With so much going on at Karuna over the past twelve months, it has been one of the most memorable years in Karuna’s history.
One of the most significant developments has been the implementation of a new management framework designed to support the expansion of our existing services and the enhancement of our counselling and spiritual care services to benefit more people in the community. A major focus will also be on developing our marketing and fundraising plan to strengthen the development and expansion of our services.
These initiatives are the result of a recent strategic review which highlighted the opportunity to provide our services to the broader community in response to the growing community need for specialized palliative care programs, including grief and loss counselling and spiritual care.
We are all very excited about the changes that are taking place and we are confident they will improve our ability to continue to provide support for people in the community for many years to come.
Of course we wouldn’t be able to continue our work without the wonderful support from our donors and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our June appeal; you have helped us raise in excess of $100,000. We are so grateful for your support and appreciate the kindness you continue to show Karuna.
I am happy to report on another significant highlight for Karuna this year, which was the much anticipated visit from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. During his visit, His Holiness graciously accepted our request to become Karuna’s Spiritual Patron. His Holiness’ patronage will strengthen our spiritual foundation and continue to provide inspiration in our work.
On a final note, I would like to thank Karuna’s co-founder Hilary Clarke for her dedication in helping to build Karuna and in particular the Karuna Community over the past 15 years. We all look forward to her continued support as a valued Karuna volunteer.
Yeshe Khadro
When His Holiness the Dalai Lama accepted an invitation to visit Brisbane in June, Karuna was fortunate to have the opportunity to become involved in all three events scheduled during his one day visit.
The day began with His Holiness launching Kindness Week at Australia Zoo, where he addressed 5,000 people and spoke about kindness to animals and the environment. Our wonderful Ambassador Marie-Louise Theile spoke about Karuna before His Holiness officially launched Kindness Week. It was a wonderful start to his visit to Queensland.
Our sincerest thanks go to Terri Irwin and the staff of Australia Zoo for supporting Kindness Week.
After the launch, His Holiness came to Karuna and spoke to an audience of 700 people including clients, supporters, volunteers and staff. His Holiness spoke about the importance of living a meaningful life and the impact this has on our quality of life as we face its natural conclusion.
Later, His Holiness addressed a large public audience at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where 15,000 people heard His Holiness speak about the importance of kindness and compassion in the community.
We have had some wonderful feedback from our supporters, volunteers and others who enjoyed seeing and hearing the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Karuna is producing a DVD of His Holiness’ visit to Brisbane. While it is still a few months away from being ready, if you are interested in receiving a copy, please subscribe to receive email updates (on the right sidebar) and we will inform you when it becomes available.
Karuna is still basking in the joy of hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Wed 13 June.
Within minutes of arriving by helicopter at nearby Flynn Oval, he was weaving his way through the volunteers and staff lining the path to welcome him, clasping hands and smiling warmly at us all. He also spoke to a number of our clients and their families who gathered in the garden to hear his advice on death and dying. Altogether seven hundred guests sat in the warm sunshine to hear his twenty minute address.
In the words of one of our guests:
“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my afternoon at Karuna today. It was so professionally organized and I feel so very blessed to have been in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to hear his compassionate wisdom.”
Happily, His Holiness also accepted our request to become Karuna’s Spiritual Patron.
The whole event was filmed and we will have a DVD available soon.
Heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers and staff who worked so tirelessly, both on the day and in the months leading up to the event. We could not have achieved it without you.
His Holiness and Karuna Director Yeshe Khadro.
Photo © Michelle Bowden 2007
The Dalai Lama has just announced he will now be teaching Nagarjuna’s Jangchub Semdrel, Commentary on the Awakening Mind, as well as The Eight Verses For Training The Mind. His Holiness, The Dalai Lama will also confer the Manjushri Empowerment.
Tickets for this three day Lecture Series & Blessing is incredible value at $300. That’s about $35 per hour!
Hear the Dalai Lama’s wisdom and advice for everyday living knowing that proceeds from ticket sales to the teachings helps fund the free Public Talks.
Session dates and times:
- Fri. 8th June 9.30am - 11.30am Teaching Session 1
- Sat. 9th June 9.30am - 11.30am Teaching Session 2
- Sun. 10th June 9.00am - 11.30am Blessing Session 3
- Sun. 10th June 2.00pm - 4.00pm Teaching Session 4
Four individual session tickets will be issued. Use them all yourself or share them with a friend.
Book at Ticketek 132 849.
Booking and administration fees apply.
In 2007 His Holiness the Dalai Lama will give us an opportunity to explore more deeply what is truly meaningful in our lives. His Holiness will visit Brisbane on June 13 as part of his twelve day Australian tour. Karuna is working with the national tour organisers to give as many Queenslanders as possible the opportunity to experience the wisdom and compassion of this revered spiritual leader.
Kindness Week is a Karuna Hospice Services community initiative inspired by the upcoming visit of his Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is designed to nurture the spirit of kindness as a way of creating a happier life.
Kindness Week ‘07 activities will reflect the inspiration and simplicity of His Holiness’ Australian Tour theme - Open Arms, Embracing Kindness.
Download full pdf
