Big Love Festival

Geshe Tsultrim is the resident head Teacher at Chenrezig Institute and is immensely popular for the warm and approachable way in which he presents the Dharma. He will be offering various talks each day during the Big Love Festival, together with a translator. Born in Tibet in 1969, he became a monk aged 14 and was admitted to Sera Je monastery, where 22 years later he was awarded his Geshe degree (the equivalent of a doctorate in Buddhist studies).

Geshe Tenzin Zopa was born in the remote Himalayan region of Tsum valley in Nepal and was ordained at the age of 9 in Kopan Monastery by the late Great Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog. Geshela is the principal and focal point of the award-winning documentary film titled ''Unmistaken Child" which chronicles the search for the reincarnation of his master Geshe Lama Konchog. He has taught at Oxford University (UK) under "Visitorship for Traditional Scholars" in the Tibetan and Himalayan Studies program. He is also a prolific writer and has written numerous in-depth books. Currently, he is serving as a touring teacher for the FPMT centres. Geshe Tenzin Zopa will be leading the Lama Tsongkhapa Bumtsok (100,000 offerings) in the gompa daily.

Tenzin Hita Torres is the recognised incarnation of FPMT’s founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe. He is a 21st-century radical freethinker, humanitarian, documentary filmmaker, musician, father, friend, life-long student, and former Buddhist monk. Early in his life he was known as “Lama Ösel Rinpoche”, today he prefers to be called simply “Ösel.”
There are many humanitarian and educational visions close to Ösel’s heart, including his One World Orphanages Project and Global Tree Initiative. He will be attending the full festival and giving a talk during the Saturday evening celebrations in the Garden of Enlightenment.

A group of monks are travelling to the Big Love Festival all the way from Sera Je Monastery, India, to assist with preparations and also to share their chanting of mantras/prayers for all sentient beings on dusk in the Garden of Enlightenment. every day of the festival. They will also be creating sand mandalas in the Wellbeing Centre to meditate on, invoke and make offerings to spread blessings. The Sera Je monastery’s unique tradition and its philosophical teaching curriculum attracts hundreds of students each year, and is recognised as one of the largest Buddhist monastic Institutes in the world.

Chenrezig Nuns’ Community (CNC) was established in 1987 under the advice and guidance of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, by Ven Tsapel, Yeshe Khadro, Ani Marg (Margaret McAndrew) and Ven Hilary Clarke. Venerable Ailsa came soon after and has been a big part of the growing community. The essence of being a Chenrezig nun is abiding within the Dharma teachings by listening, contemplating and meditating, and then putting this into practice in our everyday lives with those individuals around us. The CNC’s intention is to serve this Dharma Centre, to bring happiness to the minds of those who visit our centre, to work in harmony with all those we come into contact with, each other the volunteers and visitors. During the Big Love Festival, representatives of the Chenrezig Nuns Community will be in the Garden of Enlightenment to guide some very special practices (day TBC).

Internationally renowned Mantra Artists Sacred Earth (Penny and Jethro) bring a moving, peaceful concert to the opening evening of the Big Love Festival in the Garden of Enlightenment on Thursday 27th September. Having sold more than a quarter of a million albums, they’re Australia’s top-selling artists in the ambient music genre.

”When we gather together under the banner of peace and share our hearts through the vehicle of sacred music all concepts fall away, all that is left in that space is silence. It is in this silence that we can truly hear the song of our own heart singing in unison with all of creation.”

Tenzin Choegyal is one of the world’s finest musicians in the Tibetan tradition. As a son of Tibetan nomads, he feels a particular connection to the music of the high Himalayan plateau. In a career spanning 20+ years Tenzin has performed at festivals across Australia and curated numerous events and concerts. An outstanding composer/ performer with a great depth of musical knowledge, intuition and inventiveness, Tenzin continues to bring new sounds of Tibet while strongly holding the essence of ancient Tibetan wisdom. He attributes his art form to the early karmic imprints of hearing his mother and father as a toddler. Tenzin Choegyal performs an evening concert in the Garden of Enlightenment on Friday 27th September.

Jandamarra is a Sunshine Coast Indigenous Artist and Art Teacher with his origins being the Yorta Yorta People in Victoria. With an art career spanning 25 years, he began visually documenting stories from his tribal area and over time has evolved to become primarily a portrait artist. He uses a variety of styles and mediums, favouring oil on canvas, and uses his art to express messages of unity and unconditional love. Jandamarra’s focus is to use portraiture in a way to allow the viewer a glimpse into the depths of humanity and the expansive expression of the individual soul. You’ll find Jandamarra in the Nalanda Masters Garden as part of a fascinating conversation with some Geshe’s, and more TBA soon.

In the modern popularisation of mindfulness and meditation, much of the ancient wisdom and contemplative understanding has been largely ignored. During Corey Jackson’s insightful presentation in the Garden of Enlightenment on Saturday 28th September, you’ll discover what we can learn if we incorporate the theories and discoveries of ancient contemplatives in modern scientific research. Learn how ancient Buddhist wisdom can be at the cutting-edge of twenty-first century research. Corey is one of Australia’s lead trainers in Cultivating Emotional Balance and is currently progressing his PHD research into the relationship between emotions and meditation.

Law Lore Woman of the Mooloolah Kabi Kabi and Founder and CEO of the Mooloolah Kabi Kabi Lands Council, Aunty Bridgette Chilly Davis has been part of Chenrezig Institute events for many years now, including the Saltwater Cultural Tour and the creation and unveiling of an Acknowledgement of Country artwork piece now placed at the lower end of the hill stairs at our Centre. Aunty Bridgette joins us on the opening day of the festival, Thursday 26th September, to lead a Welcome to Country ceremony in the Garden of Enlightenment.

Born in Israel in 1971, Ven. Kartsön started his Buddhist path at the age of 26. He left his job as a software engineer at the age of 30 and settled in India for a few years, studying Buddhism, Tibetan language and the skill of translating Buddhism from Tibetan to English.
He joined Chenrezig Institute in 2005, as one of the translators for the spiritual programme and has been the main interpreter at the centre till 2023. He has been translating in Australia and overseas for a variety of lamas and has been teaching Buddhism at different levels – from beginner’s level to the advanced level both in Australia and internationally. You can catch Venerable Kartson guiding a meditation in the Wellbeing Centre at 10:30am on Thursday 26th September and hear him talk as part of a panel discussion about Living in Alignment with Ancient Wisdom in the Garden of Enlightenment on Saturday 28th September.

Peter Shepherd was introduced to Buddhism in 2009 when his friend lent him a copy of ‘What Makes You Not a Buddhist’, by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. He has a very keen interest in how Dharma is relevant to us each day and how it can be applied in every moment. He’s passionate about how this ancient wisdom tradition can be applied to us living in a different part of the world in a very different culture. During the Big Love Festival, Peter Shepherd guides meditations in the Wellbeing Centre on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September. Peter also manages the Zen Thai Shiatsu massage tent throughout the festival, be quick to secure a booking once you arrive onsite!

Chris Lane with his captivating melody on slide guitar, harmonica & woodwinds is known for his amazing melodies with artists such as Oka, Xavier Rudd & Kevin James. His flute sings the sublime melody of connection and solace. Recently Chris has branched out into his solo project performing his own original music and backing some amazing yoga collaborations. Chris Lane teams up with Erin Lee for a yoga-live music Yoga for Loving-Kindness session on Friday 27th September in the Garden of Enlightenment and also offers his peaceful and harmonious music during the closing celebrations on Saturday 28th September. Listen to Chris Lane’s music now >

Nicki teaches yoga every Friday from the Wellbeing Centre at Chenrezig Institute, and during the Big Love Festival she’ll be guiding a Yoga for Interconnectedness session in teh Garden of Enlightenment on Thursday 26th September at 10am featuring live music by Henrdque. Nicki studied yoga with the Institute of Teaching and Research in Yoga in São Paulo, Brazil and is also certified by the Kaivalyadhama Institute (Lonavla, India). Nicki’s wish in offerrng yoga is the arising of the realisation of our true presence and interconnectedness with all beings.

Uplifting, soulful and euphoric, Dubarray combine a fresh fusion of boundary bending world music grooves layered on a bed electronic ambience and organic undertones. With four albums and numerous award nominations Brett & Kate Gadenne combine to offer a multi-instrumental and experience in the Garden of Enlightenment during the pinnacle of the festival celebrations on Saturday 28th September. Dubarray have held many live music events on the grounds of Chenrezig Institute over the years, and we are so grateful to have them join us again to celebrate the 50-year anniversary. Listen to Dubarray’s music here >

Erin Lee is the Founder of The Mindful Yoga School - a Sunshine Coast-based yoga, mindfulness and meditation training organisation, mostly run from the Wellbeing Centre at Chenrezig Institute. Erin is also the author of The Little Book of Big Intentions, and regularly facilitates yoga-live music experiences. Erin is also Project Manage for the Big Love Festival, and takes an hour off as she teams up with with musician Chris Lane at 10am on Friday 27th September in the Garden of Enlightenment for a Yoga for Loving-Kindness session.

Gwyn Williams is the co-founder (together with his wife Gaia) of healing centres on the Sunshine Coast and Bali, Indonesia offering yoga, bodywork and mindfulness based on Thich Nhat Hahn's 'when you touch something with awareness, you touch everything' philosophy and approach.
During the Big Love Festival, Gywn offers a fascinating talk-workshop in the Garden of Enlightenment on Friday 27th September (afternoon), exploring the world of relationship. Gwyn and Gaia were married onsite at Chenrezig Institute by Venerable Pende Hawter , where they declared they would stay together whilst it “ benefited them both “ (it still is benefiting them both).

Vanessa is the lead trainer at Being Yoga, with 25 plus years of teaching experience who offers both lightness and depth during her offerings. Join Vanessa in the Garden of Enlightenment at 10am on Saturday 28th September as she offers a Pathway to Peace session. With a love of asana and a new found joy in practicing yoga as a moving meditation and a living prayer, you’re in for a treat. Throughout the year, you can also find Vanessa offering various yoga programs in the Wellbeing Centre at Chenrezig Institute.

Within the miniatures of the universe that are music, Peter Hunt takes listeners on journeys through worlds of song formed from an affinity with African music, Jazz and folk music from various parts of the world. Feelings of seeking and finding belonging are woven through the fabric of the sound and his lyrics along with a sense of a guiding relationship that he has with nature and the land.
Having released several albums with the group Kooii, he released an album of songs under his name entitled Vessel in 2020, which features his voice and lyricism held in distinct, colourful and hypnotic guitar compositions and has since then released several other singles under his name. His offering for the Big Love Festival on Thursday 26th September in the Garden of Enlightenment will be along these musical lines, and shall thread the voice of his trumpet along the way.

An A Capella performance choir, New World Rhythm explore songs as a vital source of connection; songs of reckoning, renewal, reciprocity and resonance. The arrangements often incorporate instrumentations that support the rich harmonies and evocative soundscapes. The collection of songs New World Rhythm sing seek to draw participants and audience into a place of deep listening. Experience this incredible group performing in the Garden of Enlightenment on Friday 27th September.

Jhampa (Karl William Gratton) was a monk at Chenrezig Institute for many years studying philosophy, engaging in practice and is well known within the Chenrezig community and then lived in India and Sri Lanka for some years learning Tibetan language and continuing Buddhist studies and practicing. He is now a qualified Psychotherapist and Counsellor working in a leading mental health and addiction recovery retreat on the Sunshine coast. His meditation days and retreats at Chenrezig Institute include creative and integrative presentations and perspectives on meditation, mind and being human, as well as guidance in practice. Jhampa leads a talk and meditation in the Garden of Enlightenment on Thursday 26th and a guided meditation in the Wellbeing Centre on Friday 27th September.

For many years Topgyal and Tsering traveled internationally teaching and performing traditional Tibetan songs and dances as well as contemporary Khaita, showcasing public presentations of a living Tibetan culture until they arrived in Australia. Under the direction of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, they have been appointed the main Khaita teachers for the Oceania region, and as such they are joint heads of the Shang Shung Institute Australia department for Tibetan Performing Arts. You will find Topgyal and Tsering performing in the Garden of Enlightenment on Thursday 26th September and hosting a Tibetan Khaita Joyful Dance Workshop on Saturday 28th September.

Shinobi Mc and Deejay Steeko have been part of the local hip hop scene in Brisbane since the early 90's. Shinobi lived in Eudlo for 5 years and frequented Chenrezig Insitute, finding a peaceful place to learn and grow through Buddhism. In 2021 Shinobi created an album ‘Verses from the Void’ coming off the back of the COVID pandemic. A lot of his lyrics were directly influenced by what he learnt at Chenrezig Institute. The video "Nature of the Mind" was filmed on the grounds. Deejay Steeko is the wizard behind the turntables and together the boys’ message is to uplift, express and build positive vibes, angling lessons of the Dharma from a whole new perspective. Catch Shinobi MC & Deejay Steeko on the main stage in the Garden of Enlightenment on Saturday 28th September.

Kathy Vichta met Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 1973, travelling with her husband Tom Vichta, and their 1 year old daughter, to Kopan Monastery in Nepal, having been urged to come by Nick Ribush. After a second course there (at the end of 1973) Tom invited the Lamas to come to Australia, starting the process that brought Chenrezig Institute into existence after the 1974 ‘Diamond Valley Meditation Course’ in nearby Mooloolah. Kathy, one of the donors of the land for the centre, has worked in various roles there ever since, most significantly as the Centre Director for 10 years and as coordinator of the In Depth Study Program for 25 years. Listen to Kathy’s story of how the centre was born and developed during her Bringing the Dharma to the West talk in the Garden of Enlightenment on Thursday 26th September at 11am.

Rob will be offering a very special talk and guided workshop from the main stage in the Garden of Enlightenment on Thursday 26th September to promote peace and unity in our worldwide commUNITY. Experience a ritual to transform and release challenges and struggles in relationships, including ancestral, cultural and individual trauma. Rob often holds workshops for the broader community, at Chenrezig Institute’s Wellbeing Centre.
He is a Husband, Father, friend to many, and works as a Therapist, Teacher and Business Leader. Rob understands that we are all most happy, peaceful and fulfilled when our essential purpose includes benefiting others.

Hailed by the Sydney Morning Herald as “Groundbreaking roots musician" and “Triumph of multiculturalism”, German born Yeshe is a true global musical gipsy, heavily inspired by his many years spent in Africa, with uplifting mesmerising songs incorporating traditional African instruments. With several award winning albums and collaborations with the likes of Canadian Blues legend Harry Manx and Australian Roots icon Xavier Rudd, Yeshe’s current music entered a new phase as his spiritual and musical paths takes inspiration from a recent healing crisi and a return to Buddhist studies and practices. For the Big Love Festival he will be accompanied by long time collaborator Peter Hunt on guitar, trumpet and vocals. Their performance on Friday 27th September in the Garden of Enlightenment will incorporate mantras with a distinct African influenced rhythm and tonality. Catch Yeshe & Peter Hunts session in the Garden of Enlightenment on Friday 27th September. Expect a kirtan like approach with listeners being encouraged to join in chanting the mantras.

If you've ever picked up a book about Buddhism, Nick Ribush has had an impact on your life.
Dr. Nicholas Ribush, MB, BS, first encountered Buddhism at Kopan Monastery, Nepal, in 1972. Since then he has been a student of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche and a full time worker for their international organisation, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Chenrezig Institute was the first FPMT Centre established in Australia, and Nick played a key role in enabling it all to happen. Listen to Nick's fascinating talk, Bringing Dharma to the West, in the Garden of Enlightenment on Friday 27th September at 11am.

Lee brings his uplifting and heartfelt music to the Big Love Festival, featuring on the main stage in the Garden of Enlightenment on Friday 27th September.
He plays a variety of instruments including sax, guitar, keys, banjo and his new favorite: the recorder.
Lee first came to Chenrezig Institute via a creek, climbing down the hill from the Maleny Mapleton Road. He is also a yoga teacher, gardener, music therapist, ZenThai therapist, and an all round incredibly beautiful person. You'll love Lee's session!

Venerable Tony first made contact with the Buddha-dharma in Nepal and India in 1976. Following this, he trained and worked for four years as a psychiatric nurse, and then in the 1980s was based at Chenrezig Institute during which time he served at different times as the cook, office worker, and gardener. Following ordination as a monk in 1991, he lived for seventeen years at two different FPMT monasteries, at Nalanda Monastery in France and at Thubten Shedrup Ling monastery in Bendigo, where he served as director. He has led retreats and courses at various FPMT centres throughout the world, as well as teaching in prisons and schools. Join Venerable Tony for a guided meditation in the Wellbeing Centre on Thursday 26th September 2pm-230pm.

Originating from Brazil and now residing on the Sunshine Coast, Henrique is a multi-instrumentalist who creates incredibly soulful soundscapes. His music will be the perfect compliment to the Thursday 26th September 10am Yoga for Interconnectedness class on offer in the Garden of Enlightenment, facilitated by Nicoli Eiras. Combining acoustic guitar and flute, Henrique's harmonious sounds will support you to find deeper relaxation and focus during this beautiful offering.

Jono Bateman is a voice for the natural world. He's a passionate bush regenerator and environmental artist, and has been an important part of nurturing the ecology on the land upon which Chenrezig Institute sits. Listen to Jono's stories from the natural world, and learn how they also relate to our own inner world, on Thursday 26th Septemeber, 1pm in the Garden of Enlightenment. This facilitated conversation Nature: As Within So Without, also features Phil Jobson who has played an instrumental role in planting out so much of the land over the years.

There are so many cultures that make up the Chenrezig Institute community. Yan Zhang will be performing an Indian Classical Odissi Dance (Manikya Veena) on the main stage in the Garden of Enlightenment on Saturday 28th September.
Her dance is based on the Odissi dance form. Yan says that temples have been the center for the arts - a part of worship in Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu shrines, with walls adorned with sculptures in dance poses. Yan's Odissi dance poses, postures and hand gestures are inspired by the temple sculptures, and this performance in particular is for worship for the mother Goddess, Matangi - the goddess of music and learning who governs speech, music, knowledge and the arts.