We are in the process of creating a garden of abundance at TBRI in Belgrave, Melbourne named after the 21 Taras. Khentrul Rinpoche wishes to pay homage to Arya Tara by not only naming the garden in the swift protectresses honour, but by also constructing a life sized statue of the enlightened goddess of Buddhism.
The opulent space will also feature a grand stupa, prayer wheel and a Japanese garden beds for the community to enjoy.
Here is what has been accomplished so far….
The project commenced with a sangha discussion on how we could improve the surrounding temple grounds to make it more inviting for the community. To accomplish this firstly, we needed to be seen as a public not private space, which meant we had a lot of surrounding trees and shrubs had to be cleared.
From the roadside the temple was quite hidden by large trees and shrubs. Most people who lived immediately in the area where unaware there is a Temple here.
Temple street view (Feb 2021)
Front of the Rimé Institute Temple view (Feb 2021)
The local community guided by Khentrul Rinpoche started clearing some of the dense tree coverage on the roadside and also near the front entrance to the temple.
It was a huge effort accomplished over a many days thanks to our community members of skilled tradesmen.
The back car park and surrounding garden areas also got a facelift.
Once the dense tree coverage was cleared, it really opened up the space.
The trees and shrubs from the front of the temple were also cleared so we have a blank canvas to work with to create the lush abundance garden for everyone to enjoy.
An additional storage area added to the front will clean up the the buildings front door appearance.
The front corner of the garden was cleared and levelled to make was for our Stupa and new plants.
Of course, Rinpoche has been there every step of the way – leading, guiding and also working very hard!
I would like to say thank you, thank you, thank you so, so much all of you, whoever is participating Rime Institute’s activities, classes, translations, and even donators and everybody.
This is very, very meaningful. So please be aware this is incredible meaningful and beneficial for everybody. Why? Because the Dzokden International’s, the goal is perfect peace and harmony of Golden Age. So that is whether people are aware or not, it is everybody’s heart desire in the most absolute, the goal, you know. So this is incredible profound, yet very, very practical. Each human being really needs that. The whole world need that. And also eventually this is benefit all sentient beings.
So no matter how we are small, or we are not incredible wealthy yet, or your donations, or your participate, no matter how small and you are contributing these oceans of profound activity. So please be aware of this and rejoice. And I say again, Happy New Year, and we’re going to have great year 2021 because we done incredible merit. So this is going to be source of perfect, each individual’s life, and our goal of the Golden Age for the world.
Traditionally, people sponsor prayer rituals with aspirations for generating merit, clearing obstacles, a happier life, prosperity, better rebirth for their loved ones, long life, peace, and enlightenment for all beings.
We are offering the opportunity to our community near and far to create a karmic connection with these auspicious events in celebration of Kalachakra New Year (Nagpa Dawa) and the Land of Shambhala Consecration. Merit during this time is multiplied 100,000 times.
SPONSOR RITUAL ACTIVITIES From May 7-10th, many rituals to make the best conditions possible for the retreat center.
SPONSOR THE TREASURE VASE & LAND CONSECRATION We will bury a vase at Land of Shambhala and consecrate 108 additional vases to create conditions for prosperity and harmony to arise.
SPONSOR THE NAGPA DAWA KALACHAKRA TSOK PUJA On the full moon of Nagpa Dawa at the Land Consecration ceremony, we will hold an overnight camping ritual feast. We will need to rent a tent and many supplies as well as make offerings.
SPONSOR PRAYER FLAGS Prayer flags are for the enhancement of health, longevity, wealth, and all desirable qualities. The flags will be hung for Kalachakra New Year. Putting names on prayer flags helps clear obstacles for the coming year. Funds raised above the costs of the prayer flags will go to supporting all Land of Shambhala consecration activities.
We will read the names of all sponsors and their dedication each day during the events. For those sponsoring prayer flags, the names will additionally be written on the flags. For those sponsoring the Consecration rituals, the names will additionally be offered with the treasure vase.
The Dandenong Ranges community came out to celebrate The Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute Open Day on Sunday 21st August 2017. The temple was open to the general public offering a variety of classes for people to come and try out.
It was a particularly special day in TBRI history as it was the first time we unveiled our Innate 24 Arm Kalachakra Statue for public viewing. The statue (pictured below) was commissioned by Khentrul Rinpoche and took over 3 years to complete. The statue is filled with many sacred and holy objects and brings extraordinary blessings to anyone who sees it.
One of our resident teachers Joe Flumerfelt lead a discussion and explanation of the significance of the statue with people listening on intently (pictured below). The statue will be available again to view by general public in 2018.
Local residents were able to wander the TBRI grounds and try out a number of classes including meditation, Reiki and Children’s activities. Many enjoyed a cuppa and something yummy to eat which was served by our extraordinary volunteer crew.
We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended and shared this special day with us. Hope to see you all at the next Open Day.
Entrance to the Rimé Institute
A wide variety of Dharma books and practice materials were made available to raise money for the Temple.
The Kalachakra statue was on display in its custom-made enclosure.
Joe explains the symbolism behind the statue’s various features.
