Australian International Vajrayana Buddhist Institute Ltd

Nalandra's religious, educational, cultural and international goals were met through the following activities which include meditation, teachings, discourses, classes, pujas, practices, religious and cultural observances and anniversaries. These were conducted by the Spiritual Director, H.E. Zim og Rinpoche, with assistance from H. E. Dagpo Rinpoche as a supplementary teacher when he was overseas, and senior students. Rinpoche offered six weekly classes from Sikkim, India, sharing his insights and observations from the Rinchen Terdzo (Treasury of Precious Termas) series at Rumtek Monastery bestowed by His Eminence 10th Sangye Nyenpa Rinpo in 2023. He later offered two further classes based on his notes. He also taught on Dharma Knowledge and the Six Dharmas of Niguma/Mahamudra Amulet. A Saturday program was conducted during school terms. It featured Dharma Chakra where students speak for eight minutes on a set number of verses of a prescribed text. The texts studied were Shantideva s classic A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life ( Bodhicharyavatara ). H. E. Dagpo Rinpoche assisted students with their understanding of the Wisdom chapter in Rinpoche s absence and the Dedication chapter was completed. Sakya Pandita s sacred text 'Ordinary Wisdom: Sakya Pandita s Treasury of Good Advice' was also studied. Dharma Chakra was complemented by a talk from Rinpoche or H. E. Dagpo Rinpoche when available and guided meditations from Rinpoche (live or recorded). Mindful Meditation and Buddhism 101 classes were offered on Thursday nights during school term by senior students. Pujas included Green Tara Pujas and 16 Arhat Pujas for Losar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa and Lhabab Duchen. Rinpoche s Mahakala Grand Puja for World Peace was held from 2830 December 2023 at Serkhang Nalandra in Healesville. Guru Rinpoche Day was celebrated with a Padmasambhava Tsok. In 2023 Rinpoche offered an Animal Blessing at Edgar s Mission on World Animal Day. Rinpoche also led Nalandra s Annual Animal Blessing assisted by honoured guests Ven Phuoc Tan and Ven Chi Kwang at Healesville with proceeds to Animal Aid. Working bees were held in preparation for special events and to maintain the property. A pilgrimage to India and Nepal was planned. Funds were raised for a Red Tara Fund to assist families in need in developing countries. The Centre s activities were promoted through various mediums including a newsletter, emails, the website and facebook. Nalandra also offers an online and face to face shop, the Tibet Outlet. The shop features cottage industry goods from India and Nepal. Classes were held face to face and broadcast by zoom. Spiritual guidance, pastoral care and blessings were offered during the year. Nalandra s contribution to the broader Buddhist community included representation on the Buddhist Council of Victoria (BCV), assistance with a Dharmachakra Award Ceremony at the UN Day of Vesak and participation in a BCV Child Safety Information Session.