FPMT Australia Ltd

FPMTA together with Chenrezig Institute organised the first ever Foundation Training in Australia in November 2008. The 48 attendees were all inspired and re-energised by the warm and welcoming training style of Allys Andrews, the FPMT Australian trainer.

Allys has excellent knowledge of the FPMT organisation and the two days were full of love, laughter and learning about ourselves, our centres/projects and the wider global FPMT family.

Picture of the four harmonious friends

The training is a time to connect or re-connect with the expansive vision of FPMT, as well as learn new skills that can help you offer service to our growing FPMT family organisation.

The Inner Job description was one of the highlights of the 2 day training and majority of the attendees said that they would implement it into their daily lives.

"If everyone used the methods contained here, it would change the organization." 
- Lama Zopa Rinpoche 

The training was a success and we trust that this is the first of many training sessions that we will provide for all of the Australian centre/activities/projects.

Course participants at the Foundation Training 14 - 15th November 2008

The 48 participants were from various roles SPC's, Centre Directors, Study group Coordinators, FPMTA Board members, National Coordinator, National tour Coordinator, Centre Executive Committee members, Hospice carers, volunteers & nurses and various other volunteers and paid staff that work for the FPMT organisation.

This is what some of the participants had to say about the training

"loved the live in retreat format"

"gave strategies for blending bodhisattva attitudes into organisational and personal life"

"should be given more frequently to those managing organisations and centres"

"yes, we need that reflection time with the framework of dharma principles applied specifically to the running of centres" 

Allys Andrews, FPMT Australian Trainer

Allys Andrews after the training at Chenrezig Institute

Langri Tangpa Centre participants

In the FPMT tradition of generosity all the participants were given the opportunity to practise generosity and donations were made to both Chenrezig Institute and CI volunteers, which were always happy, friendly and very hospitable. They were always eager to assist with any of our needs, and helped to make a wonderful 2 day event. The food that was provided for the training from the 'Big Love' was very delicious and cooked with love.

The volunteers were offered the money to have a social dinner together, and they decided that they wanted to continue the act of generosity and feed those most in need... so the money was passed onto feed the monks and nuns through 'The Good Fortune Trust'. The initial merit has multiplied and we hope that it will continue to benefit all sentient beings.

A big thank you to Allys Andrews, FPMT Inc, Maureen Walshe, Anni Mountjoy, Sandy Smith and all others that helped to bring this training to fruition.

Much Love
Helen Patrin

Australian National Coordinator
FPMT Australia Ltd