About - Sangha

Making Every Moment Precious

* by Ani Kunsang (Society Committee President 2005)

There’s the Dalai Lama’s 70th Birthday celebration to arrange, Rinpoche’s public talk, Saga Dawa, May’s Calm Abiding Retreat and a new doorbell for Evatt. Is there anything else I would rather be using my time for?

There’s Julia full of enthusiasm, the gentleness and “ever-willingness to give” of Lorraine, Kath’s amazing technical knowledge, Leelan always smiling and encouraging us, Ven Jamyang’s penetrating mindfulness, Ani Nangtong’s laughter, Jacob’s dedication, Lidija with her ability to solve all of our problems, Brendan’s insight and Lama Choedak Rinpoche encapturing us all with his presence. Is there another group of people I would rather spend some time with? Even Jaki still comes to lend a hand and give us advice – such commitment to helping still there after all these years.

I guess all of us have an appreciation of what Rinpoche is trying to do for us here in Australia. It seems he has given us every moment of his time and has an amazing capacity to find yet more moments. For his teachings to continue to flourish we need a strong backroom support group. Year after year we find this. Look at what the previous committees have done, bravely taking the plunge to find premises, to buy shrines, to get technology, to start teaching, to organise pilgrimages, to learn Tibetan, to teach Tibetan, to teach Calm Abiding, to buy the petchas, to support ordination and the ordained, to buy Virupa Retreat Centre and so much more.

I, for one, love it. When I first moved to Canberra from Tasmania, I was thrilled to be able to vacuum the gonpa, and I still am, and anything else is a bonus. I know at times I forget just what a privilege this is. Of course, we get tired, but I used to get tired doing so many pointless things. Sakya Losal Choe Dzong has given my life a real meaning beyond any expectation I ever had. I dedicate this joy and all of our collective efforts to all sentient beings – may they all hear these precious teachings and transform their suffering.

If you would like to be on the committee, you’re most welcome to come along any time and just observe, or join in. Our meetings are held at Evatt once a fortnight on a Wednesday night at 8.30. We’d love your company.

* Learn more about the committee.