Lam Dre 2009 in Australia
More than 150 ordained and lay students attended Lam Dre, from every state and territory of Australia, and from all around the world - 11 countries in 5 continents.
The Lam Dre is considered the most profound of all teachings in the Sakya tradition. There are no prerequisites in order to receive Lam Dre - the precious Lam Dre is a complete teaching in itself.
During the Lam Dre teachings, His Holiness the Sakya Trizin gave teachings in the morning session. His Eminence Gyana Vajra Rinpoche reviewed the Triple Vision teachings in the afternoon. His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche conducted the Triple Tantra afternoon re-teachings and led afternoon meditation practices.
The teaching cycle ran for approximately five weeks, and included:
- Triple Vision teachings, plus Bodhisattva vows
- Cause Hevajra empowerment, a major 2 day empowerment
- Triple Tantra teachings, including Hevajra Path and other empowerments
His Holiness the Sakya Trizin with Lam Dre 2009 Coordinators
Balmain connections
Balmain Town Hall
Lam Dre 2009 was held in the Balmain Town Hall. Balmain is a harbourside suburb in Sydney's inner west. It is one of Sydney's oldest working-class suburbs. Balmain peninsula is now a colourful and artistic suburb and a beautiful part of Sydney.
Balmain has special associations with the Sakya tradition in Australia. When His Eminence the late 14th Gyalsay Tulku Rinpoche came to Sydney to establish a Sakya centre, Balmain was the home of the centre's first official premises. The centre had been founded and named Sakya Tharpa Ling by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin during his Australian tour in 1988, during which he bestowed Lam Dre in Australia for the first time. His Eminence Gyalsay Tulku Rinpoche gave preparation and assistance to His Holiness with both the Lam Dre and the national tour in that year.
During His Holiness the Sakya Trizin's most recent and third visit to Australia in 2003, the major events of that tour were held in Balmain Town Hall, including the precious 13 Golden Dharma teachings. This was the first time His Holiness had bestowed the 13 Golden Dharmas in their entirety in the West and they were given over a six day period.
Balmain Town Hall was also the venue of teachings and empowerments given by His Eminence the late Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, during his second visit to Australia in 2001.