Melbourne River Sangha

14/06/2025

Ending suffering and leading to liberation.

Dear Friends,
In my last dharma talk, I have mentioned the Samiddhi Sutra for true peace and happiness.

In the Samiddhi Sutta, the Buddha recited the last teaching gatha for the goddess:

“Ending desire, overcoming the three complexes, our mind is stilled, you have nothing to long for. We lay aside all affliction and sorrow, in this life and in lives to come.”

Here the Buddha refers to the cessation of craving (taṇhā), a core cause of suffering (dukkha) in the Four Noble Truths.

The three complexes—superiority, inferiority, and equality—each rooted in ego, discrimination and comparison.

The practice of attaining mental calmness (samatha) leading towards insight (vipassanā) and equanimity (upeksha). The state of non-attachment and contentment.

At this point, we can abandon afflictions and suffering and obtain liberation, transcend the cycle of rebirth (samsāra).

May all be well. 🙏❤️⛰
Brother Joyful Mountain (Hỷ Sơn)

30/05/2025

Dear Friends,

In 2010, with a few sangha friends, we chose a name for our practicing community (sangha) “Birrarung” which is aboriginal name for the Yarra River. The main river for our City of Melbourne.
We later changed it to Melbourne River Sangha to keep things simple and easy to remember but the meaning is still the same.
We chose this name because our Plum Villlage Monastery is Nhap Luu means “Stream” and Stream and River are interbeing.
Also Thay teaches us to “Go As a River” a deep teaching of practicing and living in harmony and togetherness. This teaching can be applied to our own family, the work place and community.

This is the meaning behind the name.
With gratitude.
Brother Joyful Mountain
Chân Hỷ Sơn

07/05/2025

Vesak Day

05/03/2025

Public Talk by Brother Phap Lu Tues 11 March 2025
Registration - Please Click here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/public-talk-qa-mindfulness-and-health-with-brother-phap-lu-tickets-1270206524909?aff=oddtdtcreator

28/02/2025

A day of practice with Brother Phap Lu.
Registration now open.

Experience mindfulness practice at Tu An Monastery, Sunday March 9, 2025. Join us for guided meditation, Dharma talks, and vegetarian lunch.

26/02/2025

You are invited to attend the up coming event.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a-day-of-mindfulness-practice-health-and-joy-tickets-1260803339729?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

29/01/2025

Happy Lunar New Year!
Chúc mừng năm mới!

Dear beloved friends,

As we step into the Year of the Snake, let us honor the qualities of this graceful creature—wisdom, transformation, and quiet strength. The snake sheds its old skin, not with regret, but with a deep trust in the process of renewal.

May this year be a time for us to shed the habits, fears, and distractions that no longer serve our growth. Let us return to the beauty of simplicity, the gift of the present moment, and the harmony of nature within and around us.

Each mindful breath is an opportunity to transform. Each act of kindness is a ripple of peace. Together, let us walk the path of wisdom with courage and compassion.

May you find stillness, clarity, and joy in your practice. Let this be a year of profound transformation and deep connection to life.

With love and gratitude,
True Joyful Mountain

26/01/2025

Dear Beloved Sangha,

Thank you for your presence and your diligent practice. I am filled with happiness knowing that you are here, continuing the beautiful legacy of Thầy, walking in the footsteps of the Buddha on this path of Love and Freedom.

For me, this period of time is especially meaningful as I nurture and water the energy of Thầy within me—allowing Thầy to breathe, smile, and walk through my steps.

Today, on Australia Day, I invite you to join me in the practice of gratitude. Let us take a moment to touch the earth with our hearts, offering our deep appreciation to all the beings who have made this land a place we call home. We bow to the traditional custodians of this land, honoring their care and connection to it. We bow to those who have sacrificed their lives so that we may live with safety and freedom.

Let us also touch the earth in gratitude for our ancestors, our parents, our teachers, our families, our friends and importantly gratitude to the Three Jewels, the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. And, perhaps most importantly, do not forget to bow to yourself with gratitude—for your practice, your resilience, and your love.

May you have a joyful and peaceful day. I look forward to seeing you soon.

With love,
Chân Hỷ Sơn
True Joyful Mountain

09/12/2024

Melbourne River Sangha - End of Year Gathering

You are warmly invited to join the Melbourne River Sangha for our annual end-of-year gathering. This special event is an opportunity for us to come together as a community, celebrate the year, and deepen our connections with one another in the spirit of mindfulness and joy.

Details:

Date: Tuesday, 17 December 2024

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Studley Park Picnic Area near the Boathouse

This will be our final meeting of the year 2024, and we welcome you to bring along your family and friends to share in the celebration.

If you are registered to our mailing list and have not yet a chance to meet us in person, this will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, enjoy nature, and engage in mindfulness practices. Let's come together to reflect on the year gone by and set intentions for the upcoming one. Don't miss out on this special gathering.

What to Bring:
• A vegetarian plate for each person to share.
• Your favourite drinks to share.
• Plastic plates, bowls, and cutlery for yourself.
• A Christmas gift (KK style, around $10 as a guide) to swap.
• Picnic mats and doona for comfort.

After our shared meal, we will enjoy a Be-ing session, time of connection, reflection, and sharing our highlights from the year. This special session is to simply “be” together, deepening our mindfulness practice and fostering the bonds that unite us as a mindfulness community.

We look forward to seeing you there and closing the year with love, joy, and mindfulness.

With gratitude and love,
Melbourne River Sangha - Thich Nhat Hanh Community

Registration here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/melbourne-river-sangha-end-of-year-gathering-tickets-1109044474879?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

10/10/2024

🎉 Join us for a mindful evening of delicious vegan food & connection at Dinner with the Melbourne River Sangha on Oct 29! 🍴 Reserve your spot now! 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/dinner-with-the-melbourne-river-sangha-a-zen-buddhist-community-tickets-1042643323247

10/10/2024

Dear Friends,
You are invited to join the MRS dinner.
Please click here for more information.
Seating is limited.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of delightful dining with the River Sangha community. Experience the joy of togetherness.

25/07/2024

Experience the joy while dining with us: Melbourne River Sangha Dinner.

Tuesday 30 July 2024 6.30pm

Join us for a delightful evening at Brother Bon in Northcote, where mindfulness and delicious food coexist harmoniously. Enjoy a sumptuous vegan feast prepared with love and care.
Experience the joy of being fully present as we come together to celebrate life's simple pleasures. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or new to the practice of mindfulness, this event welcomes everyone with open arms. Connect with fellow practitioners, make new friendships, and create lasting memories in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The meal is vegan and with no alcohol. We will have the contemplation practice before eating. We can order food and pay individually at the conter. The cost is generally around $25 per person.
Reserve your spot now and be a part of the Melbourne River Sangha Dinner. Come as you are, leave with a heart full of gratitude and a smile on your face. We look forward to sharing this beautiful experience with you!
Please register your attendance early as spaces is limited by the restaurant. Click on the link below:
We look forward to meeting you
Melbourne River Sangha - Thich Nhat Hanh Community

Click here to register:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/experience-the-joy-dining-with-the-melbourne-river-sangha-community-tickets-957237431927?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information, please visit: www.melbourneriversangha.com.au