I recall first hearing about Ven Robina Courtin when the she appeared at my local Buddhist centre (Tara Insititute) .. this was sometime in the late 1990’s and I recall that she held a powerful presence and was very smart. She inspired me to continue my interest in Buddhist studies and I followed her through my reading of the Australian Mandala magazine which she edited for a few years .. in fact, I recently unearthed some old editions in my garage (talk about attachment).
A few years later there was the release of Chasing Buddha, an inspiring and award-winning documentary film about Ven. Robina by her nephew, Australian filmmaker Amiel Courtin-Wilson.
I also now recall that I corresponded with Ven. Robina’s office a few times in the early 2000’s inspired to attend one of her pilgrimages to India (maybe I shall revisit this?) .. but at the time I ended up with a shiny new corporate job and my journey took a different path.
Today I was so inspired to received and watch this presentation “Happiness when the chocolate runs out” by Ven Robina Courtin at Happiness & Its Causes 2015.
A wonderful insight into the Buddhist model of developing concentration meditation .. ‘the psychological techniques that form the basis of what we call mindfulness meditation and the variations now abounding in the West’ .. to better understand the contents of our mind and the assumptions we bring to life. I feel I will need to watch this video a few times .. it is full of valuable gems .. and if you feel drawn to understand more, please watch.