Australian Phowa (Conscious Dying) Course 2012
| Location: | Lutanda, 3 Eltham Park Avenue, Mount Victoria, Blue Mountains |
| Date: | Friday March 9 – Tuesday March 13 |
| Price: | Registration for Phowa is now closed |
The practice of Conscious Dying, or ‘Phowa’, is one of the most profound teachings of Diamond Way Buddhism. During this practice, one learns to transfer the consciousness at the moment of death into the state of highest bliss (Dewachen). The course also enables you to help others at the time of their death.
Traditionally, the Phowa was given only after lengthy preparation and extensive meditation practice.
You now have the extraordinary opportunity to complete this powerful practice in a five-day residential retreat with Lama Ole Nydahl, a great Phowa master who has given this teaching to more than 70,000 people around the world.
Whilst this is an advanced practice, it is appropriate for those new to Buddhism as Lama Ole gives specific instruction at the start of the course.
More information on the Phowa practice
Phowa Preparation
“The practice of the Phowa brings about physical and mental changes. It opens the central energy channel in our bodies and enables us to go to the Pure Land of ‘The Buddha of Limitless Light’ at the moment of death.” – Lama Ole Nydahl
In order to get the most from the practice you need some preparation: Please do the meditation on Amitaba and repeat the mantra OM AMI DEWA HRI as many times as you can. In order to do the Phowa you will also need Buddhist Refuge. Lama Ole will give that at the beginning of the course.
Buddha of Limitless Light Meditation
Course Information
The course starts 8pm on Friday 9th March and finishes at 6pm on Tuesday 13th March. Please be at the venue before 6pm for registration.
You are welcome to arrive at any time on Friday, prior to 6pm, and there will be an optional programme to participate in during the day. Details will be provided closer to the event.
Dinner will be provided at 6.30pm on Friday night and all meals will be provided up to and including Tuesday lunchtime.
The Venue
Lutanda, Mt Victoria is located at the top of the beautiful Blue Mountains, approximately 130 km (2 hours) west of Sydney.
Transport / Directions
Car: access is via the M4 and the Great Western Highway. Toward the end of Mt Victoria township (heading west) turn right on to Mount York Road, then take the first left onto Matlock street, then right on to Eltham Park Road. Allow at least 3 hours to drive on Friday afternoon, as traffic will be very heavy from 4 - 7pm. We suggest you come earlier in the day if you are able.
Train: Blue Mountains trains depart from Sydney’s Central Station country platforms. A shuttle will meet the trains that arrive at Mt Victoria Station at 2.30, 4.50, 5.50, 6.16, 6.41 and 7.30pm on Friday 9th March. There will also be a shuttle at the end of the course. Please indicate your time of arrival if taking the train on your registration form.
After The Course
Accommodation will be available at Lutanda on Tuesday night for $40 (including breakfast) for those who wish to stay an extra night or who will depart with the travel group to Canberra on Wednesday 14th. Please indicate on the registration form if you wish to stay on Tuesday night.
A dinner is planned for Tuesday at a restaurant in a nearby town, and will cost extra. Note: dinner will not be provided at Lutanda on Tuesday night.
Also please indicate if you wish to take the chartered bus to Canberra on the registration form. You will not be able to take the bus if you have not pre-registered and paid.
Before The Course - Optional 2-Day Programme
An option, available to Diamond Way Buddhist members of Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Japan, as well as the official Lama Ole travelling group, is to arrive in Lutanda on Wednesday night or Thursday to participate in an informal programme to coincide with Lama Ole’s project day on Thursday 8th March. This will include meditation sessions and explanations by Diamond Way travel teachers.
If eligible to attend, you must register for these two days. See the registration form for details.
Please note that the cost is the same whether you decide to arrive on Wednesday or Thursday for the pre-course programme. Meals are included from Thursday breakfast to Friday Lunch. Friday dinner is included as part of the Phowa course.
Transport options and costs for those who will arrive before the Phowa course and requiring transport will be made available when numbers attending these days are finalised. Please indicate your arrival date and time on the registration form to help with planning and shuttle timetables.
If you have any questions about the Australian Phowa 2012 please call:
Phil on +61 (0)2 9699 1555 or email: phil@threebearsmedia.com.au or
Bonnie on + 61 (0)437 137 026 or email: bon4life@gmail.com
