Activities at the Monastery

Both of these sessions take place in the Temple and are led by either or both of the Lamas. Anyone is welcome to attend. Chenresig puja is a traditonal practice that is done daily in monasteries. Chenresig represents the embodiment of compassion; puja refers to prayer through chanting. The mantra of Chenresig om mani pedme hung is considered one of the most powerful, and is traditionally recited as much as possible both in meditation and daily life.

Ngondro or preliminary practice is the traditional practice that is recommended in this lineage. It is a wonderful opportunity to practice with one of the Lamas and fellow practitioners, to become familiar with the practice.

Saturday	5.00 - 7.00 am	practice session: prostrations
	9.00 -11.00am	practice session: prostrations
	2.00 - 5.00 pm	practice session: prostrations
	5.45 - 7.45 pm	Chenresig puja & practice session

Sunday	5.00 - 7.00 am	practice session: prostrations
	9.00 -11.00 am	practice session: Vajrasattva, sitting & walking meditation
	2.00 - 4.00 pm	practice session: mandala offering, sitting & walking meditation
	5.00 - 7.00 pm	practice session: Guru yoga, Chenresig puja

If you are unfamiliar with the practice, it is important to meet with one of the Lamas to receive the necessary instruction. Normal rates to stay at the Monastery apply during the weekend.

Tara puja

Green Tara puja is a practice that is traditionally done in monasteries. At Karma Choeling Buddhist Monastery, it is done on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 10am. All are welcome.

Green Tara represents the activity of all the Buddhas, sometimes referred to as mother of the Buddhas. Tara is a sanskrit word meaning liberator. The Tibetan word is ‘dolma’, dol meaning liberator, ma meaning mother. There are 21 aspects of Tara, each Tara having a special antidote for particular negative forces, which are caused by an imbalance of the different elements of the outer, inner and secret levels.

Most of the problems that we experience in our lives, are a result of the imbalance of the world around us. Outer imbalance refers to all the natural disasters (earthquakes, floods for example). Inner imbalance refers to war, famine, poverty etc. The secret imbalance is seen as the emotional conflicts that we experience (low self esteem, confusion, stress and frustrations).

Therefore, Green Tara practice is often done for removing obstacles on the path, for success in life and business. It is done regularly at the monastery for the success of its activities. Individuals are welcome to sponsor a puja for any difficulties they may be facing in their lives. If you would like to do this, please arrange this through the office. Cost of sponsorship is $200. This is equally divided between an offering to each Lama, purchasing offerings for the shrine and a donation to the monastery. Ven. Lama Samten and Ven. Lama Shedrup both give teachings publicly at the monastery, around New Zealand and overseas. The teaching programme at the monastery varies according to whether the Lamas are in residence.

August Retreat

Every year for the month of August, the resident Lamas hold a ngondro retreat at the monastery. The retreat is dedicated to the preliminary practices, each person doing the practice they are up to. People are welcome to attend any part of the retreat.

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