FPMT News Around the World
Geshe Sherab at Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery, Meyers Flat, Victoria, Australia, August 2012. Photo by Hirani Chambers.
Geshe Thubten Sherab, former head master for Kopan Monastery’s school and long-time supporter of FPMT in various capacities, kicked off his first Australian tour August 3-5 at Atisha Centre and Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery in Myers Flat, Victoria, teaching on The 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas.
“I enjoyed my time very much at Atisha Center and Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery. The place is beautiful, clean and quiet and a very nice place to do retreat,” Geshe Sherab reports. “The retreat on the 37 verses of bodhisattva practices was attended by around 35-40 people and we enjoyed and had a good time. The retreat went very well as far as I am concerned, and I hope that those who have attended have enjoyed and benefited equally.”
Geshe Sherab took the time to visit The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, scheduled to be the largest stupa in the Western world, in nearby Maiden Gully. “I was very excited and inspired to see the progress of The Great Stupa,” he shares. “My wishes and prayers are with it for a quick completion so it can inspire and bring lots of peace and benefit to all sentient beings. I am looking forward to visit when completed.”
Geshe Sherab will make his way through “Oz” over three months, visiting over eight centers in six different states. FPMT Australia, the country’s regional office, has played a huge role in supporting the tour, organizing a master schedule and providing updates via Facebook as the tour progresses. Geshe Sherab’s unquestionable qualifications (he received his Geshe degree from Sera Je Monastery and completed tantric studies at Gyumed Tantric College) coupled with English-Tibetan bilingualism, natural warmth, and ability to connect openly with Western students, are sure to make the rest of his tour a huge success.
With 158 centers, projects and services around the globe, there is always news on FPMT activities, teachers and events. Mandala hopes to share as many of these timely stories as possible. If you have news you would like to share, please let us know.