After quite a bit of work by the builders, our painting team, our moving team and by all the people who help clean up and tidy our new premises, we now have a shiny new Buddhist centre, and the response from people coming in has been extremely positive.

So we look forward to seeing you there! Keep an eye on this post - we’ll be adding some pictures soon.

With metta,
Vajrashura.

Just to show what the place is currently looking like, the picture above is of the main shrine room, just after it was plastered. The picture to the left is me meditating in what will be the second, smaller shrine-room.

This was from an evening when Jnanadhara and I went up there to check out what the place is like to meditate in during the evenings. The area is definitely that big more lively than Leeson Street, and there’s definitely more of a buzz in the place! After being up there I’m quite excited about what the new place will be like…

And here’s an earlier picture of the centre before the walls were completely up. This view is from the main door looking through what will be the changing area and kitchen into the main shrine room.

Finally, we have a date when the move is going to happen… We’ll be moving on Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March, so that we’re ready to kick-off in the new centre with a new round of courses on Monday 31st March. Let’s hope it all goes it all goes to plan!

With metta,
Vajrashura.

Janice Pierce - Week-long retreat in Taraloka.
Pavara - Week-long retreat in Padmaloka.
Anne McMahon - Week-long DBC Retreat.
Ruth Archbold - Weekend DBC Retreat.
Norah Archbold - Foundation Meditation Course and two Yoga Cards.
Lars Mainguist - €100 DBC Bookshop Voucher.
Sarah Tully - Irish Chamber Orchestra tickets (to see four shows this season - a pair of ticket for each show).

Congrats to all the winners and thanks to everyone who participated in the draw. In total, the draw raised €750, which will help us to renovate and decorate the new Liberty Corner Dublin Buddhist Centre. Thanks for all your help!

Vajrashura.

Paola Catizone has taught Yoga and movement for 25 years, developing a style informed by various somatic disciplines including Authentic Movement, Yoga, Dance and Focusing.

Her work builds on the ability to listen to the body and she uses movement as a healing, meditative practice. The focus is on fluidity and effortlessness.

During the day we will explore movement principles and work with Somatics, Feldenkrais and other embodiment practices. Participants of all ages and levels of fitness are welcome.

For more information on Paola, see her webpage.

At the Dublin Buddhist Centre.
Sunday 30 March 2008, 11am – 5pm. €60.
Booking essential on (01) 6615934.
Bring vegetarian lunch to share.

With thanks,
Prajnagita.

Joe Coveney is running a drawing day on Sunday 3 February 2008. The day is for anyone who has an interest in art, regardless of ability.

Over the course of the day he will introduce new drawing skills and techniques, and will use a range of interesting media to explore different aspects of drawing. Materials will be provided so just bring your enthusiasm.

Joe works as a full-time artist living in Dublin. He obtained a masters from the Winchester School of Art (UK) in 2006 and a BA from NCAD in 2001.

At the Dublin Buddhist Centre.
Sunday 3 February 2008, 11am – 4pm. €60.
Booking essential on (01) 6615934.
Bring vegetarian lunch to share.

With thanks,
Prajnagita.

Is your New Year’s Resolution to lose that comedic flab around your mid-section? Join us for a one-day workshop in Improvisational Comedy - Tone up your quick-thinking muscle, melt away your inhibitions, and feel the burn in your risk-taking skills! You’ll learn the basics of improvisation and you’ll also develop a number of practical skills you can apply in almost any real-life situation, including creative problem-solving, quick-thinking skills, spontaneity, non-verbal communication, and having fun with strangers. This workshop is led by Sandra Austin, and is open to everyone, and there’s no prerequisite except a willingness for silliness. Laughter and positive vibes guaranteed.

Sandra Austin performed with ComedySportz Philadelphia for many years prior to returning to Dublin and founding her own improvised theatre company in 2001. She holds regular courses for theatre professionals and the general public, teaching basic to advanced communication skills through the art of improvisation.

At the Dublin Buddhist Centre.
Sunday 27 January 2008, 11am – 5pm. €60.
Booking essential on (01) 6615934.
Bring vegetarian lunch to share.

With thanks,
Prajnagita.

Spend a day chilling out in awareness with gentle yoga stretches to eliminate toxins and bring more energy into the body, correct breathing habits through the three phase breath, deep relaxation and inner awareness through Yoga Nidra (a state of conscious deep sleep). Also healthy eating tips, head neck and shoulder massage routine, and life coaching through identifying your strengths, weaknesses, ambitions and needs.

Led by Mairead Keane, Reiki Master and stress-management consultant.

At the Dublin Buddhist Centre.
Sunday 13 January 2008, 10am – 5pm. €60.
Booking essential on (01) 6615934.
Bring vegetarian lunch to share.

With thanks,
Prajnagita.

Now we are asking those of you who have not yet made a donation to do so. We still need to raise €23,878 to help us put down a floor, put in partition walls, fit the space with toilets and a kitchen area. We really need your help to reach our target as soon as possible. The sooner you give (i.e. today!) the quicker we can start the building work, move out of our current location and not waste precious finances on paying rent as well as our mortgage.

Your gift now will also mean that over the next ten years we don’t have to sink what little annual profit we make into building work. It means we will be able to put on more classes and events, reach out to more and more people and help them benefit in the same way as you have benefited by coming to the centre.

If you value what we do, please help us to share it with others.

Warm regards,

Prajnagita

P.S As long as you are PAYE registered, any donation you give us that is over €250 means that the government will supplement what you already have given by an amount that depends on what rate of tax you pay. For example, on a donation of €250, at the 20% rate, we can claim a further €62.50 or at the 41% rate a further €174! If you are not PAYE registered, you may be eligible to claim the tax back for your own benefit. Please do consider this when thinking about what to donate.

We’ll launch the week at the Dublin Buddhist Centre at 6pm on Friday 30th November. Attending this isn’t necessary to participate but we’d be keen for as many people as possible to come along. (If you can’t make it then please contact either Jyotika on 087 236 6719 or Tony on 087 640 2441, and we’ll fill you in on the details).

So as Christmas hurtles towards us, indulge yourself in simplicity and purity (for a week, anyway); and you’ll be making money for a good cause to boot!

Jyotika & Tony Keogh.

It works by applying special pressure techniques to the feet or hands to bring a response in the corresponding area of the body.

Treatments may benefit many common ailments such as Migraine, Insomnia, Sinus problems, Hormonal imbalances, Infertility, Digestive disorders, Stress related conditions etc.

This gentle healing art dates back to ancient Egypt and China and aims to induce a deep state of relaxation, enhance vitality & general sense of well-being.

Janice Pierce has very kindly offered to give up to ten reflexology sessions to help raise funds for the new Dublin Buddhist Centre. Janice holds a diploma in Classical Reflexology from the Beaumont Institute and is a member of the National Register of Reflexologists Ireland (NRRI).

Treatments last one hour and will be given on a donation basis (suggested donation: €40).

For enquiries, call or text Janice 087 760 4943.

Prajnagita.