Canberra: Representative Karma Singey of the office of Tibet, Canberra, attended the opening ceremony of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Chenrezig Institute on 26 September 2024 at Eudlo town in Queensland State.
During the ceremony, Representative Karma Singey read the message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in which His Holiness wrote, “I send warm greetings to the staff and members of the Chenrezig Institute on its 50 anniversary.”
His Holiness further added, “Having had the opportunity to visit the Chenrezig Institute, I am glad to know that you have been making progress in being a learning centre. In both the study and practices at the institute, we need to encourage people to be Buddhists of the 21st century, acting as harbingers of positive change.” The letter stressed that a 21st-century Buddhist should possess a deep understanding of Buddha’s teachings while also being well-versed in modern education and science. “Such an individual will have a better potential to make oneself happy while also being to contribute to society at large.”
His Holiness concluded,” Your institute and its affiliates have also been doing what you can to help the society through hospice and other projects. These are commendable initiatives that need to be continued. I congratulate you on your half-century of service to the community and wish the Chenrezig Institute continued success.”
The event was also attended by Federal Member of Parliament Andrew Wallace, Queensland State MP Andrew Powell, Mayor Rosanna Natoli of Sunshine Coast Council, Rev. Rogar Kunsang, CEO of FPMT and President of the Queensland Tibetan Community Lobsang Nyima.
Chenrezig Institute was the first centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia. It was started in 1974 under the guidance of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.