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Past Festivals

Mystical Tibet Concert

The Mystical Tibet Concert creates a perfect musical potion through the combination of Brisbane’s Camerata of St. John’s chamber orchestra, Tenzin Choegyal (Tibet), Jamyang Dolma a beautiful female Tibetan singer and Taro Terahara (Japan). Taro is a master bansuri (Indian classical flute) player and disciple of bansuri master, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Tenzin’s expressive vocals and musical talents draw on his Tibetan traditions and he creates original and authentic musical compositions which express his devotion to his cultural lineage.

Fri 4th Feb (8:00 pm start) Visy Theatre $30 (Con$25) Phone (07) 3358 8600 or

http://www.camerata.net.au http://www.tenzinchoegyal.com/

Meditation : Breath and it’s essence

Join Neljorpa Pemsi (Tibetan Yogi) Dzogchen practitioner for a morning meditation. Practicing meditation which calms the mind involves the elimination of inner and outer distractions and overcoming afflicting emotions. In a state of calmness the mind is capable of achieving equanimity, peace and clarity and with practice the potential for these capacities is limitless. The ultimate purpose of meditation is to understand and experience the true nature of our mind.  There are many methods used by different religions, with breathing practice being one of the most effective.
Neyjorpa Pemsi explains, “Breathing invokes in us the Loong (wind) element which is the energy that gives life to mind. So, by controlling the breathing, we can control the mind. And through Mindfulness we progress to  see Emptiness which is the true nature of our mind.”
This session will offer a general understanding of effective breathing meditation which creates a mind which is stable, calm, alert and clear.
Fri 4th Feb and Sat 5th Feb  (10:00 to 11:00 am) Free

Tibetan Painting Workshop

Spend some time with master painter Karma Phuntsok and learn some simple techniques used in Tibetan Painting. The art of Karma Phuntsok is a unique and dynamic expression of contemporary Buddhist Art.

The startling beauty and richness which graces his work is influenced by his diverse life experiences: from a childhood in Tibet under Chinese oppression to life as a refugee in India; his love of life in the Australian bush, and the veneration with which he holds His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Internationally acclaimed, Karma’s work is scattered throughout the world, in private collections and galleries, and in Australia at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Queensland Art Gallery.

Thu 3rd  Feb (1:30 to 2:30 pm), Fri 4th Feb (11:30 to 12:30 pm & 3:30 to 4:30 pm) and Sat 5th  Feb (3:30 to 4:30 pm)  $25

Phone (07) 3358 8600 or 

http://www.karmaart.com

Materials for Students:
Required:      A3 Stretched canvas  (16×20 inches)
Paint Brushes        (1, 2,3)
Pencil            (1 soft, 1 hard)
Drawing Paper    (A4 x 1)
Acrylic Paint        (red, blue, yellow, white, green, black, orange)

Optional:    Right triangles        (2 recommended)
T-square or Ruler
Compass
Tracing Paper (A4 x 1)

Sand Mandala Workshop

In these workshops, participants learn about the meaning and history of the Tibetan art of the sand mandala.  Learn the traditional technique using the small metal funnel known as the chak phur to create designs with coloured sand, allowing everyone to experience the beauty and challenges of the art form. Time: All 3 days – check the program -Free

Formed of a traditional prescribed iconography that includes geometric shapes and a multitude of ancient spiritual symbols, the sand-painted mandala is used as a tool for re-consecrating the earth and its inhabitants.

Sand mandala making is a remarkably fine, intricate process, requiring patience, devotion, skill and creativity. For the experienced and proficient mandala maker, millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks.
Mandala (kilkhor) he Sand Mandala is regarded within Tibetan Buddhism as sacred and, until 40 years ago, was rarely seen outside the monasteries.

Panel Discussion : The Art Of Healing

Join Mr Sonam Dhakpo, Representative of His Holiness The Dalai Lama in Australasia,  Neljorpa Pemsi, traditional Tibetan Healer, Mr. Tenzin Norbu, Head of the Environment Desk, Tibetan Government in Exile, India and Geshe Lobsang Jamyang from Chenrezig Buddhist Institute, for an entertaining and informative discussion about Tibetan approaches to healing.  Meditation, use of medicinal herbs, incantations, mantras and blessings are still used by Tibetans to address a variety of physical and psychological ailments.  The panel will discuss the  application and effectiveness of these traditional methods and their appeal around the world.
Sat 5th Feb (11.30 – 1pm) Free close up
Geshe Lobsang Jamyang was ordained at the age of sixteen and after eighteen years of study attained the highest degree in Buddhist Philosophy.  Geshe la was a member of Sera Je Monastery in South  India for many years and has also spent time studying at Gyume Tantric Monastery where he mastered practice and rituals of the tantric tradition. Geshe Jamyang joined Chenrezig Buddhist Institute on the Sunshine Coast in 2005 and is the resident teacher.

www.chenrezig.com.au

Mr. Tenzin Norbu was born in India and went to TCV school. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Science and Education from India. He served TCV school for 5 years as a Science and Math teacher. He also worked as a research associate at Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand) for over 5 years after earning his Master’s degree in the field of Environmental Technology from the same Institute. He is now serving (since Dec 2008) at the Central Tibetan Administration at Dharamsala in the Environment Desk under the Department of Information and International Relations. Since then, he has participated in various regional and international conferences (COP 15, APGN 2010…) raising issues related to the environmental situations and concerns on the Tibetan Plateau.

In Conversation with Ama Jetsun Pema and Mr Tenpa Tsering- Moderated by Sandy McCuthcheon

Amala1DLAMALA2

Widely known as “Mother of Tibet”, Ama Jetsun Pema is the former President of the Tibetan Children’s Village School (responsible for educating thousands of Tibetan refugee children), the first female Minister in the Tibetan Government-in-exile, UNESCO Medal Winner and younger sister of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Jetsun Pema la talk about her life long commitment caring for children in the exile community on this, her first ever visit to Australia. Mr. Tenpa Tsering, The Chief Representative of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama will join Jetsun Pema on stage.

‘Others before self: educating children in exile’ and WHY TIBET ?

Sandy McCuthcheon with be moderating this “In Conversation with Ama Jetsun Pema and Mr. Tempa Tsering”.

Sandy McCuthcheon is one of Australia’s great treasures. As presenter of Australia Talks Back on Radio National, he probably knows better than anyone how Australians think and what’s important to them. He’s not only a broadcaster – he’s also a highly acclaimed playwright, novelist and poet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_McCutcheon

Sat 5th Feb (1:30 to 3:00 pm) Visy Theatre $25(Con$20)  Phone (07) 3358 8600 or 

http://www.tcv.org.in

2010 Sydney Festival Overview

Festival of Tibet

Click below for Sydney Festival of TIBET program.

Festival of TIBET 19th – 21st Feb 2010
Leichhardt Town Hall, Sydney
107 Norton St. Leichhardt NSW

Brisbane Festival of TIBET was a GREAT one thank you to all who came and made it an amazing  Festival… Please click the above to Sydney details.

FESTIVAL OF TIBET – a five-day festival that will engage the senses in a celebration of the unique music and sacred arts of Tibet. The Tashi Lhunpo Monks of Tibet will create a stunning medicine Buddha SAND MANDALA and renowned artist Karma Phuntsok will exhibit his cutting edge contemporary Tibetan Paintings. A Discussion Panel featuring prominent environmentalists on “Climate change on the roof of the world: Why Tibet matters” will allow a stimulating exchange on the importance of protecting Tibet’s fragile environment. Kuzho Lama Geshe Tashi Tsering will give a public talk on ‘Seed of Compassion: The Art of Happiness.’ Each evening concludes with a different themed concert featuring Tenzin Choegyal, Tashi Lhunpo Monks of TIBET, The Australian Voices (prominent choral group), Trikaya (The Tibetan Book of the Dead) and Camerata of St John’s (string orchestra).

You will have the opportunity to join in a number of workshops throughout the festival. Paint your own Buddha with Karma Phuntsok, Tibetan Healing Mantra, Sound Healing, Tibetan Ritual Dance, Why Tibet? Grassroots Workshop and the Art of the Sand Mandala.

Please join us to celebrate this Festival of Tibet.

Tibetan Ritual Dance

Click below for Sydney Festival of TIBET program.

Festival of TIBET 19th – 21st Feb 2010
Leichhardt Town Hall, Sydney
107 Norton St. Leichhardt NSW

please click the links to print your 2011 festival guides.

Schedule of the Festival Program

POSTER of the Festival

Post Card of the Festival

2010 Schedule

Date Morning Afternoon Evening Concerts
Wed 27 Jan
Camerata of St John's
Camerata of St John’s
Trikaya - ...in the between
Trikaya – …in the between
Festival Opening Ceremony with special live performances and a screening of Michael Buckley’s documentary film, Meltdown in Tibet6.30pm – 8.30pm
FREE
Thu 28 Jan Tibetan Painting Workshop with Karma(10:00 am – 11am)
$25 (Conc $15)

Mantra healing Workshop with Tenzin and the monks

(11:30 am to 12:30 pm)
FREE

Tibetan Ritual Dance workshop with the monks(1:30 pm to 2:30 pm)
FREE

Sand Mandala Workshop with the monks

(3:30 pm to 4:30 pm)
FREE

…in the between
Meditations and Illuminations on the ‘Tibetan Book of the Dead’
(7:30pm)
$30 (Conc $25)
Fri
29 Jan
Tibetan Painting Workshop with Karma(10:00 am – 11am)
$25 (Conc $15)

Healing Sounds Workshop

(11:30 am to 12:30 pm)
$25 (Conc $15)

Mantra Healing Workshop with Tenzin Choegyal and Tashi Lhunpo Monks(1:30 pm to 2:30 pm)
FREE

Tibetan Painting Workshop with Karma

(3:30 pm to 4:30 pm)
$25 (Conc $15)

Mystical Tibet Concert
Camarata of St John’s, Tashi Lhunpo Monks of TIBET and Tenzin Choegyal
(7:30pm)
$30 (Conc $25)
Sat 30 Jan Calming One’s Mind with Tashi Lhunpo Monks Meditation Workshop(10:00 am to 11:00 am)
FREE

“Why Tibet?” Grassroots Workshop with Dr Simon Bradshaw

(11.30am – 12.30pm)
FREE

Panel Discussion
Tibet Roof of the World – Cimate Change
(1:30 pm to 3:00 pm)
FREE

Public Talk:
By Kuzho Lama Tashi Tsering: “Compassionate Mind: Path to Happiness”

(3:30pm to 4:30 pm)
FREE

Healing Mantra Concert
Australian Voices, Tenzin Choegyal & Tashi Lhunpo Monks of TIBET
(7.30pm)
$30 (Conc $25)
Sun 31 Jan Calming One’s Mind with Tashi Lhunpo Monks Meditation Workshop(10:00 am to 11:00 am)
FREE

Sand Mandala Workshop

(11.30 am to 12:30 pm)
FREE

Tibetan Ritual Dance workshop with TL monks(1:30 pm to 2:30 pm)
FREE

Dissolution of sand Mandala with Kuzho Lama Tashi Tsering and Tashi Lhunpo monks

(3:30pm to 4:30 pm)
FREE

Free Tibet!

For tickets (including Festival package deals) and info Please call Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or visit www.brisbanepowerhouse.org or www.tenzinchoegyal.com

Proceeds to Tibetan Children’s Village in Dharamsala, India.

Proceeds to Tibetan Children's Village, Dharamsala“From the day we became refugees, our basic objective was to rise to the very place from where we have fallen down.” – H.H. the Dalai Lama

Proudly Supported by BRISBANE POWERHOUSE, AFX Digital, AUSTRALIA TIBET COUNCIL, Tibet Information Office (Canberra), Chenrezig Institute.

Why Tibet? – Grassroots Workshop

Ever wanted to take action for Tibet but don’t know where to start? Australia Tibet Council works alongside the local Tibetan community to promote the human rights and democratic freedoms of the Tibetan people and encourage a peaceful and lasting solution to the Tibetan situation. Whether you have one minute or one hour to spare a day, there are many simple but effective things you can do to help. This workshop will be an opportunity to meet others who care about Tibet and will introduce participants to some of the ways we can all help create a better future for the Tibetan people.

Why Tibet? – Grassroots Workshop

Calming One’s Mind Meditation

Join the monks from Tashi Lhunpo for a special meditation experience. Practicing meditation which calms the mind involves the elimination of inner and outer distractions and overcoming of afflictive emotions. In a state of calmness the mind is capable of achieving equanimity, peace and clarity and with practice the potential for these capacities is limitless. This session will offer a general understanding of effective meditation and methods to create a mind which is stable, calm and alertly clear.

Healing Sounds Workshop

Join Michael Askill and participate in a sound healing workshop using his extensive collection of Himalayan singing bowls and Chinese gongs. Michael has spent the past twenty–five years quietly but effectively carving a niche for himself as performer, composer, musical director and recording artist. In 2001 he was the Musical Director of a special concert for HH Dalai Lama held in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House.

Tibetan Ritual Dance Workshop

Cham or sacred dance is a feature of many Tibetan festivals. This ancient dance possesses many levels of meaning and is seen as a practice for purification and overcoming negative obstacles. It is said the great religious master Padmasambhava first performed the dance to purify the ground for the building of Samye monastery. Accompanied by monks using traditional Tibetan instruments, the Cham dancer performs solemn movements passed on in oral instruction from master to student.The dance is like a “meditation in action”. Each gesture has significance, creating a sacred space where the dancer concentrates on specific centers and chakras throughout the performance.

Tibetan Painting Workshop

Come spend time with master painter Karma Phuntsok and learn some simple techniques of Tibetan Painting. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The art of Karma Phuntsok is a unique and dynamic expression of contemporary Buddhist Art. The startling beauty and richness which graces his work is influenced by his diverse life experiences: from a childhood in Tibet under Chinese oppression to life as a refugee in India; his love life in the Australian Bush, and the veneration with which he holds His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Internationally acclaimed, Karma’s work is scattered throughout the world, in private collections and galleries, and in Australia at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Queensland Art Gallery.
Create your own Buddha with Karma’s assistance.
No experience required.   Simple, step by step process.
Leave with a finished Buddha, ready to hang on your wall.
Materials for Students:
Required:      A3 Stretched canvas  (16×20 inches)
Paint Brushes        (1, 2,3)
Pencil            (1 soft, 1 hard)
Drawing Paper    (A4 x 1)
Acrylic Paint        (red, blue, yellow, white, green, black, orange)

Optional:    Right triangles        (2 recommended)
T-square or Ruler
Compass
Tracing Paper (A4 x 1)

Mantra Healing Workshop

Mantras are energy-based sounds, which produce vibrations in the Universe. “Mantra” is derived from two Sanskrit words. Man for Mind and Tra for “to protect or to free from”. Saying any word produces an actual physical vibration. When we know what the effect of that vibration is, then the word may come to have meaning associated with the effect of saying that vibration or word.

Sand Mandala Workshop

Participants in these workshops learn about the meaning and history of the sand mandala. The Tashi Lhunpo Monks will share their knowledge of the traditional techniques using the small metal funnel known as the chak phur to create designs with coloured sand, allowing everyone to experience the beauty and challenges of the art form.