Chandrakirti Meditation Centre

Medicine Buddha Puja
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Medicine Buddha Puja

Every Month – 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Dedicated to healing and removing obstacles – for yourself and others.

Everyone is welcome!

Most commonly this puja is performed to assist in the recovery of illness, or an operation. It is also done to achieve higher rebirth for the deceased.
The Medicine Buddha Puja can be performed extensively, with the requests to Medicine Buddhas done seven times to each of the Buddhas.
Additional prayers are said for the dedication of the merit.
By creating extensive merit through the performance of the puja, Medicine Buddha puja is also very helpful to bring success in all activities, for example work related.

If you have any questions about this puja or would like to dedicate this puja to a person in need, please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Sponsorship for this puja is most welcome – see here.

Sunday Meditation Class
2026-05-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-31 10:00 - 11:30
Sunday Meditation Class
In the Nalanda Hall, 10.00-11.30am

With great kindness Geshe Jampa Tharchin will give a commentary on the text Seven Point Mind Training by the famous Kadampa scholar, Geshe Chekawa. These Sunday classes will show us how to live a happy and successful life.
If our mind is pure and peaceful we will be happy, regardless of our external conditions. When it is unsettled, we will never find happiness, no matter how much we try to change our external conditions.
The method to make our mind pure and peaceful is to train in meditation. The Sunday meditation class covers methods to achieve this.
Geshela emphasizes the Five Powers to be cultivated

The Power of Intention
The Power of the White Seed
The Power of Familiarity
The Power of Repudiation
The Power of Prayer/Dedication

Family friendly. Followed by a vegetarian lunch!
Everyone warmly welcome. Just drop in!
By donation.
We are on Youtube Live
Donate online via givealittle

Tuesday Study Class
2026-05-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-12 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-26 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-02 18:00 - 19:30
Tuesday Study Class with Geshe Jampa Tharchin
Tuesday evenings from 6.00-7.30pm
Topic: Tantric Grounds and Paths

Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra offers a concise overview of the structure of the tantric path, widely acclaimed in Tibet as the swiftest and most sublime means to realize Buddhahood. Presenting the paths of all four classes of tantra, while not being a guide to highest yoga tantra practice itself, this subject provides a clear overview of its complex path structure.
Course fee is $225 for 15 weeks.
Class offered in person and online via Zoom.
To register please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Wednesday Study Class
2026-05-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-13 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-27 18:00 - 19:30
Wednesday Study Class
In the Nalanda Hall, 6.00-7.30pm
Topic: Lama Tsongkhapa’s famous text Middle Length Lam Rim

Cost for the course is $225 for the 15 weeks. Cost of the hardcopy textbook is $100.
We will study The Middle-Length Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment by Je Tsongkhapa, translated by Philip Quarcoo, 2021 edition.
As a foundation and context for practice, this subject is a key element of the FPMT Basic Program. The aim of this FPMT Basic Program course is for students to acquire a thorough understanding and structured overview of Lama Tsongkhapa’s presentation, and to develop experience of applying these teachings in daily practice, meditation and retreat. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct their own lamrim retreats and to use the lamrim as a basis and context for their meditation, further study, and daily life experience.
Geshela will focus on the topic of karma

Class offered in person and online via Zoom.

For direct credit, please email us for bank info.
Email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz if you have further questions and registration.

Weekend Teaching - Four Close Placements of Mindfulness
2026-05-09 09:30 - 17:00
A day teaching on the on the Four Close Placements of Mindfulness, a central practice taught by the Buddha and praised as the direct path to awakening.
📍Saturday 9th of May
9.30am – 5pm each day
Nalanda Hall, Chandrakirti Centre or via Zoom

➡️Facebook Event Page
Exploring mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and phenomena, this teaching offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with mindfulness in a contemplative setting.
Through guided meditation, teachings, and reflection, participants will learn to cultivate clear awareness, insight, and inner stability, bringing the wisdom of the Dharma directly into your daily life.
The Four Close Placements of Mindfulness offer a practical path to deep awareness, clarity, and inner transformation. This timeless framework invites us to observe our experience with wisdom and compassion:
Mindfulness of the Body – grounding attention in the physical body, breath, and sensations to cultivate presence and stability.
Mindfulness of Feelings – recognising the immediate feeling-tone (pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral) of every experience without grasping or aversion
Mindfulness of the Mind – becoming aware of the overall state of the mind (such as focused, scattered, or reactive), seeing its changing and insubstantial nature
Mindfulness of Phenomena – exploring the patterns and principles of how experiences arise and pass away, deepening insight into the nature of reality

Investment:
Members: Free
Zoom: $40
In-person: $80 and includes resources, delicious lunch and refreshments.

Email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz for enquiries and to register

Wishfulfilling Land Prayers
2026-05-14 10:00 - 12:00
Thursday May 14th at 10am

We meet at WishFulfilling Land at 262 Central Rd South to read sutras from the Buddha to benefit all sentient beings.

Followed by a picnic lunch on the land. All most welcome to join this fun event.

Give us a call on 02 5432021 or meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Science Meets Reincarnation
2026-05-15 18:00 - 21:00
Join us in Nalanda Hall for a fascinating evening discussion with Dr. Greg O’Grady and Geshe Jampa Tharchin about science and reincarnation!
📅Friday, May 15th, 6pm – evening
📍Nalanda Hall, Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Rd, Upper Moutere Nelson
💛Koha/donation entry
Why do young children have these strange memories- Do our actions have long term consequences – Why do we feel strong affinities to certain things?
Dr Greg O’Grady is a Professor of Surgery at the University of Auckland, where he has published over 300 scientific articles in the field of human physiology and medical technologies.
Greg investigates the nature of human consciousness, with an interest in out of the ordinary experiences. His has recently evaluated the statistical patterns among 350 testimonials from children reporting memories of previous lives, as well as analysing hundreds of near-death experiences.
Geshe Jampa Tharchin PhD, is a Tibetan Buddhist monk and scholar. Growing up in Tibet he experienced reincarnation as a normal pattern in life, where past and future lives were a widely accepted phenomena. Reincarnation is a foundational understanding in Buddhist Psychology and can explain many of the fascinating mental phenomena we experience.
All are welcome!
Email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz or call 035432021 for enquiries
To join this class via Zoom please make a donation here
Zoom
ID: 402 937 1578
Password: [REDACTED]

Nyung Nä 6-Day Fasting & Purification Retreat
2026-05-24 18:00 - 2026-05-30 20:30
Nyung Nä is a two day Tibetan Buddhist fasting and purification practice centered on compassion, combining vows, prostrations, mantra recitation, and periods of silence.
It is a very powerful practice to purify negatives karma and cultivate the compassionate mind of Chenrezig.
We are performing 3 sets of Nyung Nä, finishing on Saturday 30th, leading up to the Holy Day on Sunday May 31st Lord Buddhas Enlightenment.
Investment:
$60 per day includes all meals, retreat material and offerings.
Full retreat cost is $420 excluding accommodation costs.
Onsite accommodation is available.
3 lunches will be provided in between fasting during the duration of this retreat.
➡️Facebook Event Page
➡️Read about Nyung Na from Lama Zopa Rinpoche
The first session of this retreat begins at 6pm on Sunday the 24th.
Please arrive earlier in the day in preparation.
This retreat will be taught by resident monk and teacher Geshe Jampa Tharchin who holds the highest Lharampa Geshe degree from decades of study in Sera Je Monastery in India.
Geshe-la teaches in English and Tibetan with interpretation support from resident interpreter Jelena Kirsch.
♦️Register here:
Email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz to enquire

Saka Dawa — Celebrating Lord Buddha’s birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana
2026-05-31 18:00 - 19:30
Saka Dawa is the most important Tibetan Buddhist festival day, celebrating Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment andparinirvana. Buddhists around the world engage in many auspicious and merit-making activities such as sponsoring or engaging in beneficial pujas, practices, and prayers; and making extensive offerings to teachers, holy objects, and auspicious charitable activities.
We will celebrate Saka Dawa at Chandrakirti with Guru Puja Tsog and prayers
Nalanda Hall, Chandrakirti Meditation Centre
31/05
6pm

Containing the whole path to enlightenment, this Guru Puja Tsog is the foundation of all spiritual progress, and is a profound and joyous event! Nurture the powerful potential for spiritual growth with a ceremony rich in symbolism. Reliance on our spiritual teacher is the foundation of all spiritual progress, and this ceremony helps us create mountains of merit and purify broken samaya.
Please bring a food offering – preferably something baked / fruit / something avoiding plastic. Thank you!
All welcome to join us
If you have any questions about this puja or would like to dedicate this puja to a person in need, please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz
Donations are welcome,
Sponsorship for this puja is most welcome – see here.
Contact meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz with any questions

Final Wednesday Study Class
2026-06-03 18:00 - 19:30
Final Wednesday Study Class for the Term
Presentations will take place on this evening.
In the Nalanda Hall, 6.00-7.30pm
Topic: Lama Tsongkhapa’s famous text Middle Length Lam Rim

Cost for the course is $225 for the 15 weeks. Cost of the hardcopy textbook is $100.
We will study The Middle-Length Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment by Je Tsongkhapa, translated by Philip Quarcoo, 2021 edition.
As a foundation and context for practice, this subject is a key element of the FPMT Basic Program. The aim of this FPMT Basic Program course is for students to acquire a thorough understanding and structured overview of Lama Tsongkhapa’s presentation, and to develop experience of applying these teachings in daily practice, meditation and retreat. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct their own lamrim retreats and to use the lamrim as a basis and context for their meditation, further study, and daily life experience.
Geshela will focus on the topic of karma

Class offered in person and online via Zoom.

For direct credit, please email us for bank info.
Email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz if you have further questions and registration.

Final Sunday Meditation Class
2026-06-07 10:00 - 11:30
Final Sunday Meditation Class for the Term
Join us for the final public Sunday meditation class for this term in the Nalanda Hall, 10.00-11.30am
Next term begins on the 16th of August.
With great kindness Geshe Jampa Tharchin will give a commentary on the text Seven Point Mind Training by the famous Kadampa scholar, Geshe Chekawa. These Sunday classes will show us how to live a happy and successful life.
If our mind is pure and peaceful we will be happy, regardless of our external conditions. When it is unsettled, we will never find happiness, no matter how much we try to change our external conditions.
The method to make our mind pure and peaceful is to train in meditation. The Sunday meditation class covers methods to achieve this.
Geshela emphasizes the Five Powers to be cultivated

The Power of Intention
The Power of the White Seed
The Power of Familiarity
The Power of Repudiation
The Power of Prayer/Dedication

Family friendly. Followed by a vegetarian lunch!
Everyone warmly welcome. Just drop in!
By donation.
We are on Youtube Live
Donate online via givealittle

Wishfulfilling Land Prayers
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00
Thursday June 9th at 10am

We meet at WishFulfilling Land at 262 Central Rd South to read sutras from the Buddha to benefit all sentient beings.

Followed by a picnic lunch on the land. All most welcome to join this fun event.

Give us a call on 02 5432021 or meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Final Tuesday Study Class
2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:30
Final Tuesday Study Class for the Term
Presentations will take place this evening.
Tuesday evenings from 6.00-7.30pm
Topic: Tantric Grounds and Paths

Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra offers a concise overview of the structure of the tantric path, widely acclaimed in Tibet as the swiftest and most sublime means to realize Buddhahood. Presenting the paths of all four classes of tantra, while not being a guide to highest yoga tantra practice itself, this subject provides a clear overview of its complex path structure.
Course fee is $225 for 15 weeks.
Class offered in person and online via Zoom.
To register please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Guru Puja Tsog
2026-06-10 18:00 - 21:00
Containing the whole path to enlightenment, this Guru Puja Tsog is the foundation of all spiritual progress, and is a profound and joyous event! Nurture the powerful potential for spiritual growth with a ceremony rich in symbolism. Reliance on our spiritual teacher is the foundation of all spiritual progress, and this ceremony helps us create mountains of merit and purify broken samaya.
Tsok is more than just its literal meaning of “gathering.” It’s a sacred space created in the mind where practitioners unite with profound spiritual energies, inviting the dakas and dakinis. When we create this special space through offerings and coming together—whether physically or virtually—it opens the door for spiritual insights to naturally arise.
The physical offerings we make are symbols that guide our minds toward deeper, internal offerings. In Vajrayana Buddhism, tsok is a specific feast offering practice done on the 10th (day of the herukas) and 25th (day of the dakinis) of each lunar month. Practitioners perform these offerings in connection with their personal sadhana.
To complete the path to enlightenment we need to maintain a strong and pure relationship with the guru. We do this by relating to the different aspects of the guru, and to ultimately bring forth the inner guru, the purity of our own mind.
Please bring a food offering – preferably something baked / fruit / something avoiding plastic. Thank you!

All welcome to join us

If you have any questions about this puja or would like to dedicate this puja to a person in need, please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Sponsorship for this puja is most welcome – see here.

Chittamani Tara Retreat 2026
2026-11-24 10:00 - 2026-12-14 16:00
Chandrakirti Meditation Centre is delighted to host the first three week Chittamani Tara Retreat. This is in response to H.E Jhado Rinpoche so kindly offering us the full Chittamani Tara empowerment and extended commentary in October 2025.

📅 Dates: Tuesday 24th November – Monday 14th December 2026
🧘‍♂️ Teaching & Explanation: Geshe Jampa Tharchin will offer 2 days of guidance on the Chittamani Tara practice before the retreat begins.
🔥 Conclusion: The retreat will conclude with the Fire Puja, followed by the Self Initiation.
This retreat will now be held every year at the same time for the next 10 years, enabling each participant to individually accumulate one million mantras.
We have limited accommodation on site, please be prompt with your registration
Costs
Retreat investment is $1980 for 21 days, including all meals and retreat materials. Accommodation is an extra cost.
Accommodation Costs (per night)

Retreat Hut $50
Camping/Caravan $25
Shared space in Community Hall $35

📧 To register please fill in this Form
or email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz for more information
