On the way: Buddhist leader Dzongchen Rinpoche.
By Michelle Herbison
A TIBETAN Buddhist group plans to build an institute in the Geelong or Surf Coast area.
Shenpen International’s Alex Ebner confirmed his group’s plan to find a site for a Gyalwa Dzogchenpa Institute in the region.
“It’s in really early stages at the moment. It’s something that will pan out over the next few years,” he said.
Mr Ebner said the region’s “natural beauty” and strong community interest were factors in planning the centre near Geelong.
But he was “not at all” worried about encroaching on the territory of Paraparap’s Drol Kar Buddhist Centre.
Drol Kar residential teacher Jampa Drolma said she “would rejoice” if another centre was built.
“There are enough people and it’s good to have variety. Some people prefer a different style of teaching to others,” Ms Drolma said.
“The thing about Buddhism is for it to flourish.”
Mr Ebner said this month Buddhist leader Dzongchen Rinpoche, who would found the local centre, would visit Torquay for an annual public talk.
The leader’s talks were “strictly spiritual and charitable” and not political, he said.
“His Eminence has given five or six talks in Torquay and held a few retreats in the area as well,” Mr Ebner said.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm for Buddhism and his teachings in the area.”
Recent census data showed 1.07 per cent of Surf Coast residents and .12 per cent of City of Greater Geelong residents identified as Buddhist.
Mr Ebner said many health practitioners and people interested in activities including meditation, yoga or reiki regularly attended the public events.
