Annual Report

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Annual Report"

Transcription

1 Annual Report Chenrezig Inc. Executive Committee Chairperson: Christine Jones Executive members: Ven. Lozang Tsondru, Peter Shepherd, Roseanne Muller, Rhianon Vichta, Sue Luton Director: Michael Gardner

2 1. Contents 1. Contents Message from the Chair of the Executive Committee Overview of Chenrezig Institute s Operations... 3 Organisational Structure Programme Highlights Organisational Transformation... 7 A. Corporate Image and Mission... 7 B. CI Culture and Community Improving Our Services and Infrastructure A. Facilities and Services B. Infrastructure C. Administrative Streamlining Compliance Updates Community Reports C. CI Arts, Garden of Enlightenment and Enlightenment Project (by Garrey Foulkes) B. Chenrezig Nuns Community (by Ven. Lozang Lhagsam) C. Chenrezig Monks Community (Lozang Dragpa Monastery) Financial Adjustments and Performance A. Building Sustainable Financial Operations B. Performance C. Donations and Bequests The Year Ahead

3 2. Message from the Chair of the Executive Committee There is always plenty going on at Chenrezig Institute and 2014 has been no exception. In fact, from the Executive Committee's point of view it might have been one of our busiest years yet. Our habit of grasping at permanence has been continually undermined with a new director stepping forward, a number of Executive Committee members coming and going, Geshe Jamyang resigning and Geshe Tsultrim arriving, as well as many other day to day events. We kicked off the year with an intensive weekend workshop to review and discuss the strategic direction for the centre, creating a new mission statement as well as refining our values. We created budgeting priorities for the twelve month period after we had worked closely with Michael Gardner to review our current situation, our risks, our opportunities, shortfalls and strengths. We have been busy clarifying and resolving issues around building and tenancy, infrastructure, finance, health and safety, compliance, governance, cultural issues and enhancing harmony within the centre. We cannot thank Michael enough for all of his valuable insight and knowledge in many of these areas, especially his strong focus on developing harmony, which we know is something Lama Zopa Rinpoche strongly emphasises. Whilst all of these issues have been discussed and resolved behind the scenes by the committee and staff, the main purpose of the centre, to be working towards liberating as many sentient beings as possible, continues to flourish. We can rejoice in the large numbers of people who have listened to Dharma, reflected on its meaning and meditated to deepen their understanding. We can rejoice in the priceless teachings, advice and personal interactions we have had with all of our great teachers, especially Khadro-la and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. We can rejoice in all of the different study programs and courses being taught, virtually seven days a week. We feel like we have made significant progress but the job is far from over. It is not only the responsibility of the incoming Executive Committee to ensure the long term sustainability of the centre but each and every one of us who wants the centre to continue, needs to work hard in whatever way we can. Our mission statement 'By practising kindness and wisdom, we change ourselves for the benefit of others' indicates where to begin. We are so fortunate that as a modern day western organisation we have the Dharma to support and direct us along the correct path. A huge, huge, huge thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly day and night under often challenging circumstances. It is these individuals going above and beyond the call of duty that keeps the wheels of the centre turning. There are too many people to thank and I don't want to exclude anyone so a huge thank you to all of you for being part of Chenrezig Institute s community and for supporting us along the way. Christine Jones Executive Committee Chairperson Chenrezig Inc. 2

4 3. Overview of Chenrezig Institute s Operations Chenrezig Inc. is an incorporated association (number IA33961) under Queensland law. The Association is dedicated to creating and providing opportunities for people to be introduced to, study, practice and experience the FPMT lineage of the Mahayana Tradition. It is affiliated with FPMT Inc., an organization devoted to the worldwide transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values through teaching, meditation and community service. FPMT Inc. and its affiliates provide integrated education through which people s minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others, inspired by an attitude of universal responsibility. The organization is based on the Buddhist tradition of Lama Tsong Khapa of Tibet as taught to us by our founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe and our spiritual Director, Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche. CI Inc. is also affiliated with the Australian office of FPMT Inc., FPMTA and utilises the policies and procedures set forth by FPMTA. CI Inc. encompasses a number of projects and entities, including the Garden of Enlightenment, Enlightenment Project for Purification and Merit, Chenrezig Arts, Chenrezig Nuns Community (CNC) and Lozang Dragpa Monastery (LDM). Organisational Structure 3

5 4. Programme Highlights The centre hosted over 100 teachings, events and retreats over the 2013/ 2014 financial year. These ranged from secular and alternative programmes, art courses and meditation retreats to more advanced Geshe and Master s Programme teachings. Over people enrolled in one or more teachings over the course of the year. Additionally, a large number of people visited the centre for Dharma club, yoga retreats, open days, holy day events or just to explore the centre and eat in the café. The vitality of the centre s activities is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teaching staff, Gompa manager, SPC and volunteers. We are deeply indebted to them for enabling us to benefit so many. Highlights of the year s programme included: Maitreya Loving-kindness Relic Tour In March, the Maitreya Loving-kindness Relic Tour visited CI for the first time. The tour coincided with Losar and Lama Yeshe Day, and a beautiful Shakyamuni Buddha Puja was held in the presence of the relics. Hundreds of visitors came to view the relics many bringing beloved pets to be blessed. A Retreat with Khadro-la: Illuminating the Path of Wisdom and Compassion In April 2014 Khadro-la visited Chenrezig Institute on her first Australia tour and led a remarkable week-long retreat attended by approximately 120 people. We were incredibly fortunate to be able to receive such direct and heartfelt instructions from this wonderful teacher. Completion of Master s Programme and Farewell to Geshe Jamyang At the end of May, our full time Advanced Programme students completed the two-year Madhyamika module of the Master s Programme. Congratulations to everyone involved! The end of the Master s Programme also saw the departure of our resident Geshe, Geshe Lobsang Jamyang. Geshe-la has given many precious teachings over the course of his 9 years at Chenrezig Institute. We are all profoundly grateful for Geshe-la s teachings, advice and selfless dedication. Geshe Jamyang leaves behind a solid legacy which will stay with us as we welcome our new Geshe and begin a new round of the Basic Programme later this year. 4

6 Chenrezig Day In 2000, Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested that Chenrezig Institute hold an annual event in which the huge 1000 Arm Chenrezig Thangka, given to the centre by Rinpoche, was raised. The thangka was raised for the first time in many years at a community day tea party on the 15 th June close to Saka Dawa, the end of the Nyung Nay retreat and the anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama s visit to the centre. A new enclosure for the thangka is planned in order to make this event less dependent on weather so that we can fulfil Rinpoche s wishes for an annual display. Shamatha Retreat In keeping with Lama Zopa Rinpoche s wishes that students cultivate calm-abiding, TY Alexander led another week-long Shamatha retreat at the end of the financial year. The retreat was attended by 43 people and, based on the feedback from participants, proved incredibly beneficial and transformative. FPMTA National Meeting The directors, SPCs and registered teachers of FPMT centres in Australia gathered at Chenrezig Institute in early October 2013 for the annual FPMTA meeting. This was a great opportunity for the centre to reconnect with the wider family of FPMT students and discuss ways of working together to strengthen the organisation. Sponsored Courses The centre freely offered twelve courses and one retreat during the financial year. This included eight sponsored Geshe weekend courses all of which proved immensely popular. The programme committee has worked hard to ensure that these courses are on more accessible topics, so they can bring the most benefit to the numerous first-time students that attend. 5

7 Annual Retreats Every year the centre offers a number of retreats, and once again these proved very popular. Big Love Retreat led by Ven. Lozang Pema (Lisa Perry): This sponsored retreat focussing on meditation on compassion was attended by 34 people the largest number of participants in many years! Year-end Purification Retreat led by Ven. Lozang Drolma: This retreat marked a change from the Year-end Vajrasattva retreat. While the focus was still on purification, a more secular and accessible approach was taken by Ven. Drolma. It proved to be extremely popular with 72 people attending and many commenting on what a beneficial experience it had been. Kopan Downunder with Geshe Jamyang and Tenzin Tsepal: This year s Lam-rim retreat took place over two weeks allowing more time for meditation and reflection. In total, 55 people took part, with many others attending single days or sessions. Mahayana Vipassana retreat with TY Alexander: TY led her second annual Vipassana retreat over the Australia Day long weekend. With 51 attendants, this has proved to be one of our most successful additions to the programme. 8 Nyung Nays led by Ven. Ailsa Cameron: 40 people completed at least one nyung nay this year, with13 amazingly dedicated retreatants completing all eight nyung nays! Thank you to Ven. Ailsa for leading this retreat yet again. Visiting Teachers The centre and its students benefitted greatly from the knowledge and skills of many wonderful visiting teachers. They included Geshe Tashi Tsering, Ven. Thubten Chodron, Ven. Robina Courtin, Jampa Ignyen, Alan Carter, Wai Cheong Kok, Renate Ogilvie, NeLi Martin, Sam Clarke, Miffi Maxmillion and artist Andy Weber. We are extremely grateful to all for giving so generously of their time. Without their generosity, the centre would not be able to survive. Invitation to Lama Zopa Rinpoche for CI s 40 th Anniversary In January, the centre invited Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche to give teachings and attend Chenrezig Institute s 40 th Anniversary celebrations. Rinpoche very kindly agreed to visit the centre and give a Great Chenrezig Initiation. Most of the second half of the year has been taken up with preparations for these events a huge task accomplished through the kindness of the organising committee. Thank you! 6

8 5. Organisational Transformation A. Corporate Image and Mission A New Mission Statement After a strategic survey conducted in January, the Executive Committee reformulated the centre s mission statement and values. The new mission statement By practising kindness and wisdom we change ourselves for the benefit of others acknowledges that cultural and social transformation begins with working on our own spiritual development. Updated Logo We now have a full colour version of our new logo, thanks to the artwork of Ray Furminger! Lama Zopa Rinpoche was extremely pleased with the new design. The logo forms the cornerstone of all our new marketing and publicity material. New Website! Our website is the first and most frequent channel of interaction for our visitors, students and residents with the centre, so a huge amount of work was invested in replacing the tired green monster with a modern, easy to maintain and attractive new site. The new WordPress-powered website went live on Saka Dawa and has been greeted with great enthusiasm. A massive thank you to Eva Mueller for all her work creating the designs for the site! 7

9 B. CI Culture and Community Strategic Survey, Workshop and Value Statement The Executive Committee carried out a strategic survey to gather input from all our sangha, staff, students, members, residents and visitors. The questionnaire focussed on how the centre was perceived, as well as what changes to the culture, infrastructure and services might be most needed. The Executive Committee and senior staff spent a weekend working with external facilitators devising a statement of values, defining the new mission statement and drawing up a list of strategic priorities. These were refined over the course of the year and used as guiding objectives for the Executive s work. It is hoped that the new Executive Committee will continue to use and build on this approach. Community Meetings and Afternoon Teas At the start of the year residents and members expressed a wish for increased communication with the Executive Committee and centre management team. In order to encourage open and honest communication, a community meeting has been held each quarter. Although only a first step, it is hoped that these coupled with relaxed afternoon tea parties, have allowed voices to be heard and have strengthened the bonds of friendship between all parts of our CI family. Grievance Committee To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to bring serious issues in the centre to light, a Grievance Committee has been created. The Committee assesses complaints and reports to the Executive Committee. It is independent of both the director and the Executive chairperson. The current Grievance Committee members are Ven. Tenzin Tsepal (main Western teacher), Eva Mueller (SPC), Ven. Lhagsam and Ven. Lozang Tsondru. The Grievance Committee has its own address: grievance@chenrezig.com.au. Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities There has been a concerted effort to clarify the roles of the Executive Committee, Director, department managers, working groups and staff members that contribute to the running of the centre (see organisational Structure chart). As part of this, the Director took a non-voting role on the Executive Committee. This has helped embed the fact that the Executive Committee has overall authority for the strategic, legal and financial welfare of the centre. Focussing on Our Main Purpose A policy governing long-term guests was created and implemented in September This ensures that visitors can only stay on the property for longer than two weeks if they are engaged in full time study or retreat or are offering service full time. Focussing on our main priority as a Dharma centre in this way has had a dramatic impact on the efficiency of centre operations and has reduced the number of problematic incidents on site. 8

10 Our New Resident Geshe: Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim After Geshe Jamyang announced his departure, Lama Zopa Rinpoche appointed Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim as our new Geshe. Geshe-la has been highly praised by a number of prominent teachers from the main Tibetan monasteries in India, and shares a close connection with Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Chenrezig Institute applied for and was granted the ability to sponsor Geshe-la s visa. Impermanence at Work In addition to Geshe Jamyang, this year saw the departure of Maureen Walshe (Director), Ven. Lozang Tsultrim (Executive Committee Chairperson), Ven. Lozang Drolma (Outreach teacher), Ven. Lozang Khadro (Receptionist), as well as a number of our Sangha members. But we have been fortunate to be joined by some wonderful new recruits: Dr. Eva Mueller (SPC), Robyn Norris (Reception), Anna Butler (Reception), Jennifer Thomas (Shop and Reception), Kym Bartlett (Grounds and Maintenance) and Joja Astridge (Housekeeper). Our Amazing Volunteers Our volunteers are the main reason the centre is able to continue to operate so successfully. We are very grateful to each and every person who has assisted Chenrezig Institute this year. To help stabilise the programme a decision was made by the management team to increase the length of the commitment required for people wanting to volunteer. This has also proven to be beneficial for managing the volunteer programme by reducing the frequency of new participants that need to be trained. Our day volunteer programme has also expanded considerably this year. These individuals have played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of many of the larger events and retreats. Their continued dedication is inspiring and very much appreciated! 9

11 6. Improving Our Services and Infrastructure The main focus for the operational management team this year has been on making the centre safer and more pleasant for all visitors. For this reason there has been a substantial investment in improving the quality of our infrastructure and services. A. Facilities and Services Gompa Upgrades The lighting in the Gompa has been substantially improved by installation of bright, energy-efficient globes and additional fittings. This has had a major impact on the atmosphere in the Gompa and has been very helpful for all the students. Thank you to everyone who donated money, and in particular to Dan Woodly who contributed by donating a large Buddha statue for a raffle to raise funds and Colin Crosbie who organised the raffle. The Gompa also received much needed brocades and custom throne dorjes which were purchased from Nepal. A set of stencils for drawing the eight auspicious symbols were created by Matt Drewett and Ray Furminger. These have been a huge help in the preparations for the visits of prominent teachers. Accommodation Improvements The aging linen in all our guest rooms was replaced with custom standardised linen. Not only has this improved the experience for guests, but has simplified the processes in housekeeping. Thanks to all our donors who contributed to the purchase! Updated Equipment in the Big Love Café The kitchen has benefitted from the purchase of a commercial heavy duty Robot Coupe food processor, and the donation of a commercial Robot Coupe vegetable preparation unit. This will hopefully halt the constant replacement of domestic equipment that has caused headaches for a number of years! The café has also undergone an equipment upgrade with the donation of a (much welcomed) new coffee machine. We also purchased a new large display fridge with the generous assistance of Laurie Gracie. 10

12 Homemade Cakes! A noticeable change in the café has been the discontinuation of frozen commercial cakes. These were expensive, unprofitable and not very tasty. Instead, Jennifer Thomas and occasional volunteers on the baking club have been churning out large numbers of incredibly delicious homemade cakes. Not only has this vastly improved the guests experience in the café, it has also generated a modest income for the centre. Many thanks to Jennifer and the baking team. Closing of Café on Mondays In October 2013 a decision was made to close the Big Love Café on Mondays outside of retreats. Guests staying overnight on Mondays are automatically allocated to self-catering accommodation. This has significantly reduced the pressure on the staff and volunteers that previously arose from having the café open 7 days per week, 364 days per year. B. Infrastructure New Road to Cafe In 2013 Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave Chenrezig Institute $ for use on various projects. Some of this money was used to complete the concreting of the road up to the café. Not only does this allow better, safer access for deliveries to the café, but will no doubt save money in the long term as we will not need to carry out expensive repairs to the road each rainy season. We are very grateful to Lindsay Pratt and his team, Aaron Watkins, John Gray and Glen Heindley for the astonishing amount of work they put into getting the road completed quickly and affordably. Roads to the Garden of Enlightenment The centre also owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Vietnamese community and Ani Choepal for organising and sponsoring the concreting of the dangerous inclines between the car park and the Garden of Enlightenment. Thanks are also due to Garrey Foulkes and Peter O Brien who helped out with the (hot) work on the day. New Concrete Retreat Hut Paths The uneven and unlit retreat hut paths presented a significant risk to guests visiting the centre. The Executive Committee therefore allocated part of the profits from Khadro-la s retreat to upgrading the paths in the area. Aaron Watkins, Riccardo Ferrari and John Gray took on this daunting task under the supervision of Lindsay Pratt and Peter Shepherd. The paths have now all been completed making the area infinitely more attractive, welcoming and safe. Thanks to the guys for doing a fantastic job! 11

13 Disabled Access Path Disabled access to our facilities is an ongoing and increasing concern. As a first step to addressing this, the current concrete path to the motel block was widened to allow wheelchair access. The motel bathroom still needs to be fitted with a ramp, the toilet stalls widened and hand rails installed. It is hoped that this will occur as part of a planned refurbishment of the bathrooms. Water Quality A long-standing concern at the centre has been the quality of the water being pumped from the small dam. Following water quality testing earlier in the year, a decision was made to stop using the small dam as a holding dam. Instead a large water tank was installed near the small dam and used to collect water from the larger lower damn. This, combined with regular water treatment, has dramatically improved the quality and safety of the non-potable water supplies. A more sustainable long-term solution of our water management on the site still needs to be identified. C. Administrative Streamlining IT Hardware The centre purchased six new desktop computers to replace the aging and unreliable systems used by staff. This enabled the standardisation of all operating systems and software and has been very beneficial for office productivity. The centre also purchased a new laptop to replace the sadly deceased audio processing laptop in the Gompa. This massive overhaul of hardware was made possible by very generous donations by TY Alexander. Thank you! Google Apps for Business One of the most significant changes to operations was a move away from locally stored and documents to cloud-based solutions. In October, Chenrezig Institute transferred all , calendaring and document management to Google Apps. This has had several major advantages: All s and documents are stored online, so no longer lost when hardware fails. Staff members also have remote access to s and documents. It also allows improved document tracking, management and sharing. A dramatic reduction in the number of spam s! Creation and sharing of calendars allowing easier programme planning and staff leave monitoring. Easier (and more secure) communication between various committees via Google Groups. This also automatically archives all communications so the centre does not lose critical information. Better integration with our website and online services. Overall this has been a very successful transition. It is now even more so since Google has kindly provided the entire suite of products (worth about $ $2000 per year) to the centre completely free of charge! 12

14 Admin Software Additional improvements to mission-critical software included: MailChimp: We now use an automated online subscription tracking and management service called MailChimp. This has saved reception many hours per week of entering addresses into a local address book, manually sending s and constantly removing outdated addresses or failed s. It also produces attractive and professional fortnightly enews bulletins and integrates with our webpage. Purchase of MYOB Retail manager. This has allowed a proper stock inventory to be created for the first time and has enabled better integration between the shop/ reception and accounting roles. Removal of unnecessary third-party services. Our WordPress-based webpage has the ability to carry out a number of services that were previously covered by external services. Removal of these has centralised our work on a single platform (WordPress) and resulted in several small savings. We are slowly trying to move away from our current event management software (WildApricot). This is expensive and very ineffective as a booking system. However, there are a number of technical hurdles that still need to be addressed before we can do so. Shop/ Reception With the increase in the number of visitors to CI, there was increasing pressure on the reception staff to manage the vast influx of s and telephone queries while dealing with customers. To improve our customer service, the role of Receptionist was split into two with one person handling customer queries and purchases, and the other handling bookings and s. This has had a big impact on the wellbeing of the staff and has allowed us to become more efficient in responding to enquiries. 7. Compliance Updates There has been a concerted effort to ensure that all the centre s operations are compliant with current regulations so as to ensure resilience in the future. Risk and OHS The Executive Committee made risk management one of the major priorities for this year. Many infrastructural changes have been made to reduce the risk of trips and falls. A training day was held for volunteers and additional first aid and mental first aid training courses have been planned. The centre also purchased new medical kits which have been placed at accessible locations around the site. A medical emergencies plan has been drawn up and will be implemented in the near future. GST An external accountant was engaged to advise in relation to the GST matter. However, FPMT and FPMTA have conveyed a preference for a particular advisor to be consulted. A brief will have to be provided for the new advisor. 13

15 School Building Fund and Perpetual Education Trust Fund Due to changes in the legislation surrounding school building funds, Chenrezig Institute is no longer an eligible entity. Consequently, we have sought advice about how the funds can be disbursed, whether the Perpetual Education Trust Fund (CIs DGR fund) can be a legal recipient of the funds, and how such funds could be used. Asset Revaluation To ensure that our balance sheet correctly reflects the current value of the buildings on site, an independent evaluation was sought. This addresses a long-standing request from our auditors to provide unbiased evidence to support our asset valuations. Staff Contracts and PDs We now have a new template for contracts that can be re-issued to all staff. The new template updates our contracts to be compliant with modern legal and FairWork Australia standards. The new contracts will be slowly rolled out in the coming months during reviews of Position Descriptions and performance. 8. Community Reports C. CI Arts, Garden of Enlightenment and Enlightenment Project (by Garrey Foulkes) Garden of Enlightenment The Garden of Enlightenment continues to attract a large number of weekly visitors. Sponsorship for stupas and prayer wheels continues to strengthen every year as the project is now completed. All of the maintenance and improvements continue to be done by volunteer labour. We now have no live-in caretaker so some simple tasks are difficult to get done on a daily basis. Many thanks to Colin and Glen for all of the work done on building the new Tsa Tsa house at the gardens. This was kindly sponsored by Mariangela Vecchi and is nearing completion. Preparations for Lama Zopa Rinpoche s visit have occupied a large part of the ongoing work in the later part of the financial year. 14

16 Art Studio The Art studio now has a very elaborate new veranda and newly completed (nearly) landscaping at the front of the building. The Art studio shop is almost ready to be opened and Matt continues to work on new moulds with which we can start producing garden ornaments etc. We have given Riccardo Ferrari a 13 week workblock to help push things along as this has been a very busy year and we were falling behind with keeping up with orders, particularly stupas. We have also had a gas-fired kiln offered to us which opens the door to another business outlet. Volunteers and those studying traditional painting with Ray continue to come on a regular basis. Not only is this a huge help for us but everybody seems to have a really enjoyable day. Ray s regular weekend art classes continue to appeal to new and regular students. Now that the major costs involved in funding the Garden of Enlightenment and the Art Studio are behind us we are now beginning to generate quite useful funds. Our aim is to continue to improve the facilities and our service to the public. B. Chenrezig Nuns Community (by Ven. Lozang Lhagsam) The majority of the Chenrezig Nuns Community has been studying the Masters Program for the last two years, and now the study component has been completed. The retreat commitment will be completed in individual retreats at appropriate times. We would like to offer our gratitude to Geshe Jamyang for his great kindness to the Nuns during his time at Chenrezig Institute, providing us with so many opportunities to study and practice. During this year we have looked at ways to improve access through the Nuns community area with better drainage and wider paths that will be safer in wet weather. A significant number of the Nuns contribute to leading meditation sessions and classes as part of the general program and also respond to personal requests from the public for guidance and support with spiritual practice. Some of the Nuns work with the local FPMT hospice services, Cittamani on the Sunshine Coast and Karuna in Brisbane. There are occasional requests to give presentations at multi-faith events and we take part whenever possible. C. Chenrezig Monks Community (Lozang Dragpa Monastery) The monastery said farewell to Lozang Yeshe and Lozang Jhampa. Yeshe has relocated to Thubten Shedrub Ling Monastery in Bendigo and Jhampa will be studying Tibetan in India. However, it is expected that one or two monks will return to the monastery at the start of the Basic Studies Programme. 15

17 9. Financial Adjustments and Performance The focus of changes to the financial operations of the institute has been to build a steady and sustainable income stream by decreasing the reliance on the spiritual programme and promoting other revenue streams, decreasing expenditure and increasing/ standardising profit margins. The aim was to increase surplus to allow investment in infrastructural and service upgrades. A. Building Sustainable Financial Operations Pricing Changes (Café and Accommodation) In November and December 2013 the management team reviewed the pricing of meals in the café and the pricing of accommodation on the property. These were all increased to bring them in line with modern pricing and reduce the losses that had been accruing in these areas. This was the first price change in many years and it has contributed to an overall healthier monthly performance. Streamlining Expenditure To reduce unnecessary expenses, the team has been slowly consolidating diverse services into single, more affordable options. This has involved numerous changes to our food suppliers and service providers. Another significant adjustment was a change in the system used to calculate offerings for non-staff teachers. The new equation rewards teachers more equitably based on teaching hours and course participants. This has eliminated some of the excesses and unfairness of the previous model. Till and Income Tracking One of the major concerns in the finances is the appropriate tracking and tagging of revenue. Without this it has been difficult to assess the profitability of some of our services. As a result, money has been set aside for the purchase of a modern café till which integrates with our accounting software. B. Performance Despite large-scale investment in the infrastructure and a very poor start to the year, CI Inc. finished the financial year with a modest surplus. The poor performance in Quarter 1 was largely due to payout of accrued leave and to persistent losses in the café and accommodation. The increase in surplus from Quarter 2 onwards is likely a cumulative effect of the changes in accommodation and food pricing. Looking at the performance for the centre only (ie: omitting CNC, LDM, GOE and EPPM figures) indicates that Quarter 3 proved to be most profitable. This was due largely to the increase in visitors during Khadro-la s 16

18 retreat, the Relic Tour and the visit of Ven. Thubten Chodron. The surplus for the quarter was approximately $ Major expenditure by the centre on road concreting reflects in the decreased profit in Quarter 4. The accommodation and shop were the most profitable enterprises over the year, whereas the café continues to make only a minor profit of approximately $900 a month on average. This does not take into account the running of the volunteer programme - the bulk of which is utilised by the café. This suggests that a major review of the operations of the café is required in order to improve its viability. The programme continued to make a loss since it supports most of the teacher and staff salaries. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to note that this deficit decreased substantially over the course of the year due to the change in the offering system and increased course participation. Overall there are encouraging signs that the adjustments mentioned in this report have yielded a modest return to profitability in most areas of the centre s activities. Ideally, however, effort should be expended in future to reduce the volatility of the income streams by reducing the dependence of all departments on the levels of participation in the programme. Assets and Balance Sheet To ensure that the balance sheet accurately reflected the centre s assets, a review of the plant and equipment valuations was conducted. Approximately $ in P&E was deprecated. Likewise, revaluation of the current value of the buildings shed approximately $ from the balance sheet. The consequence is an approx. $1 million adjustment in contributed equity. C. Donations and Bequests Donations and Bequests to CI The kindness of our guests and students has once again been extraordinary. Thank you to everyone who donated money to the centre for various projects. Without your assistance, few of the projects mentioned in this report would have been possible and the year would have been considerably more challenging. CI received substantial donations towards IT hardware, the new website, Gompa lighting, kitchen equipment, the new Tsa-Tsa house, DVDs in the library and farewell offerings to Geshe Jamyang, among others. CI was also the recipient of a large bequest from the estate of Libby Muller, who passed away earlier this year. Libby had a long association with Chenrezig Institute and bequeathed the money to support CI s education aims. Among other things, the money provides for two annual scholarships for registered school teachers to study the Dharma so that they can teach Dharma in local schools. Although the sum will not reflect in the figures until the next financial year, three exceptionally kind visitors to the centre have pledged over $ towards sanitation upgrades. Moreover, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has donated a further $ to the centre for the project. (This money was offered to Rinpoche by a very generous benefactor who attended the Bendigo retreat). These two donations will enable us to install new sewage systems across the site, making the car park a much more pleasant introduction to CI! 17

19 10. The Year Ahead The 2014/ 2015 financial year is well underway. Highlights so far include the arrival of our new Geshe, Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim and the visit of our precious Spiritual Director, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche will see the start of new rounds of Discovering Buddhism and the five-year Basic Studies Programme (BSP). It will also see the completion of major infrastructural works and long-awaited updates to the motel block accommodation. The major challenge will lie in the necessary restructuring of the operations of Chenrezig Institute to improve the sustainability and viability of the enterprise. This should include a review of the staff portfolios, streamlining of the volunteer programme, adjustments to the functioning of the café and perhaps development of alternative income streams. In doing so it is hoped that CI will continue to flourish and bring benefit to innumerable sentient beings. 18

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre. December 2017

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre. December 2017 Langri Tangpa Centre is a teaching and meditation centre in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Founded in 1982, and affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Langri

More information

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre Langri Tangpa Centre is a teaching and meditation centre in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Founded in 1982, and affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Langri

More information

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre Langri Tangpa Centre is a teaching and meditation centre in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Founded in 1982, and affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Langri

More information

Langri Tangpa Centre Inc. Annual General Meeting 2017 Minutes

Langri Tangpa Centre Inc. Annual General Meeting 2017 Minutes Langri Tangpa Centre Inc. Annual General Meeting 2017 Minutes Venue: Langri Tangpa Centre, 535 Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill Date: Saturday, 25 November 2017 Time: Attendance: Chair: Minutes: BUSINESS

More information

Downloaded from

Downloaded from Downloaded from www.holybooks.com What to do with Dharma teachings The Buddhadharma is the true source of happiness for all

More information

IMI ORDINATION GUIDELINES FOR FPMT STUDENTS

IMI ORDINATION GUIDELINES FOR FPMT STUDENTS IMI ORDINATION GUIDELINES FOR FPMT STUDENTS Background These guidelines have been developed by the International Mahayana Institute (IMI) to provide direction for students at FPMT Centers who are planning

More information

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre. October 2017

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre. October 2017 Langri Tangpa Centre is a teaching and meditation centre in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Founded in 1982, and affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Langri

More information

How the FPMT Organization Started

How the FPMT Organization Started 1 How the FPMT Organization Started I would like to talk about the organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition. At International Office in Portland when I was giving a teaching

More information

Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive www.lamayeshe.com Publishing the FPMT Lineage A Five-Year Plan 2008-2012 Table of Contents 1.0 Executive Summary 1.1 Mission 1.2 Our Unique Offering 1.3 Objectives for the Next

More information

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre

Langri Tangpa Buddhist Centre Langri Tangpa Centre is a teaching and meditation centre in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Founded in 1982, and affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Langri

More information

the zen practice of balancing the books

the zen practice of balancing the books the zen practice of balancing the books The Big Picture on San Francisco Zen Center s Long-Term Financial Sustainability By Robert Thomas, San Francisco Zen Center President, June 2, 2010 Money is a very

More information

Program. October, November, December Chenrezig Institute 33 Johnsons Rd Eudlo QLD 4554 Ph

Program. October, November, December Chenrezig Institute 33 Johnsons Rd Eudlo QLD 4554 Ph Program October, November, December 2016 Chenrezig Institute 33 Johnsons Rd Eudlo QLD 4554 Ph 07 5453 2108 info@chenrezig.com.au www.chenrezig.com.au Chenrezig Institute is affiliated with the FPMT T h

More information

Chichester Cathedral Summary Report & Financial Information for the Year Ended 31 March 2014

Chichester Cathedral Summary Report & Financial Information for the Year Ended 31 March 2014 Chichester Cathedral Summary Report & Financial Information for the Year Ended 31 March 2014 Acting Dean s Foreword to the Accounts Last year we made a radical change to the way we presented the Annual

More information

Advice Regarding Spiritual Teachers

Advice Regarding Spiritual Teachers Advice Regarding Spiritual Teachers Advice Regarding Spiritual Teachers 3 Advice Regarding Spiritual Teachers Introduction FPMT Inc. 1632 SE 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97214 USA www.fpmt.org 2011 FPMT Inc.

More information

Venerable Tony Beaumont. Chenrezig Retreat with. ~ December 27th - January1st ~ Quarterly Newsletter of Atisha Centre - Summer 2018

Venerable Tony Beaumont. Chenrezig Retreat with. ~ December 27th - January1st ~ Quarterly Newsletter of Atisha Centre - Summer 2018 Chorten Quarterly Newsletter of Atisha Centre - Summer 2018 Atisha Centre is a Tibetan Buddhist meditation centre, providing opportunities for study and practice of a spiritual path, where people can develop

More information

A Day in the Life of Western Monks at Sera Je

A Day in the Life of Western Monks at Sera Je A Day in the Life of Western Monks at Sera Je Sera is one of the three great Gelug monastic universities where monks do intensive study and training in Buddhist philosophy. The original Sera, with its

More information

Langri Tangpa Centre Inc. A T e a c h i n g a n d M e d i t a t i o n C e n t r e i n t h e T i b e t a n B u d d h i s t T r a d i t i o n

Langri Tangpa Centre Inc. A T e a c h i n g a n d M e d i t a t i o n C e n t r e i n t h e T i b e t a n B u d d h i s t T r a d i t i o n Langri Tangpa Centre Inc. A T e a c h i n g a n d M e d i t a t i o n C e n t r e i n t h e T i b e t a n B u d d h i s t T r a d i t i o n Annual Report 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 2018 Table of Contents

More information

Generous giving to parish ministry will enable God s church to grow and flourish, now and in the future

Generous giving to parish ministry will enable God s church to grow and flourish, now and in the future Contents Page The Common Mission Fund 3 Data Confirmation Process 4 How are Common Mission Fund requests calculated? 5 > Calculating your Worshipping Community 5 > Larger Worshipping Communities 5 > Understanding

More information

Table of Contents. Langri Tangpa Centre Inc.

Table of Contents. Langri Tangpa Centre Inc. 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...

More information

Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds

Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds Autumn Programme 2017 A place for meditation and buddhist study Weekly Events Drop in Meditations LUNCHTIMES Tuesdays: 12:30-13:00 from 4 September to 19 December Thursdays:

More information

Announcing the Campaign for the Great Accomplishment of the Southwest Buddhafield Endowment Fund & 37 Bodhisattva Practices Garden

Announcing the Campaign for the Great Accomplishment of the Southwest Buddhafield Endowment Fund & 37 Bodhisattva Practices Garden Announcing the Campaign for the Great Accomplishment of the Southwest Buddhafield Endowment Fund & 37 Bodhisattva Practices Garden Dear Saga Dawa, June, 2014 You have been an important part of the success

More information

Strategic Planning Update for the Diocese of Evansville

Strategic Planning Update for the Diocese of Evansville Strategic Planning Update for the Diocese of Evansville November 2012 2 The following Q&A features the latest information about the strategic planning initiative currently underway in our diocese. This

More information

Teaching a Good Heart: FPMT REGISTERED TEACHERS

Teaching a Good Heart: FPMT REGISTERED TEACHERS Teaching a Good Heart: FPMT REGISTERED TEACHERS Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching during the Fourth Meditation Course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, 1973. Photo by Lynda Millspaugh, courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

More information

May. Retreats. Meditation. Study Programs. Buddhist Teachings. Wellbeing Programs. Traditional Arts & Rituals. Community & Social Events

May. Retreats. Meditation. Study Programs. Buddhist Teachings. Wellbeing Programs. Traditional Arts & Rituals. Community & Social Events May 2018 Retreats Meditation Study Programs Buddhist Teachings Wellbeing Programs Traditional Arts & Rituals Community & Social Events CHENREZIG INSTITUTE 33 Johnsons Rd, Eudlo QLD 4554 Ph: (07) 5453 2108

More information

1. Be a committed Christian who, upon appointment, will become a member of Bendigo Baptist Church.

1. Be a committed Christian who, upon appointment, will become a member of Bendigo Baptist Church. Bendigo Baptist Church (BBC) Administrator Position Description 2017 Mission & Vision: Our mission at BBC is to develop people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. As we accomplish this, it s

More information

SHANTIDEVA. Meditation Center ANNUAL REVIEW FPMT NYC

SHANTIDEVA. Meditation Center ANNUAL REVIEW FPMT NYC ANNUAL REVIEW 2013 SHANTIDEVA Meditation Center FPMT NYC WHAT ELSE IN THE WORLD IS THERE TO DO THAT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HELPING OTHERS? - LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE OUR MISSION AND GOALS Shantideva Meditation

More information

Required Reading Booklist

Required Reading Booklist Discovering BUDDHISM Awakening the limitless potential of your mind, achieving all peace and happiness Required Reading Booklist (Last updated Aug 2009) This list may change as new books are published.

More information

Feasibility study. Christ the king parish for Christ the king school Madisonville, Kentucky

Feasibility study. Christ the king parish for Christ the king school Madisonville, Kentucky Feasibility study Christ the king parish for Christ the king school Madisonville, Kentucky March 13, 2018 0 Christ the King Parish Feasibility Study Specific for Christ the King School Christ the King

More information

July. Retreats. Meditation. Study Programs. Buddhist Teachings. Wellbeing Programs. Traditional Arts & Rituals. Community & Social Events

July. Retreats. Meditation. Study Programs. Buddhist Teachings. Wellbeing Programs. Traditional Arts & Rituals. Community & Social Events July 2018 Retreats Meditation Study Programs Buddhist Teachings Wellbeing Programs Traditional Arts & Rituals Community & Social Events CHENREZIG INSTITUTE 33 Johnsons Rd, Eudlo QLD 4554 Ph: (07) 5453

More information

May. Retreats. Meditation. Study Programs. Buddhist Teachings. Wellbeing Programs. Traditional Arts & Rituals. Community & Social Events

May. Retreats. Meditation. Study Programs. Buddhist Teachings. Wellbeing Programs. Traditional Arts & Rituals. Community & Social Events May 2018 Retreats Meditation Study Programs Buddhist Teachings Wellbeing Programs Traditional Arts & Rituals Community & Social Events CHENREZIG INSTITUTE 33 Johnsons Rd, Eudlo QLD 4554 Ph: (07) 5453 2108

More information

2007 Tibetan Language Institute Summer Seminar Arlee, Montana

2007 Tibetan Language Institute Summer Seminar Arlee, Montana 2007 Tibetan Language Institute Summer Seminar Arlee, Montana Transform Your Relationship with the Dharma Experience the Joy of Learning to Read Prayers and Texts in Tibetan Tibetan language study as presented

More information

Yamantaka Solitary Hero / Vajrabhairava Retreat Information and Application Mahamudra Centre 5 25 November, 2017

Yamantaka Solitary Hero / Vajrabhairava Retreat Information and Application Mahamudra Centre 5 25 November, 2017 Yamantaka Solitary Hero / Vajrabhairava Retreat Information and Application Mahamudra Centre 5 25 November, 2017 We are delighted and very fortunate Bhikshuni Lozang Yönten is leading Yamantaka Solitary

More information

Being quarantined as a safety

Being quarantined as a safety CPMT Representatives Meet for Six Days at Institut Vajra Yogini, France Being quarantined as a safety measure at the height of the swine flu drama only increased the family feeling that is CPMT. From April

More information

Holy Name of Mary Parish

Holy Name of Mary Parish 55 East Jamaica Avenue Valley Stream, New York 11580 January 22, 2008 is about many things as a parish community - matters of the soul and spirit, matters pertaining to our faith and relationship to Jesus

More information

Legacy Ministry: A permanent benefit for God, the Church, and its members

Legacy Ministry: A permanent benefit for God, the Church, and its members Legacy Ministry: A permanent benefit for God, the Church, and its members What s in it for God? Making disciples will go on forever. What s in it for the Church? Long-term financial stability demonstrating

More information

+Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Strategic Plan 2009 I 2010 I 2011 I 2012 I 2013

+Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Strategic Plan 2009 I 2010 I 2011 I 2012 I 2013 +Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Strategic Plan 2009 I 2010 I 2011 I 2012 I 2013 Mission Statement The mission of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News, Virginia

More information

Discovering BUDDHISM

Discovering BUDDHISM Discovering BUDDHISM Awakening the limitless potential of your mind achieving all peace and happiness Subject Areas 1. Mind and Its Potential 2. How to Meditate 3. Presenting the Path 4. The Spiritual

More information

Summer Revised Fall 2012 & 2013 (Revisions in italics)

Summer Revised Fall 2012 & 2013 (Revisions in italics) Long Range Plan Summer 2011 Revised Fall 2012 & 2013 (Revisions in italics) St. Raphael the Archangel Parish is a diverse community of Catholic believers called by baptism to share in the Christian mission

More information

BY-LAWS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION MARION, IOWA I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENTION

BY-LAWS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION MARION, IOWA I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENTION BY-LAWS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOUNDATION MARION, IOWA I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENTION A. Statement of Purpose. The First United Methodist Church Foundation (hereinafter "the Foundation")

More information

Financial Plan. Living. R e n e w e d. H e a r t s , R. S p i r i t. e n. e w e d. l e. o p

Financial Plan. Living. R e n e w e d. H e a r t s , R. S p i r i t. e n. e w e d. l e. o p Financial Plan Living ourvision R e n e w e d H e a r t s, R e n e w e d S p i r i t s, R e n e w e d P e o p l e What does our faith community look like? Imagine, with God s help, the deep roots of the

More information

Celebrate Saka Dawa - 4 June 2012

Celebrate Saka Dawa - 4 June 2012 Celebrate Saka Dawa - 4 June 2012 Saka Dawa is one of the four holy Buddhist festivals and Ven Dondrub recommends that we take a day off work on Saka Dawa Day 4 June 2012. Saka Dawa actually commences

More information

Our Faithful Journey

Our Faithful Journey Our Faithful Journey Feeding the Community, Body, Mind and Spirit North Olmsted United Methodist Church in 2025 Our Blueprint for Community Ministry Dear Members and Friends of NOUMC, In September 2016,

More information

Renewing our House of Prayer. Chelmsford Diocesan House of Retreat

Renewing our House of Prayer. Chelmsford Diocesan House of Retreat Chelmsford Diocesan House of Retreat Renewing our House of Prayer Registered Charity No: 249505 A division of the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance I fully endorse the proposals and commend this appeal

More information

Spring Retreat with Geshe Rabten

Spring Retreat with Geshe Rabten COMING UP Venerable Robina Courtin Talk and Retreat 23-26 August Afternoons with Gen-la 11 Aug / 22 Sept / 20 Oct One Day Meditation Course Venerable Tsapel ~ 8 September Chorten Quarterly Newsletter of

More information

1 Lama Yeshe s main protector, on whom he relied whenever he needed help for anything 1

1 Lama Yeshe s main protector, on whom he relied whenever he needed help for anything 1 1 Dorje Shugden Dorje Shugden is a spirit or mundane Dharma protector that some believe is a fully enlightened being. He has become a rallying cry for some who wish to return Tibet to a theocracy (His

More information

CONTACT DETAILS FOR PHENDHELING. Newsletter of PhenDheLing Tibetan Buddhist Centre

CONTACT DETAILS FOR PHENDHELING. Newsletter of PhenDheLing Tibetan Buddhist Centre CONTACT DETAILS FOR PHENDHELING We now have new email addresses at Phendheling to make it easier for our members and friends to direct their enquires to the relevant people. Spiritual consultations : secretary@phendheling.org

More information

Commonly Asked Questions. 1. In a nutshell. 2. Our approach to Parish Share

Commonly Asked Questions. 1. In a nutshell. 2. Our approach to Parish Share Commonly Asked Questions 1. In a nutshell A. What is Parish Share? Parish Share is the primary way that parishes fund ministry, training and support for parishes and schools across the Diocese. It enables

More information

District Superintendent s First Year Audio Transcript

District Superintendent s First Year Audio Transcript Pastoral Leadership Excellence Series District Superintendent District Superintendent s First Year Audio Transcript Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership Outline Introduction

More information

Section Convention of Synod

Section Convention of Synod Section 16 2014 Convention of Synod Lutheran Youth of Qld Report LUTHERAN YOUTH QUEENSLAND We continue to be humbled and excited by the opportunity to serve our God through our District s Lutheran Youth

More information

Brooking Street Bulletin

Brooking Street Bulletin Bursting Blossom taste Fragrant warmth...bird song intelligent spring gaze! I hope that you are all well and happy... and I congratulate all of us as we celebrated our 33 rd Founders Day this year on the

More information

The NYEMA Sun NYEMA Projects' semi-annual newsletter on humanitarian projects in eastern Tibet

The NYEMA Sun NYEMA Projects' semi-annual newsletter on humanitarian projects in eastern Tibet The NYEMA Sun NYEMA Projects' semi-annual newsletter on humanitarian projects in eastern Tibet A Letter from Travelers Dear Friends: We would like to share with you some lines from a letter we received

More information

Zion Lutheran Church Forward in Faith

Zion Lutheran Church Forward in Faith Zion Lutheran Church Forward in Faith Be strong and courageous and get to work, for the Lord my God is with you. The Lord will not forsake you. Don t be frightened by the size of the task. God will see

More information

Our Faith Our Commitment Our Future The Campaign for Mother of Sorrows Parish

Our Faith Our Commitment Our Future The Campaign for Mother of Sorrows Parish Our Faith Our Commitment Our Future The Campaign for Mother of Sorrows Parish Campaign Case Statement March 2010 Dear Parishioner, Since I arrived at Mother of Sorrows Parish on October 30, 2008, I have

More information

Church Governance for the Future Committee on Church Governance Background

Church Governance for the Future Committee on Church Governance Background Background Church Governance for the Future Report of the Committee on Church Governance Presented to Church Council First Congregational Church of Branford, UCC February 20, 2019 In 2017, FCCB engaged

More information

20 September A Time to Act!

20 September A Time to Act! 20 September 2017 A Time to Act! When I was ordained prophet president I promised to do my best with God s help to speak truth to you. Sometimes truth is good news. Sometimes truth is hard to hear. The

More information

Anglican Diocese of Bendigo. Strategic Plan We see a diocese where. Living faith Building community Healthy churches

Anglican Diocese of Bendigo. Strategic Plan We see a diocese where. Living faith Building community Healthy churches Anglican Diocese of Bendigo Strategic Plan 2017-2019 Living faith Building community Healthy churches Introduction And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving

More information

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life a three day teaching and practice program in North India with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life a three day teaching and practice program in North India with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo 40 Leithead Street Brunswick 3056 Victoria Australia Travel agent licence no 32806 www.indiaunbound.com.au mail@indiaunbound.com.au 1300 889 513 Change Your Mind, Change Your Life a three day teaching

More information

ShabdaMonthly Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Center

ShabdaMonthly Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Center ~ October 2007 ~ Shabda 1 ShabdaMonthly Newsletter of Losang Dragpa Center October 2007 GESHE LA REPRESENTS VAJRAYANA COUNCIL AT MEMORIAL OF CHIEF REVEREND DHAMMANANDA At a memorial for Chief Reverend

More information

BCV NEWS. Words from the Outgoing Chair

BCV NEWS. Words from the Outgoing Chair Buddhist Council of Victoria Summer 2014/15 Page 1 Words from the Outgoing Chair Looking back at my records I realised that the last time I touched base with you was in January 2014. Personal issues with

More information

DARING FAITH BEGINS. February 5, February 3, 2019 DARING FAITH

DARING FAITH BEGINS. February 5, February 3, 2019 DARING FAITH February 5, 2017 - February 3, 2019 DARING FAITH Capital Campaign Because of our FAITH in Him we DARE to have boldness, courage. and confidence in coming to God with Freedom and without fear. Ephesians

More information

MEMBERSHIP INDIVIDUAL GIVING CORPORATE. FOUNDATION and GOVERNMENT

MEMBERSHIP INDIVIDUAL GIVING CORPORATE. FOUNDATION and GOVERNMENT CAHOON MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART _ Everything you experience at the Cahoon Museum of American Art is made possible by the commitment and generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and government.

More information

LAM RIM CHENMO EXAM QUESTIONS - set by Geshe Tenzin Zopa

LAM RIM CHENMO EXAM QUESTIONS - set by Geshe Tenzin Zopa LAM RIM CHENMO EXAM QUESTIONS - set by Geshe Tenzin Zopa 15-8-10 Please write your student registration number on the answer sheet provided and hand it to the person in charge at the end of the exam. You

More information

Sangha as Heroes. Wendy Ridley

Sangha as Heroes. Wendy Ridley Sangha as Heroes Clear Vision Buddhism Conference 23 November 2007 Wendy Ridley Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds Learning Objectives Students will: understand the history of Buddhist Sangha know about the

More information

OUR PILGRIMAGE. Root Institute 30th Anniversary Celebration Pilgrimage 2018

OUR PILGRIMAGE. Root Institute 30th Anniversary Celebration Pilgrimage 2018 OUR PILGRIMAGE Root Institute 30th Anniversary Celebration Pilgrimage 2018 Anne, Renee, Valerie, Helen, Val, Eva, Sandra, Sharon & Drolma January 2018 BRIEF SUMMARY OF OUR ACTIVITIES!1 Delhi We met in

More information

His Holiness the 14 th Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14 th Dalai Lama Never give up No matter what is going on Never give up Develop the heart Too much energy in your country is spent developing the mind instead of the heart Develop the heart, Be compassionate Not just to

More information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Why is our church involved in another capital campaign? a. This capital campaign provides us with an opportunity to challenge one another to prayerfully consider our individual

More information

ddha Despite the ravages of 70 years of Communism, Buddhism is making a comeback in this ancient land of scholarship and faith

ddha Despite the ravages of 70 years of Communism, Buddhism is making a comeback in this ancient land of scholarship and faith buddhist world BY VEN THUBTEN GYATSO PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID EDWARDS The Face of I ddha Despite the ravages of 70 years of Communism, Buddhism is making a comeback in this ancient land of scholarship and

More information

Sabbatical FAQ Preparation 1. Drafting an excellent sabbatical plan:

Sabbatical FAQ Preparation 1. Drafting an excellent sabbatical plan: Sabbatical FAQ Preparation 1. Drafting an excellent sabbatical plan: An excellent sabbatical plan will take several drafts to develop. Having your supervisor and one or two additional readers review each

More information

Transcript of the oral commentary by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi on Maitreya s Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana, Chapter One: The Tathagata Essence

Transcript of the oral commentary by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi on Maitreya s Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana, Chapter One: The Tathagata Essence Transcript of the oral commentary by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi on Maitreya s Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana, Chapter One: The Root verses from The : Great Vehicle Treatise on the Sublime Continuum

More information

World Church Financial Update March 2018

World Church Financial Update March 2018 World Church Financial Update March 2018 IN THIS UPDATE 1. 2017 Worldwide Mission Tithes: Thank You! Together We re Financially Supporting Worldwide Mission 2. Fiscal Year 2017: Improved Net Asset Position

More information

Zion Lutheran Church Transition Team Report June 2018 A. BEGINNING

Zion Lutheran Church Transition Team Report June 2018 A. BEGINNING Zion Lutheran Church Transition Team Report June 2018 A. BEGINNING Zion Lutheran began a pastoral transition with the retirement of Pastors Loren and Linda Schumacher at the end of August 2017. Pastor

More information

BUILDING for the FUTURE

BUILDING for the FUTURE BUILDING for the FUTURE Our vision is to own a building in which we and future generations of Trinity can meet as a church family to worship God and reach out to our community There are three stages to

More information

#TheHub St Mark s Church, Newtown The new post of Engagement Manager

#TheHub St Mark s Church, Newtown The new post of Engagement Manager #TheHub St Mark s Church, Newtown The new post of Engagement Manager 1 Context St Mark s is a vibrant Anglican church in Wigan pioneering a new way of being and doing church within the vision and strategy

More information

JOB DESCRIPTIONS. Senior Pastor. Associate Pastor. Student Ministries Director. Music Ministries Director. Children s Ministries Director

JOB DESCRIPTIONS. Senior Pastor. Associate Pastor. Student Ministries Director. Music Ministries Director. Children s Ministries Director JOB DESCRIPTIONS Senior Pastor Associate Pastor Student Ministries Director Music Ministries Director Children s Ministries Director Family Life Ministries Director Christian Education Ministries Director

More information

Organizational Structure and Leadership Model

Organizational Structure and Leadership Model Organizational Structure and Leadership Model East Goshen Mennonite Church Prepared by the EGMC Structure Team March 5, 2016 Unanimously Approved by EGMC Congregational Vote April 10, 2016 Purpose and

More information

The Cathedral Community

The Cathedral Community The Cathedral Community Rochester, New York Building a Solid Future in Hope Capital Campaign Building a Solid Future in Hope Campaign Prayer Gracious God, through Your Holy Spirit, You continue to bless

More information

Cultivating Peace in Uncertain Times

Cultivating Peace in Uncertain Times Cultivating Peace in Uncertain Times a mindfulness meditation retreat in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh with dharma teacher Joanne Friday April 7 to 11, 2017 Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre, Midland, ON www.truepeace.ca

More information

2014 Stewardship Campaign

2014 Stewardship Campaign 2014 Stewardship Campaign My Church, Our Church, God s Church St. James Episcopal Church Glastonbury, Connecticut General Introduction to the 2014 Stewardship Drive and Every Member Canvass It has been

More information

PARISH MISSION ACTION PLAN

PARISH MISSION ACTION PLAN PARISH MISSION ACTION PLAN Contents Buildings and facilities Finances for Mission Engaging with your Community Missing Generations Creation Care World Church Links ALL SAINTS CHURCH ODIHAM pmap 1. BUILDINGS

More information

Transcript of the teachings by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi on The Eight Categories and Seventy Topics

Transcript of the teachings by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi on The Eight Categories and Seventy Topics Transcript of the teachings by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi on The Eight Categories and Seventy Topics Root Text: by Jetsün Chökyi Gyaltsen, translated by Jampa Gendun. Final draft October 2002, updated

More information

leaders. innovators. believers. Welcome to SCEA

leaders. innovators. believers. Welcome to SCEA leaders. innovators. believers. Welcome to SCEA We re really glad you ve found us A message from the CEO Find out more at scea.wa.edu.au Welcome to SCEA, we are glad you have joined our unique school community.

More information

The Constitution of the Central Baptist Church of Jamestown, Rhode Island

The Constitution of the Central Baptist Church of Jamestown, Rhode Island The Constitution of the Central Baptist Church of Jamestown, Rhode Island Revised March 2010 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH OF JAMESTOWN, RHODE ISLAND (Revised March 2010) TABLE OF CONTENTS

More information

Transcript of the teachings by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi on The Eight Categories and Seventy Topics

Transcript of the teachings by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi on The Eight Categories and Seventy Topics Transcript of the teachings by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi on The Eight Categories and Seventy Topics Root Text: by Jetsün Chökyi Gyaltsen, translated by Jampa Gendun. Final draft October 2002, updated

More information

Bylaws Bethlehem United Church of Christ of Ann Arbor, Michigan

Bylaws Bethlehem United Church of Christ of Ann Arbor, Michigan Amended 11/11/2018 Bylaws of Bethlehem United Church of Christ of Ann Arbor, Michigan Bethlehem United Church of Christ Bylaws TABLE OF CONTENTS Article I Name 1 Article II Purpose 1 Article III Affiliation

More information

Praise to Kyabje Thubten Zopa Rinpoche On the occasion of the Long Life Puja CPMT meeting, Bendigo, September 2014

Praise to Kyabje Thubten Zopa Rinpoche On the occasion of the Long Life Puja CPMT meeting, Bendigo, September 2014 Praise to Kyabje Thubten Zopa Rinpoche On the occasion of the Long Life Puja CPMT meeting, Bendigo, September 2014 O you lion amongst humans, Embodying the buddhas of past, present and future, With bodies

More information

LAWUDO TREK 2018 ITINERARY

LAWUDO TREK 2018 ITINERARY LAWUDO TREK 2018 ITINERARY 14 29 March 2018 Welcome to our Himalayan adventure! LAWUDO We re so pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to retreat at the holy cave of Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lawudo,

More information

COMMITTEE HANDBOOK WESTERN BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH 4710 HIGH STREET WEST PORTSMOUTH, VA 23703

COMMITTEE HANDBOOK WESTERN BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH 4710 HIGH STREET WEST PORTSMOUTH, VA 23703 COMMITTEE HANDBOOK WESTERN BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH 4710 HIGH STREET WEST PORTSMOUTH, VA 23703 Revised and Updated SEPTEMBER 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS General Committee Guidelines 3 Committee Chair 4 Committee

More information

COMMITTEE MANUAL. First Baptist Church Terrell, Texas. Approved in Conference August 25, 2013

COMMITTEE MANUAL. First Baptist Church Terrell, Texas. Approved in Conference August 25, 2013 COMMITTEE MANUAL of First Baptist Church Terrell, Texas Approved in Conference August 25, 2013 BAPTISMAL COMMITTEE Demonstrate God s love by assisting the pastor and those being baptized in administering

More information

Office Manager (Part-time)

Office Manager (Part-time) Office Manager (Part-time) ORGANIZATION: Overbrook Presbyterian Church is a vibrant, growing congregation of about 380 members. It has been located since 1889 at the corner of City and Lancaster Avenues

More information

Calendar. December 2004 March 2005

Calendar. December 2004 March 2005 KURUKULLA CENTER for Tibetan Buddhist Studies Calendar December 2004 March 2005 Want to receive reminders of Kurukulla Center events by email? Sign up for the Kurukulla Center email list at kurukulla.org.

More information

August. Retreats. Meditation. Study Programs. Buddhist Teachings. Wellbeing Programs. Traditional Arts & Rituals. Community & Social Events

August. Retreats. Meditation. Study Programs. Buddhist Teachings. Wellbeing Programs. Traditional Arts & Rituals. Community & Social Events August 2018 Retreats Meditation Study Programs Buddhist Teachings Wellbeing Programs Traditional Arts & Rituals Community & Social Events CHENREZIG INSTITUTE 33 Johnsons Rd, Eudlo QLD 4554 Ph: (07) 5453

More information

40 Years of Tibetan Aid Project

40 Years of Tibetan Aid Project 40 Years T A P : C I F A Founded in 1969 by Tarthang Tulku, a high lama living in exile, Tibetan Aid Project initially provided food, clothing, medicine, and other humanitarian aid to exiled Tibetans in

More information

Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan 2017-2022 Strategic Plan Dear Parish Family, With eyes looking to Jesus Christ and hands stretched to heaven, St. Francis of Assisi beheld a vision of our Lord and received the stigmata (see front cover).

More information

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The privilege and responsibility to oversee and foster the pastoral life of the Diocese of Rockville Centre belongs to me as your Bishop and chief shepherd. I share

More information

His Holiness 14 th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso.

His Holiness 14 th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso. His Holiness 14 th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso. When I meet people in different parts of the world, I am always reminded that we are all basically alike: we are all human beings. Maybe we have different clothes,

More information

DIOCESE OF ORLANDO JOB DESCRIPTION

DIOCESE OF ORLANDO JOB DESCRIPTION DIOCESE OF ORLANDO JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: President, The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida Reports To: Chairman of the Board of Directors FLSA Status: Exempt Prepared By: Chief Operating Officer/Chancellor,

More information

Atisha Buddhist Centre

Atisha Buddhist Centre Atisha Buddhist Centre Instructions for Life For a happier and much more fulfilling life, here are 20 not-so-easy-to-follow-but-doable instructions by His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso. 1.

More information

Sample Simplified Structure (BOD 274.2) Leadership Council Monthly Agenda

Sample Simplified Structure (BOD 274.2) Leadership Council Monthly Agenda So, you have downsized your church administrative board and simplified your congregation s leadership structure. More leaders are now moving from leading meetings to leading ministries. You might think

More information

NARRATIVE BUDGET RENEWED HEARTS RENEWED SPIRITS RENEWED PEOPLE OUR DIOCESAN BUDGET AT WORK

NARRATIVE BUDGET RENEWED HEARTS RENEWED SPIRITS RENEWED PEOPLE OUR DIOCESAN BUDGET AT WORK NARRATIVE BUDGET RENEWED HEARTS RENEWED SPIRITS RENEWED PEOPLE NARRATIVE BUDGET CONTENTS NARRATIVE BUDGET TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3 Budgeted Income 4 Budgeted Expenditures 5 Wider Church 6 Support

More information

Sabbatical, Study and Services Leaves for Pastors

Sabbatical, Study and Services Leaves for Pastors Sabbatical, Study and Services Leaves for Pastors Why should a pastor take a leave? Sabbatical, study and service leaves for pastors are good for the pastor, good for the congregation, and good for the

More information