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Buddhism for Beginners

New to Buddhism? Like to learn how to meditate? Want to meditate on a regular basis? Need help to stay focused, or motivated?

At Chandrakirti Meditation Centre we have a range of options suitable for beginners to learn about meditation and Buddhism. Here are the courses and retreats for beginners for August - December 2017.

• Sunday Meditation Class & Lunch
• Mindfulness Meditation – 4 week Course in Nelson
• Mindfulness for Beginners 1 Day Meditation Retreat - September
• Meditation for Heart and Mind - 6 Week Course in Ruby Bay
• Basic Buddhism – 6 Week Course

• Mindfulness for Beginners 1 Day Meditation Retreat - November
• 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life - Weekend Workshop
• Public Talks in Nelson
• Public Talks in Wellington
• Saturday Meditation Class in Golden Bay - 1st Saturday of each month
• Special Public Talk in Golden Bay
• Public Talks in Blenheim

Take a Tour of Chandrakirti Centre

Easter Course - The Two Truths

Friday March 29th to Monday April 1st 2013 

A 4 day course with Geshe Tharchin on the fundamental reality as understood in Buddhist philosophy.

The two truths speak about the basic truths, or reality. Once we understand those basic truths we can see how the path and the result are cultivated in relation to them.

This course is for those interested in the Buddhist path and the true nature of our reality.

All warmly welcome - cost is $160 includes course materials and vegetarian lunches.

Accommodation can be arranged at an extra cost.

Please contact us for bookings and requirements on 03-5432021 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We also provide transport from Nelson City and airport.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching at Root Institute

Geshe Jampa Tharchin

Geshe Jampa Tharchin gives us a brief account of his life – 

In 1989 I met His Holiness the Dalai Lama and entered Sera Jey Monastery in India at age 21. I and took rabjung which are the vows of entering into monastic life. In 1990 I took getsul (novice monk) ordination in Dharamsala with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and then in 1991 I took gelong (full) ordination from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

I studied at Sera Je for 15 years covering all required texts, the main five texts. After that for 6 years I studied for the Geluk exams which are needed to obtain a Geshe Degree. I took my Geshe exams on 30 December 2009 passing with the highest level as a Lharampa Geshe (PhD).

After that I attended Gyume Tantric college for one year completing all required exams.

My root teacher who is kind in all three ways is His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

At Sera my main teachers who were kind in two ways of commentary and transmission were Geshe Thubten Trashi, Venerable Choden Rinpoche, Jangtse Choje Losang Tenzin, Geshe Kelsang Wangdu and Phari Rinpoche.

My teacher at Gyume Tantric college was Geshe Jampa Chodra.

During my time at Sera for 5 years I was treasurer and managed the funds of my house or Hardong Kamtsen. For one year I was the leader responsible for the entire Lharampa class.

In 2010 I went to Kopan nunnery, in Nepal, where I taught for one year before arriving at Chandrakirti Meditation Centre in mid 2011.

This my first visit to the western world and I am very happy to be here.”

Welcome to Chandrakirti Meditation Centre

Chandrakirti Meditation Centre is a Tibetan Buddhist centre situated in the rolling hills of the Nelson countryside. Affiliated with FPMT Inc. our goal is to promote the wisdom, compassion and loving-kindness that is the very heart of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice. With this in mind we provide a conducive environment for people to contact, study and deepen their understanding of the Buddhist path.

Chandrakirti Meditation Centre was founded and named in 1999 by our Spiritual Director Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche, who is widely recognised as one of the original great teachers who introduced Buddhism to the west. During a visit to the Chandrakirti Centre in May 2002, His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the longlife stupa and named the new meditation temple "Nalanda Hall".

2019 Calendars

We are so excited to share our new Chandrakirti Meditation Centre Calendars. Each month has a stunning photo taken in or around Chandrakirti and there is a monthly meditation practice from our beloved Geshe Jampa Tharchin.

Order today to support Chandrakirti and get the perfect Xmas gifts. We ship worldwide.

Calendar + Shipping within NZ $25.00 NZDCalendar + International Shipping $30.00 NZD

Purchase our 2019 calendar here:

For New Zealand payments we prefer bank transfer to our a/c 03 0751 0098678 04, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. once you have made a payment to have your calendar posted to you today.

Dzambhala Wealth Vase

These beautiful hand crafted vases create prosperity and wealth wherever they are placed.

 Not only will it bless your home or place of practice, it will also benefit the surrounding area and environment. Padmasambhava taught that vases will naturally increase wealth and cause crops, fruits and forests to grow abundantly.

Investment: $125 for each handcrafted vase

A gift with a difference. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to purchase!

Wish Fulfilling Land

A meditation retreat sanctuary

Wish Fulfilling Land is a place to retreat, develop calm abiding and realisations on the path to enlightenment.

Click here to visit our website

 Our Mission

Chandrakirti Meditation Centre is an affiliate of the FPMT and our mission is to support and fulfill the FPMT's mission statement which is:
The FPMT is an organization devoted to preserving and spreading Mahayana Buddhism worldwide by creating opportunities to listen, reflect, meditate, practice and actualize the unmistaken teachings of the Buddha and based on that experience spreading the Dharma to sentient beings.
We provide integrated education through which people's minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others, inspired by an attitude of universal responsibility and service. We are committed to creating harmonious environments and helping all beings develop their full potential of infinite wisdom and compassion.
Our organization is based on the Buddhist tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught to us by our founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe and our spiritual director, Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.

Listen to Geshe Jampa Tharchin teaching on youtube

Click here to view our Youtube channel

 Click: Upcoming Events to know more about our Study Programme and Events

Chandrakirti Meditation Centre is a non-residential Tibetan Buddhist centre situated in the rolling hills of the Nelson countryside. Our goal is to promote the wisdom, compassion and loving-kindness that is the very heart of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice. With this in mind we provide a conducive environment for people to contact, study and deepen their understanding of the Buddhist path.

Chandrakirti Meditation Centre was founded and named in 1999 by our Spiritual Director Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche, who is widely recognised as one of the original great teachers who introduced Buddhism to the west. During a visit to the Chandrakirti Centre in May 2002, His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the longlife stupa and named the new meditation temple "Nalanda Hall".

Donations, Memberships, Wish List and Bequests

“A Dharma centre which offers these practises and education is an extremely important need. It is a very important tool to bring peace in the world, and peace in numerous sentient beings minds; so whatever you are able to contribute financially will benefit not only for peace of this world but for all sentient beings.” Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Donations

Please click 'Donate now' below to donate to us:

If you encounter problems donating to us through givealittle.co.nz, please contact us using the contact form.

Alternatively, you can also donate to us by direct credit to our bank account:

Bank: Westpac Richmond

Account name: Chandrakirti Centre

Acc No. 03 0751 0098678 00

Donation Choices

• General Donations

Go towards providing the teaching program and the teachers salaries. As well as maintenance of Nalanda Meditation Hall and the centres grounds.

• Support the Teaching Program

Please support the Teaching Program and Sangha fund at Chandrakirti Centre.

• Community Events Building

Help us finish to pay off this building

• Prayer Wheel Project

New Project that will bring great blessings, world peace and benefit countless beings.

Memberships

Why become a member?

In the troubled times of this world Chandrakirti Meditation Centre is a much needed sanctuary for healing, the development of a good heart, the cultivation of compassion and loving kindness and the promotion of harmonious environments. Chandrakirti Centre teaches principles for right livelihood that are universally applicable. From the beginning Chandrakirti Meditation Centre has been blessed with many extraordinary teachers offering their guidance and wisdom and since 2001 the centre has a resident teacher, Lharampa Geshe Jampa Tharchin teaching different topics to a wide variety of students form all walks of life. The meditation hall and stupa were officially opened and blessed in May 2002 by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama whose teachings are the foundation of the Centres many activities. The resident teacher, a community of  sincere practitioners and the stunning beauty of the center's rural setting, with its many holy objects, traditional Tibetan artwork and a special Tara Temple gives Chandrakirti Meditation Centre a unique quality for facilitating healing of body and mind. 

Please help us maintain this sanctuary

Centres such as Chandrakirti Meditation Centre have always relied on the generosity of sponsors. Their kind support allows Buddhism to survive as a living tradition in the Western world. Chandrakirti Centre has helped and inspired many people and continues to do so. However to remain in existence and fulfil our important mission, Chandrakirti Centre needs continuous support. A powerful way to help Chandrakirti Centre is to become one of our members. Members are kind hearted people who believe in the culture of compassion for which Chandrakirti Centre stands for. It is the contribution of members that make our work and aspirations possible.  To become a member of Chandrakirti Centre choose a level best suited to you from our membership options. 

Membership Choices:

• Silver Bodhisattva Member: $10 per/week

Equivalent to donating: a cup of coffee and a muffin per week
Receives: newsletters, library membership, shop discounts and two complimentary weekend
teachings

• Golden Bodhisattva Member: $20 per/week

Equivalent to donating: one dinner per week
Receives: newsletters, library membership, shop discounts and three complimentary
weekend teachings

• Arya Bodhisattva Member: $50 per/week

Equivalent to donating: one or two hours of salaries per week
Receives: newsletters, library membership, shop discounts and free weekly and weekend
classes with Geshe Tharchin. Personal guidance, closer relationship and dinner invitations
with Geshe Tharchin. Participation in strategic planning meetings.

All donations are tax deductible
Chandrakirti Trust is a registered Charitable Trust

Charities Commission #: CC22721

Wish List

Please contact us if you wish to sponsor any of these items:

• 2 large floor rugs for new Commnity Events Building - $1300
• Baterry drill - $500
• Large TV screen new Commnity Events Building - $1500
• 2 First Aid Kits - $300
• 2 Commercial washing machines - $1800 each
• Blinds for meditation hall - $5,000
• Small Cabin - $18,000 + GST

Bequests

Making provision in your Will to donate to Chandrakirti Meditation Centre is a way to honour the community you live in. You can be certain that your final act of generosity will help make a real difference to safeguard the Buddha's teachings in New Zealand. Big or small, your bequest will be greatly appreciated. It will help us continue to provide a sanctuary for Dharma contemplation, study and practice now and for future generations.
By including a bequest in your Will, you have the option of leaving a specific amount, an item or a percentage of your estate to Chandrakirti Meditation Centre.

If you already have a Will
If you would like to include a bequest to Chandrakirti Meditation Centre in your existing Will, you can make a simple modification by adding a codicil (a codicil is a supplement to a Will that is intended to alter or modify it). To make sure your codicil is legal, we recommend it is checked and approved by a legal advisor.

If you don't have a Will
A Will is an important legal document so it should be prepared by a legal professional. It's important to discuss options and specific wording with your legal advisor to make sure your Will reflects your wishes clearly, giving specific guidance on how you want your assets and personal belongings distributed when you die.

Wording for a bequest
Here's an indication of the accepted form of words that can be used to leave a bequest to Chandrakirti Meditation Centre:
"I give and bequeath the sum of $_____________ (or) __________ % of my estate, (or) residue of my estate, (or) property or assets as follows
____________________________________________________________________________________________
free of all charges, to The Chandrakirti Trust. The official receipt of the Chief Executive or other authorised officer of the Trustee is an absolute discharge to my executors."

With or without strings attached
You may chose to leave your bequest freely, i.e. 'no strings attached', so that Chandrakirti Meditation Centre can apply the funds in the areas where they are most needed, or you can specify where you would like the funds to be spent.

You can let us know about the bequest
There's no requirement to tell us that you're leaving a bequest to Chandrakirti Meditation Centre. However we would like to make sure that your generous giving is suitably thanked and acknowledged in your lifetime. Deciding to tell us about your bequest can also be a good thing if your Will is challenged. If we're in a position to demonstrate that we have a relationship with you, your wishes are less likely to be amended by the court.

Strictest confidence guaranteed
Any bequest inquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence by Chandrakirti Meditation Centre. We will respect your wishes if you choose to remain anonymous.

Contact us about a bequest
If you would like to discuss leaving a bequest to Chandrakirti Meditation Centre or require further information, please call 03 543 2021 or contact us using the contact form.