T'ai Shen Pure Land Centre
The T'ai Shen Pure Land centre and Sangha is situated in Brisbane Australia. The Sangha meets regularly for cultivation, meditation and chanting
Malcolm Hunt, Director and Founder
Malcolm's background is in psychology, mental health education and Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qigong. Malcolm has worked extensively in mental health for over 23 years.
"I have witnessed much despair in the lives of people from all social levels in my work as a therapist, counsellor and educator. I have met people locked into mental health conditions which have deprived them of livelihood, family and friends. All this need not be. There is a way to a happy fulfilling life."
Malcolm is Director of the TS Mindfulness Training and Compassionate Listening Formation Program.
Pure Land Buddhism
Pure Land Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism originating in India and eventually introduced to China in approximately 64AD. Pure Land practice grew through the teaching of monk Hui Yuan (523-592) and later revival from the teachings of Zhuhong (1584), Shan Tao (613 – 681 AD) and later Yin Kuang (1861 – 1940) all of who were Buddhist monks and teachers of the Pure Land School.
Pure Land is a Buddhist school that understands by single mindedly focusing on the name of Amitabha Buddha- the Buddha of Infinite Light one is able to break free from the cycle of re-birth and death and live in a state enlightenment and bliss known as Pure Land.
The Shakyamuni Buddha knew that people would need great help in ages to come to achieve enlightenment. The Buddha told us of another Buddha, Amitabha, the Buddha of infinite Light and Life who had made 48 vows to help us reach Pure Land. It is in the Pure Land that we are able to cease the process of birth and death and suffering.
With the help of Amitabha Buddha we do not have to rely solely on ourselves to attain enlightenment as in other methods. We have the help of compassionate Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to help us.
Pure Land is not just a location in paradise but is essentially the Buddha mind. Pure Land understands enlightenment through the concentration and purification of the mind and that enlightenment is available to all beings. In fact it is essential that our meditation is “meditation in action” that compassion is a fruit of our meditation that is active in doing good to others.
Our condition or ‘life situation’ is created by our mind. Mind can be likened to the glass of a window. If it is dirty we are unable to see things as they really are. Our dirtied minds, if you like, are our ego minds that crave to attachment to things as well as the past and future. When we are able to let go of our desires and attachments the job of cleaning the window begins. We are literally what we think. When we begin to change our thought patterns for good and pure thoughts this begins to have a radical effect on our daily living and ultimately our destiny.
With so many people living lives of quiet desperation, depression and an undercurrent of unhappiness and unfulfillment, Pure Land Buddhism teaches a way to complete happiness, serenity of mind and fulfillment.
The ultimate goal of Pure Land Buddhism is re-birth in the Western Pure Land by living a life Compassion, Peace and Mindfulness.
Workshops and Retreats
Workshops and Retreats are held at regular intervals throughought Australia and at the Retreat Centre Zaoxi China. The aim of the workshops is to enhance our Pureland Practice through learning life skills.
- Diamond Meditation and Chanting
- Naikan Training and Retreats
Learn how to live a rich full and meaningful life while effectively handling pain and stress which life brings. A very empowering training.
- Chinese Calligraphy taught by Chinese calligrapher Jin Jin. Learn to paint the charcacters meditativelythus absorbing their meaning into our minds and hearts.
- Imagery Communication Therapy A powerful process that helps in discovering your personality and resolving deep inner conflict enabling you to live a more fulfilling life. Jianqiu Xu is a certified trainer in Imagery Communication Therapy and has worked extensively throughout China.
