Welcome to the Dharmadatu Sangha

Thank you for visiting our web site.

The Dharmadatu Sangha was created as a vehicle in which to communicate the Dharma within a Western context in the 21st century and to provide others with an opportunity to formalise their own commitment to the Dharma Path within that context. Its teachings are drawn from within all of the major traditons of Buddhism but an emphasis is placed on the individual practitioner filtering out what is useful for their growth and development and what is not under the guidance of its Dharma Director Tiratnadana.

The Dharmadatu Sangha is not a new school or tradition. It is the free association of individuals who seek to reach their full potential as human beings & who engage with Dharma & Meditation practice as a vehicle for that realisation. You will find on this site details of our public classes together with an opportunity to engage in Dharma study at home with the assistance of one-to-one tutorial by e mail. All of our classes and study material are free of charge, but we do promote the ethos of generosity by providing an opportunity to make donations on a voluntary basis.

It is our sincere wish that you find our web site useful.

The Mandurah Dharma & Meditation Centre

Mezzanine Level "Serenity House" 9 Hopevale Place, Erskine 6210

0488 223196

Class Times

Mondays: 7pm to 7.25pm Silent Meditation

Mondays: 7.3pm to 9pm Dharma Class

Tuesdays: 10am to 11am Meditation Class for Newcomers & Regulars

Wednesdays: 7.30pm to 8.30pm Meditation Class for Newcomers & Regulars

Thursdays: 10am to 11am Meditation Class for Newcomers & Regulars

Sundays: 9am to 10am Pure Awareness Meditation Practice (for those with an established and regular practice)

Mandurah Dharma & Meditation Centre - Frequently Asked Questions

(Q) What does the name Dhamadatu Sangha mean? (A) Its literal translation is `The Truth Element` community of Dharma practitioners

(Q) Why are we asked to remove our shoes before entering the centre? (A) It symbolises leaving our busy lives outside  and entering a tranquil learning space that has been dedicated to Dharma & Meditation practice. (It also helps to keep the carpet clean!)

(Q) What does the area around the statue of the Buddha represent? (A) This area is called a shrine. It has been created to represent all three of the major traditions of Buddhism. The painting above the shrine, called a Thangka, is from the Tibetan tradition, the black shrine base is from the Zen tradition and the statue itself is from the Theravadin tradition.

(Q) What do the things on the shrine represent? (A) The flowers represent the truth of impermanence, a fundamental teaching within Buddhism. The candles represent the light of the Buddha`s teachings, opening our eyes so we can see clearly. The incense represents the growth of the community of Dharma practitioners.

(Q) What does the chant at the start of the Dharma class represent? (A) This is called a salutation to the shrine. The language, sanskrit, is the ancient language of India, which is the birthplace of Buddhism. People cup their hands representing a lotus flower, the Buddhist symbol for human growth. This short ritual allows an individual to acknowledge their commitment to live in accordance with the Dharma path and in particular within the context of the Dharmadatu Sangha. In essence, by facing the shrine and acknowledging our commitment we are recognising our individual potential as human beings.

(Q) What do the words of the chant mean? (A) In my name I go for refuge to the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. These three things define you as a Dharma practitioner.

(Q) What does the sash that is worn around the neck represent? (A) The sash is called a kesa. It is a recognisable symbol within the Buddhist world that a person has been  ordained or is training for ordination. In the West it represents the monks robe.

(Q) What does the symbol on this sash represent? (A) The main symbol is an eight spoked wheel which represents the eightfold path that a Dharma practitioner undertakes to follow. The three colours at the centre of the wheel are representative of the three jewels of Buddhism, Buddha (yellow), Dharma (blue) Sangha (red).

(Q) What does the word Dharma mean? (A) In simplistic terms it means the teachings of the Buddha. On a deeper level it points to the True nature of existence.

Class Charges

The Dharmadatu Sangha is a not-for-profit organisation that receives no outside funding and relies on donations made at classes to survive. No member of the sangha receives any form of payment from the donations. Within the spirit of generosity we ask that people give what they can afford to assist us to continue spreading the Dharma. It is our view that a lack of funds should never deter any individual from seeking or receiving the Dharma.