Toowoomba Buddhist Centre
The Toowoomba Buddhist Centre (TBC) is affiliated with the The Triratna Buddhist Community - formerly known as the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO) - which was founded in 1967 by Sangharakshita. It is now an international movement with activities in more than 20 countries, including India. The Triratna Buddhist Community is a non-sectarian Buddhist movement which seeks to promote the practise of Buddhism in a form appropriate to the modern world. Triratna means "Three Jewels", specifically the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, which are the central foci of a Buddhist's life and practice.
The Triratna Buddhist Community is an organisation whose charter is to make available the teachings of the Buddha to people of all cultures and backgrounds. We draw inspiration from all the great Buddhist schools to facilitate practice in a Western cultural context. While the essence of Buddhism is timeless and universal, its forms adapt to context and culture. With the spread of Buddhism around the globe, the task is to develop Buddhist practices relevant to the 21st century.
The basic aim of the Toowoomba buddhist Centre (TBC) is to provide the opportunity for people in the Toowoomba region to explore the practices and tools available from the Buddha Dharma for personal growth and coping with modern living. People at the Centre try to put the ideals of the Dharma into practice in their daily lives. The meditation techniques can be used by anyone regardless of their religion or background. The TBC draws upon the core Buddhist teachings to meet the spiritual needs of today's men and women.
There is widespread interest in Buddhism amongst the general public in the West these days. It's occurring in all Western countries and this interest is reflected in the experience to date of the TBC. The appeal seems to come from disillusionment with the all-pervasive materialism of Western societies and the fact that Buddhism offers the prospect of spiritual development through one's own efforts.
Friend’s Night
Friend’s night provides the opportunity for people who wish to keep in contact with like-minded people on a regular basis or whenever the need arises. It is open to anyone who wishes to visit the Centre. The format is a group meditation followed by a cup of tea and chat and then group discussion/Dharma study. We also hold traditional Buddhist devotional practices a couple of times a month. Held every Thursday night 7-9pm.
Women's Meditation
Sessions for women who wish to meditate with others. Women may either be new to meditation or be experienced meditators - general guideance is given. Participation is by prior arrangement Contact Viryaja at vp@toowoombabuddhistcentre.org for more information. Held weekly on Tuesdays 10am-12 noon.
Meditation Retreats
These are held regularly throughout the year at a retreat centre just outside of Toowoomba. The weekend or week offers the opportunity to deepen one's meditation practice in surroundings conducive to this.
Day Retreats & Events
These are helf from time to time at the Toowoomba Buddhist Centre or at a retreat centre.
Newsletter
A monthly Newsletter is available via email upon request.
Study Courses
As well as the eight-week 'Introducing Buddhism' and 'Introduction to Traditional Buddhist Meditation' courses we also run short courses & workshops exploring different aspects of Buddhism & Meditation and its relevance to our lives today.
Introducing Buddhism
This eight-week course will introduce you to some of the core ideas in Buddhism shared by all traditions and encourage you to explore their relevance for us in the world today. Held on alternating Monday and Tuesday nights generally starting the second week of each school term 7-9pm.
Traditional Buddhist Meditation - Introduction
Meditation works directly on the mind. It heightens our awareness so that we can develop greater clarity. emotional positivity andd creativity. This gives us the freedom to change, to discover new insights into who we are and what we can become.
Our introductory eight-week course covers the basic principles of meditation & mindfulness, introducing you to two different but complementary techniques. You will also be given tips on how to work with posture and set up your own meditation practice.
Held on alternating Monday and Tuesday nights generally starting the second week of each school term 7-9pm.
Introduction to Meditation
Seven week day-time courses held from time to time.
The fees for Introducing Buddhism and Introduction to Buddhist Meditation
courses and for retreats are varied from time to time with the cost of living. These fees assist in meeting the costs of the Centre. Course participants receive a full set of notes. Donations are encouraged for Friends Night, Women's & Men’s Meditation Groups
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