About Event:

Are you drawn to the Buddhist teachings and meditations but don’t really know how to approach them or where to begin? Are you overwhelmed by the vast range of teachings and practices? How do you know if you are on the right track and do you need some framework with which to locate your practice?

Approaching Mind and Meditation is a foundational course led by River (Peter Shepherd) involving inspiring and transformative elements of the ongoing FPMT programs offered at Chenrezig Institute.

In this series of 8 main topics, taught over 16 weeks, Approaching Mind and Meditation will explore how to make the most out of your efforts to understand and practice Buddhism and meditation.

We gather in person three out of every four Friday evenings from 5:45pm-7:00pm at Village Yoga Coolum. Please refer to the Class Schedule and book here.

Drop in any time without the need to commit to every week, as we will continually summarise what we have looked at in previous weeks. You're encouraged to attend what you can, knowing that any missed content can be accessed at a later time, including PDF handouts.

Entry by donation if you choose to and please arrive at least five minutes early.

All are welcome — whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice.

Course details:

Each gathering typically includes intention setting and guided meditation on a chair or cushion (provided). Meditation periods are interspersed with opportunity for light movement and a 25 minute talk about the course, with sitting lasting no more than 25 minutes at a time. The emphasis is on meeting experience as it is, without pressure or expectation, allowing insight and calm to emerge naturally.

The topics covered trace a line from understanding mind to perfect human rebirth to the qualities of a student then through study, meditation, and contemplation to understanding the role of doubt and correct reasons in our contemplation. Then we see how doubt fits in the progression of the seven types of awareness and how that progression leads to valid awareness.

We look at wisdom, the essence of all of the Buddha’s teachings and how to develop it. We look at some of the obstacles to cultivating wisdom and then the role of rejoicing as we end with a liberated mind, our potential fulfilled. It's quite a ride!

As Buddhism continues its cultural transition from traditional Buddhist countries, there are many conversations about what has worked well in that transition and what we can do differently to improve our experience as students and to continue the amazing work that has been done to introduce Buddhism to us. Out of those conversations between students and the program office this course, Approaching Mind and Meditation, has emerged.

It is a course written and presented by Chenrezig Institute students, for anyone interested in understanding their minds, how to move away from suffering and experience greater freedom. It is a course that builds upon and adds something to the existing FPMT programs offered by Chenrezig Institute.

The material presented will draw from the whole range of FPMT courses presented here at Chenrezig Institute and is intended to act as an introduction to those programs, a primer for Buddhist mind training techniques in general, and a framework for those who wish to continue to study and meditate here and elsewhere, in any spiritual tradition.

About our Meditation Leader:

River (Peter Shepherd) has been studying and practicing meditation practices since 2009, primarily within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His approach is grounded in a deep respect for these time-honoured teachings, while making them accessible and relevant to modern life.

Alongside meditation, River has a strong interest in bodywork, yoga, and the Chinese five elements, bringing a holistic understanding of mind and body into his sessions.

Known for his calm and steady presence, River creates a space where people can settle, reconnect, and explore their inner experience with ease.

He is particularly interested in helping others understand the nature and potential of the mind and how to work with it skilfully for greater clarity, balance and genuine wellbeing.

His primary teachers include the Dalai Lama, Alan Wallace and Dzongsar Kyentse Rinpoche.

Location and Time

Village Yoga and Pilates
21 Sth Coolum Rd, Coolum Park Shopping Centre

Sessions are held on Friday from 5:45pm to 7:00pm, three out of every four weeks.

Registration and Donations

Classes are by donation as we don’t want money to keep you from being able to attend this valuable, relevant and insightful course. Please register ahead of class via the button below.

All ages and levels of experience welcome. Chairs and some cushions provided and you’re welcome to bring your own.

If you wish, you can make a donation directly at the mediation session. It helps support the weekly continuation.