Om Mani Padme Hung - Jewel in the Lotus
22nd - 23rd June 2023
"For as long as space endures, as long as living beings remain, until then, may I too remain and dispel the misery of the world." Shantideva
Tibetan paintings by Karma Phuntsok– The Festival will feature an exhibition of cutting edge contemporary Tibetan art by master painter Karma Phuntsok. Though formally trained, Karma applies a range of innovative techniques and materials in his work, creating unique and dynamic expressions of contemporary Buddhist Art. Karma’s art is featured in collections around the world including the Queensland Art Gallery and Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Turbine 9am to 5pm Every day FREE
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Weaving the World Together-During the Festival Tseten, a recent arrival from Tibet, demonstrates traditional techniques to create a beautiful carpet weaving. An exquisite collection of Tibetan carpets will be exhibited.
Having evolved in isolation, knotting methods used differ from all other traditions worldwide and once finished, most Tibetan rugs are ‘carved’ to outline elements of the design. Tibetan carpets are used for flooring, blankets, wall hangings, sleeping mats, chair covers and horse saddles and traditionally bear symbols to bestow prosperity, good luck, long life and protection.
Turbine 9am to 5pm Every day FREE
Sand Mandala The Tashi Lhunpo Monks of Tibet share traditional sand painting techniques and create a magnificent sand mandala over the five days of the Festival. The completed mandala will be dismantled and swept away in a final dissolution ceremony and the sand carried in ritual procession to the nearest moving water. There it will be symbolically scattered, thus dispersing the blessings and providing a powerful reminder of life’s impermanence. 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.
The Sand Mandala is built from coloured sand, ground from rock from the Himalayas, and then poured precisely onto the mandala design using a ‘chak-pu’, a cone-shaped, fine-tipped metal funnel. To adjust the sand once it is on the blueprint, a metal scraper called a ‘gyud-ti’ (tantric knife) is used.
The mandala is constructed from the center outwards. Once the mandala is completed, it is then dismantled, first by the removal of each of the deities represented in the mandala and then with a ‘dorje’, the head lama cuts through the main lines, thus cutting the energy of the mandala. The remaining sand is then swept up into the center of the mandala and placed in an urn.
In a ritual procession, the monks then carry the sand to the nearest moving water, where the sand is symbolically scattered to demonstrate life’s impermanence.
The mandala is, in essence, a visualization tool, a symbol of a perfect world in which we are all perfect beings practicing the pure loving kindness and compassion that is innate in all living beings. Visualizing oneself in the center of this perfect world of the mandala creates the conditions for us to behave towards others with kindness and compassion, which in turn, causes them to develop a similar outlook and leads to the creation of such a perfect world.
This tradition has been preserved over the past 2500 years in an unbroken transmission from master to disciple.
Turbine Time 9am to 5pm Every day Dissolution Ceremony Time 11am Sun 5 Feb FREE
Namka Workshop -This workshop presents the simple, symbolic mechanics of Namka or Sky Weaving. While not well known in the west, Namka is one of a number of practices which pre-date the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet, later becoming absorbed into Buddhist tradition. Namkha weaving consists of individual thread-crosses using two or more sticks and threads of coloured wool or silk. The colours of the namka are symbolic of the elements (blue, green, red, white, and yellow for space, air, fire, water, and earth respectively).
Turbine Every day All ages welcome. FREE
Tibetan Calligraphy-Learn the fundamentals of Tibetan calligraphy with artist Karma Phuntsok. Karma teaches the formation of Tibetan script which is commonly used to write mantras and prayers and traditionally practised as a daily meditation. Tibetan calligraphy can be appreciated purely for its aesthetic beauty and, at the same time, for the profundity of Tibetan philosophy expressed by simple strokes of a bamboo pen.Â
Graffiti Room Thurs 2nd Feb 3pm $25($20con)
Why Tibet? Grassroots Workshop-Ever wanted to take action for Tibet but don’t know where to start? Hosted by the Australia Tibet Council, this session addresses ways to promote human rights and democratic freedoms and encourage a peaceful and lasting solution to the Tibetan situation. Come along for an opportunity to meet others who care about Tibet and consider some of the ways we can all support the Tibetan community and help to create a better future.
Park Mezzanine Sat 4th Feb 3pm FREE
Hand Mudra – The Great Hand Gestures-Mudras are a non-verbal mode of communication and self-expression, consisting of hand gestures and finger postures. Mudras constitute a highly stylized form of body or hand language; an external expression of ‘inner resolve’, suggesting this form of communication is more powerful than the spoken word. Tashi Lhunpo monks will share their knowledge of Chagya with the participants.
Turbine Fri 3rd Feb 9.30am FREE
Tibetan Ritual Dance-The Tashi Lhunpo Monks of Tibet teach a simple Cham, or sacred dance, which is a feature of many Tibetan festivals. Accompanied by traditional Tibetan instruments, the Cham dancer performs solemn movements passed on in oral instruction from master to student. Described as “meditation in action†this ancient dance possesses many levels of meaning and is seen as a practice for purification and overcoming negative obstacles.
Turbine Thurs 2nd, Fri 3rd Feb 1:30pm FREE
Sound healing is a beautiful way to clear and balance energies within the body and is used as a support for other treatments in the healing process. Join Thinley as he demonstrates how the healing vibrations created by Tibetan singing bowls and Tibetan bells utilise soundwaves to clear, rebalance and ground energy bodies and channels of flow. This is one workshop guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and re-energised.
Graffiti Room Thurs 2nd Feb 11.30am  $25($20con) Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click
Chakra Healing Through Aromatherapy Workshop– We invite you to learn about the chakras and how, when used with aromatherapy, they become one of the most dynamic tools for personal and spiritual growth. Chakras represent the major energy centres of our bodies and are connected to our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Subtle aromatherapy draws on the energetic or vibrational qualities of the essential oils which can be used in restoring your harmonic resonance. We invite you to learn about the chakras and how, when used with aromatherapy, they become one of the most dynamic tools for personal and spiritual growth.
Learn from qualified aromatherapist, author of the Complete Guide to Aromatherapy and Perfect Potion founder and managing director Sal Battaglia at this educational workshop.
Park Mezzanine Fri 2nd Feb 11.30am only one session so don’t miss out. $25($20con)
Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click
The practice of drawing the Buddha is like a meditation, helping to purify negativities of body, speech and mind. Spend time with master painter Karma Phuntsok and explore your own creative skills while following a traditional grid to create an image of the historical Buddha. Karma expertly teaches the basic techniques and principles of Tibetan drawing and explains historical conventions for the creation of traditional images. Suitable for everyone, including beginners.
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(2recommended) ,T-square or Ruler Compass, Tracing Paper (A4 x 1)
Graffiti Room Thurs 2nd Feb 9:30 am, Fri 3rd Feb 3pm, Sat 4th Feb 9:30am. $25($20con)
Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click
Tibetan medicine uses observation, healing and correction of physical, mental and energetic imbalances to address the well-being of the individual. This ancient form of holistic health care arose out of early indigenous Tibetan society and draws upon the ancient healing traditions of China, Persia, India and Greece. This is your opportunity to experience traditional Tibetan diagnostic and healing techniques with a personal consultation with Dr. Tsering Thakchoe.
Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso is a traditional Tibetan doctor graduated from Tibetan Medical and Astrological College (Men-Tsee-Khang) Dharamsala, India. He has been editor of many noted Tibetan magazines for health and well-being. He has a deep understanding of modern and traditional medicines and travelled extensively around the globe for healing seminars. He was also awarded the status of Visiting Research Associate Scholar and member at the Darwin College, Cambridge, UK in 2005. Doctor Tsering is a compassionate traditional practitioner while keeping the values of changing modern world.
Park Mezzanine Special pre-bookings required only limited place. $50($45con) Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600
Start your day with a clear and alert mind as the Monks from Tashi Lhunpo offer a special meditation experience employing mantra recitation – energy-based sounds which produce vibrations within the universe. The word “mantra†is derived from two Sanskrit words – man meaning mind and tra meaning “to protect or to free fromâ€. By the end of the session you will have a general understanding of effective meditation techniques to help you face the world.
Turbine  Every morning 9am FREE
I am TIBET – In Conversation featuring Tenzin Tsundue, Tenpa Dugdak and Kyinzom Dhongdue in conversation titled I AM TIBET. Through personal accounts by Tibetans in exile, “I am TIBET” powerfully will highlight the beauty and tragedy of the Tibetan people – the frustrations of youth, the hopes and regrets of older generations, the struggle to survive and the fractured nature of displaced identities – with refreshing honesty and a generous amount of personal affection and humour. This session will be moderated by Mr David Lloyd.
Tenzin Tsundue is a poet, writer and Tibetan activist. He won the first-ever Outlook-Picador Award for Non-Fiction in 2001. He has published three books to date, translated into several languages. Tsundue’s writings have appeared in various publications around the world including the International PEN, Outlook, and The Times of India. In 2002 the Indian edition of the international fashion magazine Elle, named him among ‘India’s 50 most stylish people’.
Tenpa Dugdak was born in Tibet, grew up in India and is now living in Sydney. With his partner, Karen- he started ‘the Tibet effect’ movement-to document and further the positive impact of the Tibet movement on humanity on every level – He returned to his birthplace in Tibet for the first time in 2007 with his family, since he escaped as a baby on his Mother’s back. The return has been compiled into a book titled ‘ Our Tibet which was published in 2008.
Kyinzom Dhongdue is a campaigner with Australia Tibet Council, an organisation that campaign for the human rights and democratic freedoms of the Tibetan people. The daughter of a noted Tibetan activist, Kyinzom grew up in Dharamsala and was schooled in the Tibetan Children’s Village. After studying at Delhi University, Kyinzom worked a journalist for the Times of India and The Asian Age. She has lived in Australia since 2006 and was the official reporter for the Dalai Lama’s 2011 Australian visit.
David Lloyd ( MVA, BEd, DipT, AssocDipArt, CertPhot Deputy Director (Learning and Teaching), Senior Lecturer), specialises in social documentary photography and the analysis, explanation and interpretation of social order through the politics and aesthetics of this visual medium. David and Angela Blakely, were commissioned by History Section of the Australian Army to document Australian Medical Forces in Rwanda. Both were again commissioned by the World Health Organization (Euro Office) to document health care systems in the former USSR. Additionally, he has worked with aid agencies in Somalia and Bosnia.
In 2000 he published Passing Time a book on palliative care at a Hospice in Brisbane. Currently Lloyd and Blakely are completing a document on solvent abuse in a regional town in Northern Queensland.
Turbine Sat 4th Feb 11:30am FREE
Many of us hold back who we really are, whether to new people we meet or in existing relationships. In HAPPINESS By Expressing Your Real Self, Geshe Lobsang Jamyang discusses aligning our inner life with our outer expression as one of the true paths to happiness.
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.
Turbine Sat 4th Feb 1:30pm FREE