Melbourne Buddhist Centre in Tecoma
Today I went to the Rime Institute in Tecoma. It’s a marvelous house in suburbia transformed into a Buddhist centre practicing Tibetan Buddhism. If you’ve ever wanted to try out various forms of meditation or learn more about Buddhist spirituality of philosophy this is such a gentle, low key place with a lovely vibe.
Wondering how to stop thinking, doing, judging and learn how to be, or how to strengthen the ability to be to the point it doesn’t cause boredom, agitation or withdrawal symptoms from Facebook or Nintendo? Then I recommend this place.
It’s donation basis is highly affordable. You can attend sessions on an ad-hoc basis and see if its for you. The Buddhists at the centre are real people, earthy, warm, approachable with none of that floating on clouds false ‘new agey’ thing. Tibetan Buddhism is steeped in rich history thousands of years old. This is real, tangible spirituality at your own pace (note, I said spirituality, not religion) and, no, you don’t have to be a vegetarian nor religious to try it out. Even if you just go along for a new cultural experience, it’s a great atmosphere and as close as you’ll get to the feel of a Buddhist temple in the foothills of Dandenong Ranges (it’s also walking distance from Tecoma station if you want to leave the car at home).
I have a good friend that goes there on Saturday mornings. She finds it very calming and relaxing.
I once spent 3 days at a Buddhist retreat. I have Dissociative Identity Disorder, and prior to going on the retreat I had to be interviewed by one of the teachers. This particular teacher was also a psychologist. I disclosed my diagnosis, and he had some questions about it, but I was allowed to go on the retreat anyway. (Yay!) I asked him what he thought the difference was between a dissociative state and a state of deep meditation. He said he thought perhaps I’d be able to answer that. I have not yet been able to put my finger on the difference, though I have some ideas. What do you think the difference is?