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Lismore: Monks enlighten cow country

From Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia
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If you drove down the main street of any rural Aussie town about 20 years ago and had to stop to let a group of bald Asian guys wearing bright orange robes cross the road, you wouldn’t be forgiven for wondering what on Earth they're doing here.

Those were the days when a local could spot (or even smell) a non-local a mile away.

"Oh, God no," says 45-year-old Lismore resident Marianne Wade, who spent her childhood growing up in a nearby town in rural New South Wales. "The majority of people back then wouldn't have even heard the word 'Monk' used in a sentence, let alone seen one!"

Of course these days, country people are much more welcoming of non-locals - especially those who dress differently or have different cultural beliefs. We do more than just look them up and down and give them a tip of the old hat - we also invite them into our communities for a cup of tea and a yarn.

Just last weekend, joining the thousands of farmers, graziers, ute-lovers and kids who converged on the showgrounds in Lismore for the annual North Coast National Show, the Gyuto Monks of Tibet were there, sharing their culture with showgoers.

These guys are just one group of hundreds of Indian/Asian Monks residing in the Aussie bush and connecting with local people - they've been staying at a Meditation Retreat called Gyuto House, nestled in the rolling hills of Rosebank on Lismore's outskirts.

According to the Monk with the strongest English-speaking skills, Passang Gyamtso, the Monks Love living in the region, where they spend their days harmonically Chanting, meditating and building sculptures from natural sources. "It’s paradise... very beautiful!" he says.

As far as country shows go, there’s nothing like the classic 120-odd year-old North Coast National to set local people abuzz, but WOW! has it changed over the years. Long-time favourites like sheep shearing & milking demonstrations, pony riding and dodgem cars remain popular, but in 2009, the Monk’s tent was unequivocally one of the highlights. Visiting city slickers joined curious bushies in their hundreds, looking on with fascination as the Monks shared their rituals with locals, including the construction of a beautiful Sand Mandala (below).

"Isn't that just amazing," showgoer Marianne said. "I've heard bits and pieces About Buddhism but it's really nice to see and have the opportunity to hear from real Life Monks what it's all about," she said.

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Built by hand from coloured sand ground from rock which they bring to Australia from the Himalayas, the Monks take the creation of this artwork very seriously. "It takes many days. We crush the rock ourselves, it is very hard work," Mr Gyamtso said. "After it’s finished, we take the sand and return it to the Earth – we put it in the river, and give some leftover sand to local people as a memento," he says.

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"What else do you guys get up to here in Lismore?" I asked him.

In broken English, he tells me about some of the work they do with the community: Chanting to raise money for charity, Blessing businesses, shops, land and homes; holding Meditation retreats and visiting children in schools and hospitals.

To your avid Buddhist, these guys are considered world-famous, but when surprised showgoers stumbled across their Exhibit in Lismore during the weekend, many didn’t quite know what to make of them.

Maureen Fallon, director of Gyuto House Australia says there's a common misconception that the Buddhist Monks are connecting with communities to convert people, as part of a religious program. "That’s not what this program is about at all," she says. "It’s part of their cultural program and it’s all about promoting the thoughts and ideas of their leader, the Dalai Lama... so promoting Kindness, achieving Enlightenment and peace within ourselves and recognising your own potential, and the potential of others."

The Monks give public talks with an aim to teach people techniques and tools for feeling good about themselves, and dealing with stresses and difficulties we all face in Life.

It’s clear that their work has a very positive the effect it has on local people: while at the show, for instance, I was also fortunate enough to experience on of their chants for peace. The energy in the Monks’ tent became so peaceful and soothing – everyone was moved by the experience. Mr Gyamtso told me they’ve been practicing the chants since childhood.

Fifteen or twenty years ago, many rural Australians may never have even heard of Tibetan Monks. Nowadays locals can meet them in the flesh - they’re a part of our community.

I got the impression that the Gyuto Monks of Tibet feel very comfortable living locally, in a region and a nation where notions of non-violence and the pursuit for Happiness are valued.

Life’s a bit hectic these days which is why there’s never been a greater need to have guys like the Gyuto Monks of Tibet living in and connecting with local communities.

Mr Gyamtso (below, middle) issues a final Blessing: "May there be peace in Lismore, peace in Australia and peace in the world!"

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Source

ourpatch.com.au