Rigpa Sydney follows the international Rigpa program of study, reflection and practice. It is an in-depth curriculum based on the graduated stages of the Buddhist path of awakening. We are part of an international network of centres, offering the Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and beneficial for people in our modern world.
Based on an authentic tradition handed down through many generations of Tibetan masters, we offer a complete path of study and practice covering every stage of the Buddha’s teachings.
For over 30 years, we have been fortunate to host visits and teachings from many teachers from different Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
What We Offer
Our courses and programs share authentic Tibetan Buddhist meditation techniques and methods for training in compassion, which have been developed over centuries. Meditation and compassion have been shown to be beneficial in many ways, including bringing peace of mind, and helping to deal with stress and depression. They can also help us to develop more kindness and warm-heartedness for ourselves, our families and those around us, and ultimately to connect us with our own true nature and fundamental goodness
Meditation
By training in mindfulness and meditation, we pacify our scattered minds, defuse our powerful emotions and overcome distraction.
The practice of meditation allows the mind to settle into a state of ‘calm abiding’, where it will find peace and stability. We rest the mind naturally in a state of relaxed awareness, in order to allow the nature of mind to reveal itself.
The ancient method of meditation is a powerful support for modern life—something that can be practiced anywhere, by anyone, of any age or background.
Moreover, there is growing scientific evidence that meditation has a positive effect on our health and well-being.
The ultimate 'purpose of meditation is to awaken in us the sky-like nature of mind, and to introduce us to that which we really are, our unchanging pure awareness which underlies the whole of life and death.'
- The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
Compassion
The rich and varied tradition of compassion is one of the great strengths of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. These teachings and practices are the perfect next step for anyone who is already familiar with basic meditation or mindfulness practice.
By developing compassion and loving kindness both for ourselves and others, we build a stable sense of self-esteem and a healthy, nourishing love for ourselves.
Compassion is not simply a sense of sympathy for someone who is suffering, not simply a warmth of heart toward the person before you, or just recognition of their needs. It is also a sustained and practical determination to do whatever is possible and necessary to help alleviate their suffering.
When studying and practicing compassion, we develop a more wholesome, less selfish way of being.
The practice of compassion has for centuries been a guiding principle in the world’s major religious and ethical traditions, but it has never been more urgently needed than it is today.
A Complete Path
For those who wish to develop their study and practise of Buddhism further, Rigpa also offers courses in the Vajrayana and Dzogchen traditions of Tibet, and practice retreats. Pre-requisites apply.
To see our sangha programme, please click here
Who We Are
Our Teachers
Rigpa was founded in 1979 by Sogyal Rinpoche, a Buddhist teacher from Tibet, who is also the author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Rigpa has the gracious patronage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
A unique feature of Rigpa’s program is that it regularly hosts teachers of all Tibetan Buddhist traditions who give teachings and empowerments, as well as Buddhist masters of other lineages, and teachers from different spiritual traditions.
Such diversity is an embodiment of the rimé or ‘non-sectarian’ approach, advocated by the great 20th century Tibetan masters Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche.
Our Team of volunteers
Rigpa Sydney is run by volunteers across all areas including holding meditation, classes, and the day to day running of the centre and events. We are grateful to the many people who offer their time and support to make the Buddhist teachings as widely available as possible.
Here is a list of some of our Australian and international teachers, volunteers, practice holders and local instructors: https://rigpa.org.au/teachers-and-practice-holders/
Rigpa’s National Centre is on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We pay our respects to the custodians and elders of this nation, and acknowledge their vast and wise cultural, spiritual and educational practices.