Dharma
What does dharma mean?
Dharma is a Sanskrit word that refers to guidelines for acting with integrity, compassion and living in harmony with natural laws, and is a foundation concept in many eastern philosophical traditions.
The teachings of the Buddha are also called Dharma. The Buddha was a person, not a god, who lived around 2.5 thousand years ago in what is now India and Nepal. After spending many years seeking the secret to achieving true and lasting happiness, he found the answers through directly perceiving the ultimate nature of reality.
He went on to teach others how they too can find lasting freedom from suffering through wisdom, compassion and mindfulness. These teachings are made available to us through a direct lineage of transmission from teacher to student.
Buddhist practice combines science, spirituality, philosophy, meditation and yoga, with knowledge and techniques that can help you manage stress, have better relationships, feel happier and develop peace of mind.
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism teaches the Mahayana Path, which means great or large vehicle.
Mahayana Buddhists seek true and lasting happiness not just for themselves but recognise that because we live in a community and are interconnected, it is only possible to have true lasting happiness if those around us are also free from suffering.
Upcoming Classes
Buddhism: ancient wisdom for a modern life
Jami Bladel will be teaching weekly classes on Wednesdays through August and September.
The sessions will combine introductory teachings on Buddhism and instruction on mindfulness as well as analytical forms of meditation.
Classes will be suitable for people of all levels of experience, beginners are very welcome and discussion and questions will be encouraged!
Students will gain insight into what Buddhism is and how to begin to practice and apply the ancient wisdom to your modern life.
About the teacher
Jami Bladel
Jami Bladel has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism since she was 10 years old – 50 years ago!
Jami has received teachings from masters of the Gelug, Kagyu and Nyingma schools of Tibetan Buddhism including:
HH Dalai Lama, Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Loden, Geshe Doga, Sogyal Rinpoche, Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche, Robert Thurman, Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Geshe Thekchok (Thosamling), Geshe Dorje Damdul (Nalanda University course) Geshe Ben Christian and Jetsunma Candace Cole.
For the past 4 years, Jami has been travelling back and forth to Canada to study under her root guru Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche. Born in Tibet in 1948 Rinpoche is the 13th incarnation of Lama Konchog Tenzin of Zuru Monastery and is a highly realised and internationally respected teacher of Gelugpa Buddhism.
Jami is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education, and has been teaching in community settings since she was 21.
Between 2006 and 2021 Jami was CEO and Artistic Director of Kickstart Arts and currently she is the Artistic Director of New Story Company, a small Tasmanian arts organisation making socially engaged art for change.