Compassion is the gentle strength that allows us to recognise ourselves in others — the heartfelt wish to ease suffering, encourage understanding and help create a world in which every person feels valued, respected and connected.
Each year, the Gold Coast Buddhist Council warmly invites the whole community to Gold Coast Compassion Day, a free day dedicated to peace, mental wellbeing and shared human connection. You do not need to be religious, and you do not need to know how to meditate — simply come with curiosity.
You might arrive to the colour and energy of a multicultural procession, hear Buddhist monastics offer prayers for peace, sit quietly in meditation, or step outside to practise yoga and qigong at the Health and Wellbeing Pavilion.
Wander between intimate experiences and larger community gatherings. Listen to poetry about healing, discover ancient teachings considered through the realities of modern life, share a vegetarian lunch, and meet people from across the Gold Coast.
There will be moments of stillness and moments of celebration. Bring your pet for a special blessing, enjoy cultural performances from different communities, and stay as evening falls for outdoor cinema beneath the open sky.
The program below is confirmed. Times and details may be subject to minor change closer to the event.
Multicultural Procession
Arrive to the colour and energy of a multicultural procession opening the day.
Buddhist Teachings & Prayers for Peace
Buddhist teachers and monastics from different traditions share accessible teachings on compassion and wisdom, and offer prayers for peace.
Interfaith Q&A
Representatives from different faith traditions share their perspectives on compassion, ethics, community and wellbeing, with questions from a panel of Year 12 students.
Dharma Talks & Poetry
Heart Sutra chanting, a talk on the Vajrayana path, and poetry readings exploring spirituality, beauty and meaning.
Yoga & Qigong
Restorative yoga and gentle qigong sessions at the Health and Wellbeing Pavilion, designed to support both body and mind.
Meditation & Devotional Chanting
Guided meditation and devotional chanting that encourage calm, awareness and inner peace.
Kindness Activities
Hands-on activities themed around everyday kindness, suitable for all ages.
Pet Blessings
Offered throughout the day by Buddhist monks and nuns — bring your animal companion along for a special blessing.
Cultural Performances
Performances that celebrate the cultures and traditions within our community.
Community Vegetarian Lunch
A complimentary vegetarian lunch, with plenty of opportunity to connect with community members, faith leaders and wellbeing practitioners.
Outdoor Film Screening
An evening screening of "Wisdom of Happiness," featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama, closes the day beneath the open sky.
Session Details
Below is the confirmed program for the Main Hall. Times and details may be subject to minor change closer to the event.
| Time | Activity | Speaker / Facilitator | Location / Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.45 am | Multicultural Procession | Buddhist monks, nuns & community groups | Main Hall |
| 9.00 am | Official Opening Ceremony — Welcome to Country, Australian National Anthem, welcome from the President of the Gold Coast Buddhist Council, and addresses from special guests and community leaders | Gold Coast Buddhist Council | Main Hall |
| 10.00 am – 11.00 am | Interfaith Questions and Answers — perspectives on compassion, ethics, community and wellbeing, with questions from Year 12 students Lexi Butler, Dyuthi Vuthpala, Venice Cai & Isabel Chudinski | Moderators: Ree Ali & Michael Brohier | Main Hall |
| 11.00 am – 12.00 pm | Community Vegetarian Lunch — a complimentary lunch and a chance to connect with community members, faith leaders and wellbeing practitioners | — | Main Hall |
| 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm | Heart Sutra Chanting and Dharma Talk — sacred chanting and accessible mindfulness teachings in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh | Monastics of the Vietnamese Plum Village tradition | Main Hall |
| 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm | Living the Vajrayana Path — the ancient wisdom of Vajrayana Buddhism applied to modern life, resilience, compassion and inner peace | — | Main Hall |
| 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm | Community Activities and Connection — explore the grounds and meet people from across the community | — | Grounds-wide |
| 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm | Cultural Celebration — music, dance and artistic expression celebrating the Gold Coast's cultural diversity | — | Main Hall |
| 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm | Outdoor Community Film Screening — "Wisdom of Happiness," featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama's reflections on compassion, happiness, wisdom and our shared humanity | — | Outdoors |
Health and Wellbeing Pavilion
Throughout the day, the outdoor pavilion offers interactive workshops, gentle movement, creativity and opportunities to explore different approaches to wellbeing.
| Time | Activity | Speaker / Facilitator | Location / Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.00 am | Restorative Yoga — a gentle, accessible practice supporting relaxation, flexibility, balance and overall wellbeing | — | Health & Wellbeing Pavilion |
| 11.00 am – 11.30 am | Qigong — slow down and reconnect with the body through gentle movement and breathing | Dennis | Health & Wellbeing Pavilion |
| 11.30 am | Ancient Chinese and Daoist Health Practices — traditional approaches to vitality, healthy ageing, recovery and longevity | Hong Curley | Health & Wellbeing Pavilion |
| 1.00 pm | Confluence of Compassion — an interactive family art experience contributing to a collaborative artwork on compassion, connection and community | Lisa Behan | Health & Wellbeing Pavilion |
| 2.00 pm | Poetry of the Divine — an uplifting exploration of spirituality, beauty and meaning through poetry and spoken word | Michael Brohier | Health & Wellbeing Pavilion |
| 2.45 pm – 3.45 pm | Mandala Art — the contemplative beauty of mandala art through a creative, engaging session | Sally Peters | Health & Wellbeing Pavilion |
| 3.45 pm – 4.15 pm | Qigong — pause, breathe and enjoy another gentle practice before the afternoon's cultural celebrations | Dennis | Health & Wellbeing Pavilion |
Featured Evening Event
Wisdom of Happiness
Outdoor Community Film Screening · 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
Settle in beneath the open sky for this inspiring documentary featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his reflections on compassion, happiness, wisdom and our shared humanity.
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