Australian Fires 2019-2020 – Compassion meditation

​HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
12 January 2020

Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, its buildings, wildlife and gardens remained safe during the bushfires. We are grateful for all the prayers and good wishes from our local community and abroad.

On Sunday 12 January we gathered for a special compassion meditation, including reciting healing mantras and prayers. People came from as far away as Canberra. The group focused on all those sentient beings who have lost so much. We prayed for pain and suffering to be eased. We asked for equanimity, peace of mind and contentment to grow within all our lives. The group recognised the generosity, compassion and service that so many offered during this devastating period. We acknowledged our members who shared their homes with others. We also noted with gratitude what has been saved from the fires in our local towns. We prayed for the people that have passed, those suffering injuries or illnesses. We also prayed for the pets, livestock and wildlife that have been injured or lost, or those that have died. 

Our meeting was followed by a tasty lunch cooked by Karma. It had been challenging to focus on the meditation, as the wonderful aromas from the kitchen wafted through. As I left the Centre, Karma was busy cooking food to take to the Quaama community. I could see him adding his kindness to the meals. Karma mirrored the amazing energy and service we have experienced from so many volunteers from all beliefs. 
Deborah T.