Metta Centre Incorporated is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering kindness, connection, and spiritual growth through Buddhist teachings and community engagement. Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ABN 45377803241), Metta Centre operates primarily in New South Wales, offering a range of wellbeing programs and services that are non-sectarian and socially engaged.

Mission and Activities

The organization's mission is to advance welfare and peace within individuals, families, communities, and the broader world. It achieves this by organizing innovative events such as workshops, meditation sessions, yoga, and chi qong, which are designed to promote Buddhist values and general wellness within the community. The Centre supports a diversity of Buddhist traditions without sectarian bias, emphasizing inclusive spiritual development and social welfare.

Community Engagement and Social Welfare

Metta Centre has a social welfare branch known as Metta Hearts, which focuses on supporting underprivileged groups including the homeless and children in foster care. Additionally, the Centre promotes connection to the broader Buddhist community through initiatives like Metta Connections, an online professional network aiding laypeople to engage with Buddhist organizations and practice right livelihood.

Educational and Cultural Programs

The Centre acts as a bridge between the public and Buddhist monasteries worldwide. It organizes Temple Tours, retreats, pilgrimages, and a Temple Spotlight Series featuring video content about Buddhist temples and monasteries globally. These efforts aim to encourage visitation, support, and appreciation of monastic communities, regarded as sources of hope and wisdom.

Metta Centre also provides access to Buddhist teachings through various media including talks, guided meditations, and a wide range of free Buddhist books distributed at events. For those who prefer digital access, their sister organization, Lotus Library, offers over 1,400 eBooks from all Buddhist traditions, which complements resources like SuttaCentral that provide modern translations of early Buddhist texts.

Operations and Funding

Metta Centre functions entirely through the generosity of volunteers and public donations, with no paid staff. Financial reports indicate that the organization operates on a modest budget, often relying on donations and loans to cover operational expenses. It receives no government grants or sponsorship from other Buddhist organizations, maintaining independence in its activities and outreach.

Online Presence

The Centre maintains a website and a YouTube channel where many of its talks, meditations, and event recordings are made freely available, extending its reach beyond Sydney to an international audience.

Metta Centre Incorporated exemplifies a community-driven and inclusive approach to spiritual welfare and education within the Australian Buddhist context, promoting both individual wellbeing and social harmony through accessible teachings and compassionate service.

[1] https://www.mettacentre.com [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/c5e9a369-3aaf-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/c5e9a369-3aaf-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/documents/c2bec8ab-52c8-e811-a964-000d3ad24077 [4] https://acncpubfilesprodstorage.blob.core.windows.net/public/c5e9a369-3aaf-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d-5e1fa4ed-d398-450a-ad55-cae5997cf870-Financial%20Report-46b41bfb-8da0-ed11-aad1-002248933d22-Metta_Centre_Annual_Report_2022.pdf [5] https://www.mettacentre.com/donate