Teachings at Ananda Buddhist Centre, Rockhampton

VISIT BY KHENPO NGAWANG DHAMCHOE
21-23 June 2024

The Ananda Buddhist Meditation Centre in Rockhampton were extremely fortunate to be able to host Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe for a weekend of teachings and a Public Talk this July. Buddhist practitioners throughout Central Queensland travelled long distances to attend his Public Talk on that Friday evening and also to Khenpo la’s weekend teachings. Although it was cold in our normally hot Central Queensland town, Khenpo provided warmth in his teachings to fire up the enthusiasm of those who attended.

The first day of teachings included the importance of taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha as well as The Four Common Foundational Meditations: a precious human rebirth, impermanence, the law of cause and effect, and the suffering of samsara. It was inspirational for the students to understand that these Buddhist teachings, which are over 2,500 years old, brought an up-to-date scientific approach to overcoming all of the current mental health problems of the world. Khenpo impressed on the students that the method of application of the Buddhist teachings was about 10% study of the scriptures/sutras, around 30% contemplation and analytical meditations of the teachings, and 60% is the application of meditation on those teachings. The clear message was that we do not have to experience problems of suffering if the mind does not consider it to be a problem or suffering, the answer lies in the continuous mind training on the Buddha’s teachings.

The Sunday’s teachings then explored more closely some of the scientific approaches to overcoming the problems of the world. That is comprised of two main topics: Renunciation of being “definitely free”, and then teachings on Bodhicitta. The easier to relate to is Conventional Bodhicitta, whereas the much more complex teachings were on Ultimate Bodhicitta, dealing with the interrelationship of all phenomena – emptiness.

Certainly, there is a practical wisdom in considering the suffering of others and doing all one can to help them rather than just looking at your own difficulties and concerns. Whilst looking outwards there is no time for depression or melancholy. This outward-looking perspective brings an enthusiasm and purpose for life. It seems the character of a Buddhist practitioner requires an eagerness to work within oneself each and every day in the transforming of our negative habitual patterns into positive habitual patterns.

Through study, contemplation, and meditation we can go from chasing fake happiness to understanding and appreciating true and everlasting happiness. 
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~Allan G.