Business Details
37 Years
experience
Authentic Meditation & Buddhist Teachings in Canberra & Online
Founded in 1989 by Lama Choedak Rinpoche, the Tibetan Buddhist Society of Canberra is a leading centre for authentic Tibetan Buddhist practice in Australia. Our mission is to make the wisdom teachings of the Buddha accessible to all, offering structured meditation programs, philosophical study, and retreat opportunities. With over three decades of experience, we combine traditional Tibetan Buddhist methods with modern accessibility through in-person and online offerings. Our team of qualified instructors, led by Lama Choedak Rinpochea meditation master with a three-and-a-half-year solitary retreat backgroundensures expert guidance for practitioners at all levels. We maintain rigorous adherence to the Sakya tradition while presenting teachings in clear, contemporary English. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through our systematic 8-week meditation courses, annual residential retreats, and extensive archive of recorded teachings.As part of the global Sakya lineage under His Holiness Sakya Trizin, we uphold the highest standards of Buddhist scholarship and practice. Our centres in Canberra, Victoria, and NSW provide welcoming spaces for spiritual growth, while our online programs extend this accessibility worldwide. We prioritise practical application of Buddhist principles to modern life, with structured paths for developing mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and philosophical understanding. Our transparent teaching approach includes free introductory sessions and comprehensive course materials, including the complimentary 'Taming the Elephant Mind' handbook.
Services
Meditation Classes
Buddhist Teachings
Residential Retreats
Online Courses
Emotional Intelligence Training
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of authentic Tibetan Buddhist teaching experience
- Our instructors include qualified meditation masters with solitary retreat backgrounds
- We provide both in-person and online access to teachings and retreats
- Our systematic 8-week courses include complimentary instructional materials
- We maintain direct lineage connection to the Sakya tradition's highest masters
What people say
Transformed my life
Tools to manage emotions
More focused and clear-minded
Meaningful life challenges
Authentic Buddhist tradition
Services
Meditation Classes
Our meditation classes teach Calm Abiding (Samatha) techniques through structured 8-week courses. Participants learn posture, breath control, and mental focus to develop greater emotional regulation and mental clarity. The practice helps reduce stress while cultivating present-moment awareness applicable to daily life challenges.
Buddhist Teachings
Weekly Buddhist philosophy sessions explore authentic Sakya tradition teachings. Topics include Shantideva's Bodhisattva Way of Life, Middle Way philosophy, and practical applications of Buddhist principles. Both beginners and advanced students gain insights into applying ancient wisdom to contemporary life situations through systematic study programs.
Residential Retreats
Annual residential retreats offer immersive meditation experiences ranging from one-day workshops to 10-day programs. These structured retreats combine traditional Tibetan practices with modern accessibility, focusing on deepening meditation skills and spiritual development in distraction-free environments at our dedicated retreat centres.
Online Courses
Live-streamed meditation courses provide global access to authentic Buddhist training. The 8-week Calm Abiding program includes weekly Zoom sessions with Lama Choedak Rinpoche, guided meditations, and comprehensive study materials. Participants receive replays and a complimentary e-book to support ongoing practice development from any location.
Emotional Intelligence Training
Specialised courses connect Buddhist meditation practices with modern emotional intelligence development. Participants learn to identify and regulate emotional patterns through mindfulness techniques, improving interpersonal relationships and workplace effectiveness while maintaining traditional Buddhist ethical frameworks.
People
Lama Choedak Rinpoche
Spiritual Director
A revered meditation master with a three-and-a-half-year solitary retreat background, Lama Choedak Rinpoche has taught Buddhist philosophy in the West for over 30 years. He received his training under His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche and holds the title of Rinpoche from the Sakya lineage's highest authorities.
Questions
Are your meditation classes suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, our 8-week courses and free weekly sessions welcome absolute beginners. No prior experience is required to start learning meditation with us.
Do I need to be Buddhist to participate?
No Buddhist background is required. Our programs are designed for anyone seeking practical tools for stress reduction and mental clarity through authentic meditation practices.
How are online meditation classes conducted?
Live sessions use Zoom videoconferencing with interactive instruction and guided meditations. Participants receive replays and course materials, including our complimentary meditation handbook.
What meditation style do you teach?
We specialise in Calm Abiding (Samatha) meditation from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, focusing on breath awareness and posture to develop mental stability and clarity.
Are your retreats accessible to new meditators?
Yes, our retreat programs include introductory options suitable for beginners, with experienced instructors providing personalised guidance throughout the meditation practices.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Jeff Newton
Nov 14, 2019
Report
Very welcoming place. Able to get right into buddhism but also happy for people to just look and discover also.
