Rigpa Newcastle warmly welcomes families and children into our community.
We have a once a term program – called Rigpé Yéshé – which aims to introduce children to the values and principles of Buddhism in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Rigpé Yeshé is an association of parents and educators, we support families in the Dharma education of their children, giving them the tools they need to work with their hearts and minds in their everyday lives.
Rigpé Yéshé was founded in Lerab Ling in 2005. The name was given by Sogyal Rinpoche; it means the Wisdom of Rigpa.
Ripgé Yéshé Vision
The heart of Rigpé Yéshé’s vision is to offer children and teenagers an authentic spiritual path so that they can grow into wise, compassionate and happy young people who have confidence in their true nature, the courage to face the challenges of the modern world and who can be truly of benefit to others.
Rinpoche has said that we are now seeing a ‘second generation’ of students who are not discovering Buddhism as an alternative, but who are growing up with the teachings from birth.
Rigpé Yéshé in Australia began in 2005. We loved what we were learning in Rigpa and wanted to pass the teachings on to our children. We were inspired by the fact that children seem to see everything in a fresh way and have a real heart connection with the truth of the teachings.
Newcastle Ripge Yéshé Program
Our next Rigpe Yeshe gathering for this year is on Sunday 24 November at the Newcastle Rigpa Centre, from 9:30am to 10:30am.
We will be soaking up the calm and beautiful atmosphere of the main shrine room with some simple meditation instructions designed for children followed by some short medtiation practices, a song and a special prayer ‘Invoking the Lama” all of which can help families to develop a simple meditation practice at home. We will also listen to the life story of Shakyamuni Buddha and start a colouring book with pictures outlining the stages of his extraordinary life which children can take home and complete until we have our next session in the New Year.
This class is designed for younger children up to age 12.
We ask that a parent or carer accompany all children to our classes.
Afterwards is people wish we can go to Gregson Park for morning tea and play (weather permitting).
If you can come please bring a small snack to share.
Meet at the play area.
Our program for 2020
We will hold quarterly Rigpe Yeshe classes in 2020. The dates for these sessions will be advised soon.
Dharma sessions engage the children with Buddhist teachings in an open, fun and experiential way through video teachings, discussion, play, drama, arts and crafts.
The sessions also include some mindfulness and short meditation practice sessions.
We ask that a parent or carer accompany all children to our classes.
Please note we hold one session between 9:30am to 10:30am, All ages welcome.
Afterwards we go to Gregson Park for a picnic and play (Weather permitting).
Bring your bikes, skateboards…and BYO picnic.
Meet at the play area.
Further Information
If you would like to come along please notify Patricia by email and provide the name and age of your children who will attend. Please also contact for any further information or to make any suggestions.
- Patricia Higgins mspatriciahiggins@hotmail.com
