Mahamudra is a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre established in 1981 under the guidance of two Tibetan lamas, Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Mahamudra centre is a charitable trust and a member of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) - an international organization which has over 150 centres, hospices and projects worldwide.

The purpose of an FPMT centre is to offer the timeless wisdom and methods of Buddhism as a means to attain the highest human and spiritual potential, especially those taught by the great 15th century Tibetan teacher and meditator, Lama Tzong Khapa.
            
These methods act as antidotes to our everyday experiences of anxiety, fear and agitation and help to create instead, experiences of joy, compassion and understanding, not only for oneself but for everyone.

Peace, tranquility and simplicity are the hallmarks of our centre.

 WHERE WE ARE 

We are situated on 8 acres in the inspirational setting of Colville Valley, Coromandel Peninsula, surrounded by meadows, woods and the imposing hills of the Coromandel range. Our proximity to beautiful beaches and breathtaking sea views provide an ambience conducive to peace, calm and healing.

Our centre hosts regular courses taught by visiting lamas and teachers, group retreats, solo retreats and various healing courses.Like-minded organizations and groups can rent our facilities. Mahamudra is an excellent place to take time out from the stresses of city life, to do personal retreat or to recuperate from such effects as illness or grief if one chooses.

It is a place where one can participate in a Buddhist way of life, joining in daily meditations, work and social activities in a supportive environment.

At Mahamudra, residents and visitors are asked to:

  - Protect living beings (refrain from killing; even small insects)
  - Respect others belongings (refrain from stealing)
  - Speak truthfully (refrain from lying)
  - Respect Mahamudra as a space for spiritual introspection and development
    (refrain from sexual contact)
  - Cultivate clarity of mind and body (refrain from using intoxicants; e.g.
    alcohol, tobacco, etc.)

History of Mahamudra

The Centre began in 1981, initially at two other locations, before the current property was purchased in 1985. 

property in 1985

The gradual beautification of the land has been accomplished by many willing hands over the years.

property in 2006

                                                                    Current Trustees

 Roy Fraser, Sally Barraud, Simon Berry, Bernice McCombie, Loren Poole, Ron Agnew, Theo Clarke

 ADDITIONAL STAFF NEEDED

TO OFFER SERVICE AT MAHAMUDRA CENTRE

 
OFFERING SERVICE

“What you are doing here is the most important work in the world.  In your life, the most important work is to help others with good heart, with love and compassion.  Helping others is the most important thing – more than anything else.  All your wishes for any happiness will succeed. All good things will come to you because of that.  Every action with a positive or negative mind has consequences as a result.  That done with good heart, without anger, without ignorance, without desire, without attachment..... results in happiness.

We are looking for someone who wishes to be part of a practising community in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.  A strong wish to offer service from the heart as part of their spiritual practice is essential.    A student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche would be ideal but , at the very least, one would have a positive connection with and sincere respect for Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the work and values of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) to which we are affiliated.  

If you are wanting to deepen your practice and understanding of the dharma, to transform your mind and are committed to using dharma in your daily life, then read on - one of these positions may well be the job for you. 

BACKGROUND

 POSITIONS

1.      CENTRE MANAGER

We are looking for someone to take care of the day to day running of the centre.   The Centre Manager’s responsibilities include attending to needs of guests and visitors, answering phone calls, emails  and other enquiries,  attending to bookings and the day to day administration of centre accommodation, courses and retreats;   all aspects of office administration  including maintaining office equipment, office supplies and office systems, cash flow management and banking.  The manager also arranges repairs and maintenance and coordinates and supervises cooks, housekeeping staff and volunteers when we have them and the housekeeping of rooms and buildings.   

We are looking for someone who has a background in administration, property management or hospitality, has excellent communication and people skills.  Some experience with supervising staff or volunteers would be very useful.  The ability to hold an overview,   delegate and be flexible in an ever changing environment are absolutely essential.    The job often requires that you just roll up your sleeves and do what’s necessary to get the job done.  Enthusiasm and a good sense of humour is always helpful.    The position requires someone who has good oral and written English, is very computer literate and if possible has some experience with maintaining a basic manual cashbook and receipts.    Marketing, website or PR experience definitely a bonus.   Drivers licence essential.    The Centre Manager  is responsible to the Centre Director.

This is a full time position – two year contract.  We are offering accommodation, food and a small stipend.  Ideally we would like to fill this position by early February to allow time for adequate handover. 

 Applications close 31 December 2009.   If you would like to offer service over the next few years and are sure that you can live contentedly in a somewhat isolated rural area, please contact Tenzin Nangsel (Bernice McCombie), Centre Director, on director@mahamudra.org.nz.  Information about the centre can be found on www.retreat@mahamudra.org. 

2. GROUNDSKEEPER