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Coorain was built in 1992 by the dharma network of Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche, which also established Origins Centre in 1983. The group itself was founded in Perth in 1979. Coorain is the residence and practice house of those with an interest in Buddhist Teachings. Chimé Shore is the presiding teacher and Anne Clark is the resident practitioner. Between them they fulfill the role of Khenpo by teaching and fully managing Origins Centre and Coorain.
Buddhist Lineage
Our lineage is universalist, but with particular links to the Karma Kargu/Mahamudra Lineage of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism and to the Theravada Tradition (Mon) of Myanmar (Burma).
We have a long history of involvement and friendship in Rumtek, Sikkim where we have supported the welfare of the Karma Chokhor Dechen Nunnery for 14 years now. The support of women and girls in the context of traditional dharma, seems an appropriate gesture for us all.
We are friends with the Burmese Community of Western Australia and have had close ties to Ven. Sayadaw U Thila Wunta, late Abbott of Dat Pon Zun Aung Min Gaung Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. After Sayadwaw passed away, we have maintained a good relationship with his centre and the new Sayadaw there. The local Burmese community supplied the ceiling in the Rotunda and the tiles around the World Peace Pagoda. Coorain has facilitated trips to visit the traditional communities.
We have a long history of involvement and friendship in Rumtek, Sikkim where we have supported the welfare of the Karma Chokhor Dechen Nunnery for 14 years now. The support of women and girls in the context of traditional dharma, seems an appropriate gesture for us all.
We are friends with the Burmese Community of Western Australia and have had close ties to Ven. Sayadaw U Thila Wunta, late Abbott of Dat Pon Zun Aung Min Gaung Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. After Sayadwaw passed away, we have maintained a good relationship with his centre and the new Sayadaw there. The local Burmese community supplied the ceiling in the Rotunda and the tiles around the World Peace Pagoda. Coorain has facilitated trips to visit the traditional communities.
Activities
Coorain practioners have an ongoing exploration of sacred art and theatre as a vehicle for understanding the Tibetan arising yoga teachings as well as the general principles of the human enlightenment. Plainsong chanting is another feature of practice at Coorain. Chanting takes place some mornings at 6:30am. The songs are adaptations of traditional puja with new expressions of the dharma to suit our concerns today. Plainsong is a wonderful practice for encouragement and for memory. |
We conduct the mindfulness sessions and retreats at the Origins Centre. Extended individual retreats also happen within the Coorain facility. This happens through private arrangement with resident co-managers. There are personal cabins available for these retreats. People can be combine their meditative practice with an interest such as study or art. |
Operations
Coorain provides the long-term stability and management needed for the Origins Centre to function. Chimé Shore and Anne Clark fulfil the role of Khenpo by teaching and fully managing Origins Centre and Coorain.
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We also sponsor, manage and labour on the rural bush parkland project, known as Landcare on the land common to Coorain and the Origins Centre. The Coorain gardens are a real source of pride, too. The fruit from the orchards are a treat for us all.
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