Most of the regular visitors to this site will know that our resident teacher, Gen Kelsang Demo died during the night of 27th November. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, sangha, and the very many other people whose lives she has touched.
Many of her students and friends from our Palmerston North and regional classes, as well as those from other centres, have joined us to engage in a traditional Buddhist practice - the Powa ceremony (a very peaceful and uplifting method of expressing our love and our heartfelt wishes for Gen Demo's future peace in Buddha's pure land), and we know that Powa ceremonies have been undertaken in Kadampa Buddhist Centres around the world.
So - while we farewell Gen Demo with profound sadness, it is mixed with the gratitude and joy that we all feel for having spent time with her, and with great confidence that her continuing journey will be peaceful.
We would like to thank all of you, from all over the world who have expressed their sorrow, condolences and love for both Gen Demo's family and friends, and the Amitabha Community. We are indeed very fortunate to have had her in our lives.
When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides, and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - The New Meditation Handbook.
Our programmes are open to everyone - newcomers and experienced meditators, young, old, working, retired, individuals and families. We welcome people from all faiths and those who do not subscribe to any faith. You do not have to be a Buddhist to take part in our programme and to benefit from it.
annual picnic and walk (the walking part is optional)
this sunday, december 8, 11.30am
at the bason botanic gardens, rapanui road, castlecliff, westmere, whanganui
(park at the top main car park, on the right of the car park is the caretakers cottage and near the car park is a shelter, which is our meeting point)
bring food to share and something to sit on.
note: car pooling will be available from amitabha centre in palmerston north
the weather forecast is for lots of rain: (so there is a plan b) - but if you are unsure about coming, please, contact marion taylor on sunday morning (ph. 0210 724 890)
hope to see you there!
summer events
lots of us find that summer brings an important opportunity to take some time out to reflect, recharge, refresh, and renew ....... so, if you have the opportunity you might find one - or all - of the following events a very helpful way to get into good shape for 2020: so that our minds are peaceful and happy and we are able to use this positive energy for own benefit and for the benefit of those around us
follow the links below for more information and bookings
december 27 - january 3: looking into the mirror of dharma amitabha summer retreat , mangaweka
january 8: happiness, confidence & the power of the mind an evening talk with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab, wellington
january 10 - 13: vajrasattva empowerment + teachings on removing obstacles and negative karma with Gen-la Kelsang Khyenrab new zealand festival, wellington
january 14 - january 16: post-festival retreat, with Kelsang Shechog, island bay, wellington
events around our region
this link will take you to our december newsletter
drop-in classes this week: palmerston north, wednesday, december 11, 7 - 8.30pm with birgit saunders; whanganui, thursday, december 12, 6 - 7.30pm with marion taylor, dale pryme and virag; levin: monday, december 9, 7 - 8.30pm with jan mcpherson; feilding: no class
simply meditate (palmerston north): thursdays, 12.30 - 1.00pm
prayers for world peace: sundays, 7.00 - 7.30pm (december 8, 15 and 22)
more about Buddhism
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you should be able to find our november newsletter if you follow this link