clear and accessible learning path of spiritual teachings. All courses have been well received and have attracted many new faces to LTC. Geshe Tenzin Zopa at the conclusion of a special teaching for the LTC volunteers. Attendance numbers for entry level courses have increased significantly over the past twelves months due to the efforts of LTC Marketing and Communications team members Carolyn Mason, Rosemary Lancaster and Cassandra Chapman. The revamp of our Facebook event advertising has attracted a new audience to the Centre. A recent review of the usage rates of our social media platforms confirmed that LTC has approximately 2,000 facebook followers. Attendee feedback sheets have also confirmed that 30% of class attendees found out about LTC by word of mouth and 40% from Google. A truly remarkable result due to the efforts and kindness of our volunteers. Videoing the weekend teachings with Geshe Zopa to be uploaded to our new Youtube channel. This year we launched our own Youtube channel, with teachings from Geshe Sherab and Geshe Zopa filmed here at LTC. A huge thanks to the generosity of Jayd Blunden, who donated a video camera to LTC for this purpose, and for his many hours spent editing the teachings! In early 2017, the LTC Gold Coast Outreach Buddhist Group was established by long term LTC members Pearly Black and Jordan Zea (with a collective 45 years of LTC attendance!). The outreach group was founded to cater for LTC students living in the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim area. Several events have been held to date including a visit from Geshe Tenzin Zopa and regular discussion group meetings. The group functions as an outreach project of LTC under the auspices of FPMTA. People The Bi-Annual Members Forum and afternoon tea in was held in July. Attendees formed small focus groups and worked through feedback and ideas based on the themes of People, Place and Program. The work groups then Page 8 of 19

9 presented valuable feedback and suggestions to the LTC Committee. Suggestions from the forum have since been incorporated into the Committee's annual planning day, and new initiatives have been considered for the next twelve months. Facebook banner for the new outreach activities being led by Jordan Zea and Pearly Black. needed space for storing furniture and other items. Thank you to local member Ian McKenzie for assisting with the Suburban Initiative Grant. A remarkable milestone was achieved in 2017 thanks to the dedication of our wonderful Library volunteers. Over 3,000 books have now been catalogued into our online Tinycat system from Librarything. This catalogue is accessible to any visitor to our website, and links with other Buddhist libraries around the world. I would like to make a special mention and thank our amazing volunteers Bron Travis, Anisha Dhungana, Meta Ransome and Lyndon Norton for all of their efforts with this project. Volunteer recruitment and management remains one of the Centre's main priorities. Several new volunteers were recruited during the past 12 months to assist with the growing number of visitors to the centre. A special thank-you volunteer dinner was held in July Geshe Tenzin Zopa as a special guest speaker. The evening was most enjoyable with much rejoicing about LTC volunteer efforts and achievements, as well as a surprise birthday cake celebration for Geshe-la's birthday. Bron Travis, in the midst of cataloguing over 3,000 library books into our new Librarything system called Tinycat. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our volunteers Kelly Young and Peter Leach. Kelly and Peter have devoted much time over the past twelve months to the ongoing beautification and maintenance of our grounds. The beautification project commenced with the front garden being given a much needed face lift with new plants and a sprinkler system installed, and we now have several flourishing frangipani trees around the grounds. A big thank you to Kelly and Peter for their continued kind efforts to keep the LTC grounds looking beautiful. Russell Williamson and Delma Dewar sharing feedback and ideas during the Member's Forum. We continue to host several schools for their Study of Religion, with Miffi spending up to two hours with groups from the Steiner School and Cannon Hill Anglican College. Our nuns have also visited several schools throughout the year. Finance The financial position for LTC for the financial year 2015/16 is a net surplus of $27,641. We have again produced a positive financial result which will be re-invested in both Dharma and maintenance projects currently underway at the centre. Place In the early new year LTC were most fortunate to obtain funding for the purchase and installation of a storage shed. The shed provides a much Page 9 of 19

10 With Thanks I would like to personally acknowledge the continued efforts of the LTC Management Committee who have contributed to the management and success of the Centre over the past 12 months: Delma Dewar (Secretary), Sherryn West (Treasurer), Miffi Maxmillion (SPC), Venerable Lhagsam (Elected Member), Venerable Trin-la (Elected Member) and Carolyn Mason (Elected Member). Anisha Dhungana looking after the LTC information stall at the Festival of Tibet, at the Powerhouse. Due to the ongoing generosity and kindness of our Wheel Turner's Club members, and other donations received, we are on track to pay off our mortgage in seven years. I would like to acknowledge the amazing work and thank our Treasurer Sherryn West for her ongoing efforts and contributions during the past 12 months. Resident western teachers Miffi Maxmillion and Eddie Peet, with LTC director, Jane Willis (centre). On behalf of the LTC Management Committee I would like to acknowledge Miffi and Eddie, as FPMT registered teachers and LTC full-time volunteers, for their immeasurable kindness and commitment in offering service at LTC. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes to our teachers, and to our most precious Lama Zopa Rinpoche for your prayers and guidance, ensuring we continue to flourish for the benefit all sentient beings. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, members, benefactors and the wider community who offer service, attend our events and support our Centre. I look forward to the next 12 exciting months at Langri Tangpa Centre and feel most fortunate to be connected to the LTC Dharma family in this lifetime. Kindest Regards, Jane Willis LTC volunteer Lyndon Norton preparing the delcious chai tea for after Sunday morning meditation Page 10 of 19

11 Spiritual Program News with Buddhist philosophy which has assisted me greatly to develop authentic Buddhist courses with contemporary presentations. Miffi Maxmillion (Spiritual Program Co-ordinator) The year 2016/17 was one of strong program growth and consolidation, vibrant ritual practice, and popular community events. Special Events In June 2017 Langri Tangpa Centre (LTC) hosted a national SPC Puja Workshop led by Geshe Tenzin Zopa. Over thirty Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) Spiritual Program Co-ordinators (SPC s), nuns and monks came from all over Australia, to learn how to play the drum and cymbals, and practice the traditional Tibetan tunes. It was an exhilarating weekend with much joyous singing, which has brought a new dimension to our popular pujas and ritual ceremonies. Miffi attending the FPMT Foundation Service Training, at Institute Vajrayogin in France. In March 2017 on the merit multiplying Day of Miracles we held our second Virtual Pilgrimage, as part of the required activities for the Discovering Buddhism Course, Eight altars with photos were set up in the Gompa to enable attendees to visit each site and see photos, listen to stories and to recite a short Sutra. New to the Program On the auspicious day of Descent from Tushita, we celebrated the Buddhist 'Mother's Day' with White Tara practice and heartfelt prayers for all mothers. The day was a great success with over fifty people attending. Due to the success of our ritual music training workshop, we continue to include regular protector prayer evenings which include music with drums and cymbals. Geshe Tenzin Zopa setting the motivation during weekend teachings at LTC. During 2016, I had the great fortune to attend two international FPMT training events which assisted to inspire and invigorate our program, and to appreciate the amount of work that has come to fruition in our own curriculum. In August I attended the FPMT Foundation Service Seminar in France, and connected with other SPC's from around the world including Russia, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and England. In December I attended the SPC Teacher Training in New Zealand. The training focussed on integrating best-practice education techniques Celebrating Buddhist Mother's Day, Buddha's Descent from Tushita, with White Tara practice and dedications. Page 11 of 19

12 As per the advice provided by Khandro-la for Lama Zopa Rinpoche's health and long life, we recite the Diamond Cutter Sutra each month, along with the Praise of Dependent Arising and special long life prayers for Rinpoche. We also regularly lead a meditation from Lama Yeshe on cleansing body, speech and mind. Ven. Trin-la hosted the first Death Over Dinner in March Ven. Trin-la prepared a delicious dinner and facilitated the discussion about death and dying with the many attendees. Ven. Trin-la's Death Over Dinner was booked out in advance with a wait list, and proved to be a most successful new adition to the program. Tibetan to English to Understanding, and series of four talks on Steps Towards Emotional Balance. Community We held a Children's Parade to celebrate Buddha's birthday in June, and a Family Retreat in March. Both events were led by Ven. Drolkar and Demi Kehoe, who worked tirelessly to provide stimulating educational activities with an ethical underpinning. Visiting Presenters We were most fortunate to have Geshe Thubten Sherab visit LTC during February Geshe-la gave public talks, weekend teachings, and a Medicine Buddha mantra blessing. Geshe Tenzin Zopa visited LTC twice, during November 2016 and May The gompa was full at the public talks and weekend teachings, with many new faces visiting the centre and a spot in the local newspaper. Geshe-la also hosted a volunteers evening and gave a very encouraging talk to many of our wonderful volunteers, sharing personal experiences from his life and thanking the volunteers over and over! Tsa-tsa painting workshop, decorating the flat-backed statues of Lama Tsong Khapa for our library. Regular tsa-tsa painting workshops continued to attract new visitors each month, who are surprised and delighted by how relaxing it is to paint the Lama Tsong Khapa statues. Attendees enjoy the workshops so much that they often bring along friends and family to the next one. Regular Teachings We continue to enjoy regular teachings from Geshe Tsultrim, the resident geshe at our sister centre Chenrezig Institute. Geshe-la's humility and kindness make an indelible impression on students, in our study of Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun. Geshe Thubten Sherab giving his gentle and clear teachings during his visit in early February. Special guest speaker KR Geshe Tashi Tsering continued a monthly commentary for advanced students on lower tantra. Andy Weber, worlrenowned traditional thangka painter, visited LTC in October to lead a workshop on the Medicine Buddha mantra garland. Corey Jackson led one-day courses on the Five Paths, The balancing emotions courses proved to be extremely popular, highlighting the need for courses about how to deal with emotions in the general community. Healing Anxiety and Depression attracted an average forty students per class, and other courses such as Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World, and Habits for Happiness were also well attended. Carolyn Mason kindly took time out of her busy schedule to lead the Four Meditations for Happiness classes over four mornings and evenings. Page 12 of 19

13 Ven. Drolkar also led several beginner's courses during the year, including Buddhist Path of Peace and Purpose, Eight Verses to Turn Your Life Around, Buddhism in a Nutshell, and afternoons on Mindful Parenting, Mindful Aging, and Mindful Basics. Ven. Drolkar's enthusiastic delivery and her contemporary presentation (including Youtube clips) continues to engage existing students and welcome new ones. Ven. Drolkar also continues to lead regular Buddhist and secular meditations at LTC. Eddie Peet continued to lead two classes of Discovering Buddhism each week, and has been steadily developing powerpoint presentations for each class. LTC has now hosted twelve cycles of the DB in-depth course, which continues to be popular and the core program of the centre. Annual Events Our annual puja events continue to grow in popularity. The All-night Tara Puja in October attarcts students from as far away as Cairns who attend each year. Over forty people attended the first session, and nineteen people completed the entire puja which finished the next morning at 5.30 am! The Christmas Eve Puja attracted well over sixty people and continues to meet the community need for a meaningful lead up to the festive season. Buddhists and non-buddhists alike made offerings, prayers for world peace, and bathed the Baby Buddha statue. Nyung-ne retreatants during a break from meditating on renunciation and compassion. Left to Right: Russell Williamson, Lizzie Ballinger, Angela Kanofski, Helen Jones and Maria Thornton. The two annual Nyung-Ne retreats, at Christmas and Easter, continue to be booked up months in advance. They serve not only to strengthen individual student's practice, but to nurture a strong Dharma family bond within LTC. A cast of thousands! Volunteers from the 2017 Open Day Light offerings and the Lama Tsong Khapa Tsa-tsa Christmas Tower at the 2016 Christmas Eve Puja. The annual Fire Purification Puja continues to attract many non-buddhists who join in offering all negativities and problems (on many tiny pieces of paper) to the ritual fire. This year our program has continued to grow to accomodate to the needs of our students. The traditional Buddhist program is strong, and the emotional balance courses help to integrate the Dharma into our daily life, just as Lama Zopa Rinpoche encouraged us to do. The growing attendance at pujas benefits both the community and the individual practitioners. This year LTC students have had the opportunity to meet holy beings practicing the Dharma, and be inspired by their living example. May the coming year be as productive and inspiring! Warmest wishes, Miffi Maxmillion Page 13 of 19

14 Financial Performance Sherryn West (Treasurer) I rejoice in presenting the Treasurer's report this year. In the financial activities for the year ending 30th June 2017, LTC realised an operating surplus of $27,642. This is an increase from the previous year and consistent with the expectations of the committee and activities throughout the year. Some of the major factors influencing this year s result are: Program income and teaching event income has increased from the previous year as there were no extended closures this year. On average 70% of mortgage payments funded by members (Wheel Turners) through regular giving! Re-negotiated the term on the mortgage so that repayments remained consistent with previous years, to ensure we continue to focus on providing the Dharma and not on the mortgage! The mortgage balance at 30th June 2017 was $322,504! Lama Zopa Rinpoche s retreat in Bendigo in 2018 and a visit from His Holiness the Dalai Lama; Membership fees to remain consistent; Core program, event and membership costs to remain at current levels in proportion to income; Grant funding is not budgeted but we share much rejoicing with the grants team for the shed grant received earlier this year. Under the changes to the Associations Incorporated Act 1981 it is now a legal requirement for an association to make public details of its Public Liability Insurance. Langri Tangpa Centre has current Public Liability insurance. The level of liability is $20 million. I thank the LTC Management Committee for their support; Stephanie, the LTC bookkeeper; and David Hartmann, the auditor. I am confident in the financial management of LTC and the financial reports accompanying my report. As I have said in previous reports, I continue to be inspired by the generosity and dedication to the centre and by our many volunteers, donors and supporters. Thank you! Sherryn West Early each year on the Day of Miracles we make financial offerings to support projects of FPMT and other affiliated projects and centres in Australia and overseas. This year we made a decision to offer to each one of Lama Zopa Rinpoche s projects. The centre, on behalf of all members, also contributed to the Earthquake Appeal and to Lama Zopa Rinpoche s Long Life Puja in Singapore. This year the LTC Management Committee made a decision to offer all our courses, tours and classes by donation. There is a suggested donation, but no set amount, so as to ensure the Dharma remains accessible to all. The committee s expectations for the coming year are: Core program donations and shop sales are planned to be consistent with our regular program calendar and events, considering some small changes with Light offerings to create mountains of merit! Page 14 of 19

15 Thousands Thousands Thousands Thousands Thousands Thousands Summary Charts Operating Income Operating Costs Assets Liabilities 1,740 1,720 1,700 1,680 1,660 1,640 1,620 1,600 1,580 1, Total Funds Operating Surplus 1,300 1,280 1,260 1,240 1, ,200 1,180 1, Page 15 of 19

16 Income Statement Statement of Financial Position Income Assets Allocated Donations 7,615 11,671 Current Assets Core Program Donations 87,624 75,385 Cash & Cash Equivalents 118, ,563 Events 8,872 42,086 Accounts Receivable 9,523 5,304 Gompa Fund Donations 46,817 42,420 Stock on Hand 26,672 23,702 Bank Interest 685 1,090 Accrued Income & Prepayments 0 0 Membership Fees 20,409 20,185 Total Current Assets 154, ,569 Room Hire 8,056 7,453 Shop Sales 42,434 43,957 Non-Current Assets Other Income Library 89,965 83,573 Total Income 223, ,762 Plant and Equipment 10,275 10,864 Land & Buildings 1,368,308 1,386,395 Less Costs Total Non-Current Assets 1,468,548 1,480,832 Administrative Costs 44,441 37,279 Core Program Costs 27,283 28,176 Total Assets 1,623,239 1,644,400 Event Costs 15,686 28,633 Finance Costs 20,958 25,918 Liabilities Membership Costs 12,145 13,481 Current Liabilities Repairs & Maintenance 4,692 45,001 Accounts Payable 8,388 12,439 Shop Cost of Sales 23,943 27,145 Credit Card Balance Owing 6,302 5,360 Support Costs 33,242 45,542 GST Payable / (Refundable) (825) (2,290) Other Costs 291 2,968 Other Payables & Accrued Exps 3,445 5,874 Total Costs 182, ,141 Total Current Liabilities 17,309 21,383 Operating Surplus 40,484-9,379 Non-Current Liabilities Add Non-Operating Income Loan - Camp Hill Property 322, ,236 Grants 2,000 34,009 Total Liabilities 339, ,619 Insurance Recoveries 5,979 0 Less Non-Operational Costs Depreciation 20,821 21,657 Accumulated Funds NET ASSETS 1,283,425 1,255,781 Reserves 246, ,355 NET SURPLUS 27,642 2,973 Retained surplus 1,037,070 1,009,426 TOTAL FUNDS 1,283,425 1,255,781 Page 16 of 19

17 Mandala of Merit LTC makes donations to every single one of Rinpoche's projects! These annual donations are made on behalf of Members each year. They are made on the auspicious Buddhist Day of Miracles to maximise the merits. In addition to our regular donations, members and visitors were extremely generous and made many one-off donations for specific projects and events during the year. Please join with me in rejoicing at this extensive mandala of merit! Annual donations made on behalf of members Long Life Puja for HH the Dalai Lama $108 Long Life Pujas for Lama Zopa Rinpoche $108 FPMT Puja Fund $108 Sera-Je Food Fund $108 Animal Liberation Sanctuary $108 International Merit Box Project $108 Prajnaparamita Project $108 FPMT Translations Fund $108 Centre Support Fund $108 Big Love Fund (supporting our lamas) $108 Education Fund $108 Preserving the Lineage Fund $108 Lama Zopa Rinpoche International Office $108 Lama Zopa Rinpoche Bodhicitta Fund $108 Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund (IMI) $240 Tara Puja Fund $108 Osel Support Fund $108 LTC Education Fund $108 LTC Sangha Offering - Ven. Lhagsam $108 FPMTA General Donation $108 Great Stupa of Universal Compassion - Bendigo $108 Liberation Prison Project - Australia $108 Garden of Enlightment - Chenrezig Institute $108 Geshe Care at Chenrezig Institute $108 Festival of Light and Merit - Dharamsala $108 Maitreya Project - Kushinigar $108 Nepal Earhtquake Support Fund $108 Supporting Ordained Sangha Fund $108 Lama Tsong Khapa Teacher's Fund $108 Padmasambhava Project for Peace $108 Prayer Wheel Fund $108 Stupa Fund $108 Stupa to Minimise Harm from Elements $108 Scholarship Fund $108 Social Services Fund $108 Practice and Retreat Fund $108 Holy Objects Fund $108 One-off donations for this financial year Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive book donations $1,727 International Merit Box Project money boxes $3,633 Institute Vajra Yogini annual Nyung-Ne $108 LTC Sangha attending Rinpoche s Long Life Puja $500 Dharma Wheels donations to Animal Santuraies $155 Page 17 of 19

18 Monks and Nuns Ven. Lozang Trin-lä (Sangha Care) What a very great privilege it is for me to be a member of Langri Tangpa Centre's Management Committee in the role of Sangha Care and Support. In the last year at LTC we have hosted Geshe Zopa, Geshe Sherab, KR Geshe Tashi Tsering, Geshe Tsultrim, the Tashi Lhunpo monks and many, many visiting sangha. I might even go so far as to say that it was the 'year of the sangha', with more monks and nuns visiting us than ever before! My role is to make sure that they are well looked after and have everything they need. Between us we have provided spiritual counselling on more than forty occasions, carried out house blessings, baby blessings, wedding blessings and prison visits. We have also spoken to school students as part of their Study of Religion assignments. Where possible, the nuns have taken part in community events such as Sutra Road Trips, the Festival of Tibet and LTC's Open Day. This year has brought a stream of blessings to LTC and its members, not the least the sangha, whose role it is to joyfully offer service to sentient beings. Trin-lä Seeing so many sangha around the centre, one might wonder how we define the LTC sangha? A Langri Tangpa Centre monk or nun (ordained Sangha) is a member of Langri Tangpa Centre who offers service to the centre on an ongoing basis no matter where he or she resides. You can find profiles and contact details of the LTC sangha on our website. LTC's sangha - myself, Ven. Lhagsam, Ven. Drolkar and Ven. Tongni - continue to lead the meditation classes on Sunday mornings as well as other weekly classes and weekend courses. Ven Drolkar in particular, has led more than fifty classes at LTC and as outreach activities outside the centre. The wonderful LTC Sangha (Left to Right): Ven. Lozang Lhagsam, Ven. Lozang Trin-la, Ven. Thubten Tongnyi, and Ven. Lozang Drolkar. How LTC supports the Sangha LTC nuns during the All-night Tara Puja celebration. Offerings at pujas Offerings on holy days Offerings for leading classes Reimbursement of petrol costs Generous membership discount Teachings free of charge Sponsorship for Nyung-nes Monetary support via website donations to attend Lama Zopa Rinpoche retreats Overnight accommodation at the centre when required if available Annual offering to the IMI Sangha lunches with visiting teachers Sangha afternoon teas Any offerings the Sangha receive for outreach activities eg. workshops, weddings, funerals, baby blessings, memorials are solely for their own use and not shared with the centre Page 18 of 19

19 How You Can Help There are many ways to offer your assistance and support. LTC is run entirely by volunteers and can function only due to the generosity of our membership and others. LTC s mortgage is steadily reducing, thanks to regular donations by the LTC Wheel-Turners. The mortgage is our largest single outgoing at $4, per month. Helping in Kind There are many other equally beneficial ways to help. These include: Showing kindness by welcoming new students and visitors to the Centre Volunteering at the Centre Regular (tax deductible) contributions into your member's Gompa Tin Donations in kind Writing an online Google review of your experience at LTC Sharing LTC posts on Facebook Leaving a bequest in your will Coming along to teachings, classes, pujas and other events. Putting our programs or flyers in local shops, libraries and notice-boards to help get us known in the community. Donations to the Gompa Fund can be made via a secure online donation facility which can be accessed from our web site and also directly at For more information or any questions about how to go about this, please speak to our treasurer. A Message of Thanks With our deepest gratitude the Management Committee would like to thank the many people who have contributed so generously to the Centre over the past year. We would especially like to thank our amazing volunteers, our Wheel Turners and Mala Club members, and our precious Sangha who bless us so frequently with their gentle presence and wisdom. Much appreciation to our amazing yoga team from the Radiant Light Yoga: Jill Shaw-Feather, Amanda Lynn, and Cindy Hartigan. Between them they lead five classes a week, offering a consistent program of extremely high quality, and being the reputedly the 'best yoga class in town!'. Their financial contribution is also a much valued contribution to reducing our mortgage! Tax Deductible Donations We encourage all those who can to donate to our LTC Gompa Fund on a regular basis. All donations to the Gompa Fund are tax deductable. All contributions are used exclusively for the LTC property, to fund mortgage repayments, maintenance, repairs and improvements to the building. Gompa Fund. Any donation of $2 and above to the LTC Gompa Fund is tax-deductible. You can donate at reception or into your Gompa Tins. Wheel-Turner's Club. Regular tax-deductible donations can be made securely online through the Givenow portal. Tax receipts are automatically generated both monthly and at the end of each financial year. Mala Club. This tier is for one-off donations to the Gompa Fund of $1,000 or more. One of the benefits of donating is that patrons have the opportunity to decorate a page in the commemorative album and dedicate the virtue of their generosity. This album serves as an inpsiration for others, and as a form of thanks to our benefactors. The yoga team who lead five classes a week at LTC, Jill Shaw-Feather, Cindy Hartigan and Amanda Lynn. Dedication May everyone who sees, hears, or thinks (even in frustration) of this report be freed in that very second from all their sufferings, diseases, neurosis, negative karmas and obscurations, and abide in the peerless happiness of full enlightenment forever. And may all the Dharma wishes of HH the Dalai Lama, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and all other precious teachers, be instantly fulfilled. May all practitioners everywhere continue joyfully in their practice. Page 19 of 19