FPMT Australia Ltd

Chenrezig Institute was the hosting centre for the November national meeting, which was held in conjunction with the preceding 2 day Foundation training, on Sunday 16th November 2008. There were 30 people from various roles that attended this meeting, and almost half attended the 2 day Foundation training.

These meetings are a time to reflect and redirect your energy back towards the global FPMT vision, as well as a chance for people to network, catch up, debrief & share experiences of offering service. Our roles can be demanding and challenging and it is important to connect with other people who are doing similar work.

Therefore it is crucial that we meet every six months to discuss and address any issues, REJOICE in all that we & others have achieved, review new advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, as well as support each other and continue to maintain our harmonious relationship nationally and internationally. As Lama Yeshe used to say FPMT is Family feeling.

“What FPMT is trying to do is our very best to benefit sentient beings and to preserve the Dharma.  We do this through helping the great monasteries to spread the Dharma widely, and through providing Dharma teachings at centers in order for students to purify and collect extensive merits and meditate on the path to enlightenment.

Also through FPMT providing education in guru yoga in order to receive the blessing of the guru in the heart - it is through this condition that the realizations come and there is change in one’s mind. Then one can cease ignorance, the root of samsara, and cease even the subtle defilements, and this is how one can achieve enlightenment.”

Due to the preceding 2 day training the meeting was condensed into one day, which made for a very tight schedule, as the agenda was very full. There was a lot to take in, and we did manage to get through it all. This is some of what we covered:

Lindsay Holmes facilitated the 2 hour workshop on ‘Governance for your centre’ and this was very well received by all of the attendees. Lindsay helped to clarify many various aspects about your legal obligations as well as other useful information about Executive committee's and their responsibilities.

Peter Stickels facilitated some group discussions about FPMTA National Office and Governance and the role that it plays supporting all Australian activities. The group was then broken up into 4 smaller groups to discuss fundraising options for FPMTA, to support the national office.

Peter Stickels facilitating the discussion on National office

Peter also discussed the FPMTA Strategic Plan and explained how it needed group collaboration to achieve all of the longer term goals. People with interests in different areas put up their hands to assist with discussions for the next national meeting, which will be held at Langri Tangpa Centre, Brisbane on 28 - 29th March 2009.

Meeting at Chenrezig Institute's Gompa Nov 08

We also discussed the upcoming CPMT meeting in April 2009, in France and there were 10 people at the meeting that are planning to attend.

My feeling is that FPMTA is moving forward and setting down a strong foundation for the future.

A big thankyou to Maureen & all staff and volunteers at Chenrezig Institute for all of your heartfelt hospitality and wonderful food that was offered to all that attended the meeting. A big thank you to Lindsay Holmes and Peter Stickels as well as to all others that assisted to facilitate this meeting.

Much love

Helen Patrin
Australian National Coordinator
FPMT Australia Ltd