Gyuto Monks Come To Bondi

By Madeleine Gray on April 5, 2016 in News

To the layperson, Buddhism can seem a daunting religion or philosophy to get one’s head around. Perhaps this has to do with the fact that it needs two very big words – namely ‘religion’ and ‘philosophy’ – to even begin to try and define it. It doesn’t involve a belief in God, but it deals with ideas that go beyond the physical realm.

To really commit to Buddhism, you are supposed to sacrifice your human desires, like the desire to attain ‘things’ or the desire to do better than someone else. You do this by following the Noble Eightfold Path. It’s about a constant consciousness of one’s place and actions. It’s pretty intense.

This is where the Gyuto Monks of Tibet come in. Not all of us have what it takes to be monks, or to completely separate ourselves from the cycle of capitalist desire and attainment. We like the things that money can buy us, and that’s okay, but it doesn’t mean that we have to dismiss all the tenants of Buddhism. In today’s stressful, fast-paced world, we need to learn mindfulness and generosity more than ever.

Luckily for those of us living in Sydney’s Eastern Beaches, the Gyuto Monks are coming to Bondi Pavilion for a two-week residency from April 11 to 24, hosting workshops from 9:30am to 6pm daily. The monks regularly tour Australia and have found an annual home at Bondi Pavilion since back in 2008. What they offer is a welcoming entry into the world of Buddhism, and a warm environment where people can develop skills that they can apply in different areas of their lives.

The first week of their visit focuses on meditation sessions that deal with how to overcome the seven deadly sins – envy, wrath, lust, sloth, gluttony, greed and pride – while the second week draws more attention to how meditation can help us overcome the seven stresses of modern life. There are also sessions geared towards children, involving such activities as mandala making and Mala bracelet crafting. From 3pm to 5pm each day, individuals can also undertake cleansing ceremonies with the monks, who will sit with them and chant a special puja (prayer offering). Additionally, daily public talks at 2:30pm will explore such topics as ‘Aging Without Fear’ and ‘Surrendering Control’.

Accompanying the monks’ residency will be an exhibition of photographer Tobi Wilkinson’s ‘Mindful Practice – The Gyuto Monks Summer Retreat’ photo series. Wilkinson has spent many months with the monks in Tibet and has captured some truly stunning portraits of their contemplative lives.

So why not head down to the Bondi Pavilin this April, check out some moving art, earn yourself some positive karma, and learn how to live in the moment? You can find out more Gyuto Monks upcoming visit at www.gyutomonksinbondi.com.au