An Affiliate of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition.
Since its introduction into Australia Buddhism has gained wide acceptance as an exceptional philosophy that has brought inner peace, happiness and spiritual direction to the lives of countless people.
Approximately fourty years ago, to help preserve and disseminate Tibetan Buddhist teachings, Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche began establishing a network of centres in Australia and around the world called the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition.
One of those centres is Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Australia. Established in 1996 by Australian Buddhist monk Ven. Thubten Gyatso at the request of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery is a place where monks can devote themselves to study, meditation and spiritual transformation. His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the XIVth Dalai Lama of Tibet endorsed the name: Thubten Shedrup Ling, An Oasis for Study and Practice of the Buddha's Teachings. The monastery is situated near Bendigo in Victoria and on the same site as the Great Stupa for Universal Compassion and Atisha Centre.
In 2003 Geshe Konchok Tsering of Sera Je Monastery in India accepted a request from Lama Zopa Rinpoche to be the resident teacher for Atisha Centre. Geshe Konchok Tsering is resident at Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery.
The monastic order is the heart of Buddhism and without monasteries the transmission of Dharma in our world would cease. By living within pure morality the sangha ensure continuity of the Buddhist doctrine, inspire others in their practice and become a cause for the peace and well being of society.
The community of monks at the monastery are making an important contribution to the community. We teach at Atisha Centre, and at the request of various dharma groups travel throughout Victoria and Australia leading courses and retreats. Senior sangha are also involved in chaplaincy at Latrobe University, within the State prison system and Victoria Police. By appointment we are available to offer assistance to those in need of spiritual counselling and advice.
Visitors are welcome between 2 and 4 pm each day, and when appropriate may stay in the monastery for a peaceful and spiritually energising personal retreat.
If you would like further information please contact:
The International Mahayana Institute (IMI) is a community of Buddhist monks and nuns of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). The IMI website contains details about IMI monastic communities and information for monks and nuns and those contemplating ordination.
An Affiliate of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition.