Our History

Beginnings                                                                                                                  

In 2006 a small group, made up mostly of Vajrayana Buddhist practitioners living in north west Tasmania, began to meet and practice at the home of Sangye Dorje, a former Rabjung Monk of the Rechung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

By 2009 the group, under the guidance of Sangye Dorje, had developed a more inclusive, non-sectarian outlook, exploring the richness of the world of Buddhism.

Buddhaheart Fellowship

In 2011, the Buddhaheart Fellowship was born, the name chosen so as to be a constant reminder of the potential for Awakening to the True Self that is within all sentient beings, and reflecting the inclusive attitude of our members. Buddha-Heart, the Awakened Heart/Mind of Compassion and Wisdom, which is Buddhahood.

Today, the main focus of the Buddhaheart Fellowship of Tasmania is to provide Ch’an (Zen) training opportunities to anyone who requests it.

Affiliation

2013 saw some major changes.  The Buddhaheart Fellowship became affiliated with CloudWater Zendo, the Zen Centre of Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Resident Teacher Venerable Sangye Dorje was ordained as a Ch’an (Zen) Priest of the Nien-Fo Ch’an Order  by Venerable Shih Ying-Fa, Abbot of CloudWater Zendo.  Sangye Dorje was given the Dharma name “Shih Jingang” (meaning Vajra Disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha).  Accordingly the Buddhaheart Fellowship changed its emphasis to Nien-Fo Ch’an, which are the unified teachings of Ch’an and Pure Land Buddhism, while still remaining dedicated to the ideals of inclusiveness, and community service.

Donations of three standing Buddha statues and other items for our Altar were made by Nga and Vinh Duong and other members of the Vietnamese-Australian Buddhist community, including their relatives in the USA.  We received a Buddha Shakyamuni statue, and other items from our late dharma sister Etty “Peaceful Heart” De Graaff.  More Buddha statues and other forms of donations were made by David Melhuish and Pauline Clayton.  Books were also donated to help students interested in Buddhism.

On September 7, 2019, in a Dharma Transmission ceremony held at CloudWater Zendo, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, Shih Jingang was presented with the robes of an Abbot and proclaimed to be a 49th Generation Dharma Heir of the Linji sect of Ch’an Buddhism by Ven. Shih Ying-Fa, Abbot of CloudWater Zendo and Head of the Nien-Fo Ch’an Order. A great honour and blessing.

Awakened Heart Community of Tasmania

On January of 2020, Shih Jingang was asked to take on the role of being Spiritual Director of the Awakened Heart Community of Tasmania. The main aim of this group is to offer practical help to humans and animals in the community in vulnerable situations. Spiritual Care services are part of what we make available to anyone who requests it.

Duc Son Buddhist Centre, Bothwell, Tasmania

In September 2021, Sifu was asked to begin teaching members of the Vietnamese-Australian Buddhist community at Duc Son Buddhist Centre, Bothwell.  He later declined an offer to be the Abbot of a future temple to be built at Bothwell.

The Zen Hermitage Project

Following repeated requests from students in the north west, and Launceston, to hold regular classes and retreats in that region of Tasmania, Shih Jingang relocated to Ulverstone, in the north west.  A decision was also made to begin searching around Tasmania for a property suitable for use as a Ch’an (Zen) training and practice centre; and as a venue for Inter-contemplative dialogue and practice. Such a venue would provide facilities for the community, and accommodation for our teacher, Shih Jingang, other residents and guests. More details are available on The Zen Hermitage Project page.  Below is an image of a life-sized carved wooden Buddha, created by Michael Green, which will one day be displayed in our centre.

Shih Jingang continues to work and teach, as he has done for many years, for the benefit of Buddhists and the wider community.  He served 15 years as a Retained Volunteer Firefighter with the Tasmania Fire Service; regularly teaches classes, and has years of experience leading retreats in Tasmania, interstate and overseas.  Sifu has worked as a Spiritual Care Supervisor, and still serves the community as a Chaplain, as well as officiating at Baby Blessings, Weddings; Funerals and Memorials.

He is often asked to give talks at schools, community groups and professional bodies; and is also an advocate for Interspiritual dialogue and practice. Sifu has been interviewed on local and national radio, and has regularly given talks to various groups on Zoom.  He is a co-patron of Buddhists Engaged With Emergency Services (BEWES).  Currently he lives in north west Tasmania.

Our supporters and friends are united in a common purpose, to work and practice for the benefit of all suffering sentient beings.  Without the continued help of named and anonymous patrons our community work would not be sustainable. Nine bows to all.

May the Dharma continue to prosper, and may all beings be liberated from Samsaric suffering.

“Dwell! You are the Light itself. Rely on yourself. Do not rely on others. The Dharma is the light. Rely on the Dharma. Do not rely on anything other than the Dharma.”

  Buddha is Name, Name is Buddha; the Awakened Heart our True Home.

CONTACT US-

Email: mail@buddhaname.org   Facebook: Awakened Heart Community of Tasmania; and Buddhaheart Fellowship.

Copyright © 2013-2026 – Venerable Shih Jingang