Courses and events
Drogmi Buddhist Institute offers courses and events at Tilba and elsewhere. We also have advanced courses for experienced practitioners.
Some courses and events have been cancelled due to the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic. For more information read the message from the DBI committee on the home page.
Some courses and events have been cancelled due to the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic. For more information read the message from the DBI committee on the home page.
Support to attend Drogmi Buddhist Institute events
It is our sincere wish that the Buddha's teachings are available to all regardless of income. The Centre can offer support to those in need. So, if you wish to attend a course or event and do not have the income to allow that, please email the Spiritual Program Coordinator at [email protected].
Find out more:
Courses and events at Tilba
Online courses and events
External courses
Advanced courses
Sponsor a meal or tea at retreats
Cancellation of bookings
Courses and events at Tilba
Online courses and events
External courses
Advanced courses
Sponsor a meal or tea at retreats
Cancellation of bookings
Courses and events at Tilba
Courses held at the Kamalashia Tibetan Buddhist Centre, 9000 Princes Highway, Tilba NSW
|
Sunday MeditationSundays, 10-11am - Restarting on Sunday 26 January 2025
Meditation led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. Learn and practice the fundamentals of meditation by an accomplished meditation master. Stay for a cuppa and chat afterwards. By donation Go to this page and scroll down to the Donations section. |
|
Six dome White Tara practiceSix Dome White Tara Practice will be held the first Sunday of each month at 12 noon to 1 pm, recommencing for 2025 on Sunday 2 February.
The practice will also be available on Zoom. Open to everyone who has received the Six Dome White Tara empowerment from a qualified teacher. For bookings, email [email protected]. By donation. Go to this page, and scroll down to Donations. |
|
Healing and clear mind retreatFriday 27 December to Wednesday 1 January
This retreat offers a combination of meditation instruction and practice in calming and healing the body and mind. This is a wonderful time to mindfully prepare for the New Year, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the year past and prepare for the year ahead in a peaceful and naturally beautiful environment. Instructors Venerable Tsultim ordained as a monk in 2004. Since that time, he has undertaken many retreats and taken teachings from great meditation master’s around the world. He leads meditation workshops and courses in NSW and Queensland and is known for his enthusiasm and warmness to others. Jack Heath has been a meditation practitioner for 30 years. He undertook his first meditation retreat, in Vipassana, in 1994. Jack has received teachings from many great meditation masters and undertaken retreats in Australia and overseas. He has worked in the mental health sector and shares his knowledge with joy and kindness. When 7pm Friday 27 December 2024 to 1pm Wednesday 1 January 2025 Where 9000 Princes Highway Tilba Tilba. Cost Full retreat with accommodation $400 (includes accommodation, meals and teachings) Camping $390 Off site $360 Daily rate $80 Members and Friends of Drogmi receive a 15 per cent discount. To receive the discount select the option you want then go to the checkout. Choose the 'coupon' option, enter the discount code and click on ‘Apply’. |
|
Kamalashila Open DaySaturday 8 February, 10 am-2 pm
Stalls, lunch and refreshments, learn to meditate sessions. Guided tour of the temple and centre facilities. Free entry, all are welcome. |
|
Introduction to meditation5 week course
18 February to 18 March, Tuesdays, 10-11.30 am Learn and practice the basics of meditation in a beautiful and peaceful bush setting, from experienced instructors. Meditation is proven to increase alertness and energy whilst decreasing anxiety and stress. Leading to a healthier body and mind. Led by senior students at the centre. When: Tuesdays: 10 -11:30am 18 February - 18 March Cost: $10 per class / $40 full course (Includes morning tea) Members and Friends of Drogmi receive a 15 per cent discount. To receive the discount select the option you want then go to the checkout. Choose the 'coupon' option, enter the discount code and click on ‘Apply’. |
|
Tibetan New year - 'Losar' with prayer flag sponsorshipSunday 2 March
Traditionally, Tibetans celebrate Losar ལོ་གསར for three days. This year Losar falls from 28 February to 2 March. At Kamalashila Tibetan Centre, we will be celebrating Losar and hanging prayer flags on the third day of Losar, Sunday 2 March. Program at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, Tilba, on 2 March 10 am-11 am: Sunday meditation and Tara recitations 11 am-12 noon: Hanging of prayer flags 12 noon: Community lunch: please bring food to share The hanging of prayer flags or "Wind Horses" on this day brings very good fortune, bringing good luck and success to one's life. The Tibetan tradition is to hang prayer flags at the beginning of the Tibetan New Year. The benefits of doing this is that when the wind touches the holy words of the Buddha that are written on the flags, it carries them in every direction. Hanging prayer flags creates the right cause to benefit all beings and the environment, and in particular the person and family who are raising the flag has enormous benefit. We will be arranging flag raising using good quality prayer flags that will last more than one year, therefore spreading the holy words of Buddha for a long period. Sponsoring flags You have the opportunity to participate by sponsoring a flag of five sets of colour for $30 or an individual flag for $7 each. You can also nominate to put your name or loved ones, family, friends on the flag. To sponsor a flag, click on the link below. If you wish names to be written on the flags we can do this for you. Please add a note to your sponsorship payment with names to be written on flags, no later than 25 February. |
|
Six dome white tara retreatThursday 13 March, 7 pm, to Sunday 16 March, 1 pm
Led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe Prayers to White Tara are especially effective for health, healing, and longevity. She offers healing to our wounds, whether it is our bodies or our minds that have been hurt. White Tara is extremely powerful. Like a mother to a child, she is very quick to fulfill our wishes and to grant us happiness and a long life, as well as to help us develop wisdom. By taking refuge in White Tara and practicing meditation, visualisations, and having faith, you have the power to remove obstacles to your life and to prolong your life. Though all the manifestations of Tara share the characteristic of compassion through this connection to Chenrezig, it is White Tara who is most closely linked to his essential compassionate nature. Her pure compassion for our suffering, which is thought to be greater even than a mother’s love for her child, is symbolized in images of White Tara by her white colour. Her whiteness also indicates the undifferentiated truth of the Dharma. Prerequisite: To have received the Six Dome White Tara empowerment from a Sakya Lineage Holder. If unsure of this, please check with the organisers. Where: Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, 9000 Princes Highway Tilba When: 7pm 13 March to 1pm 16 March 2025 Cost: Onsite: $420 – includes teachings, all meals and accommodation Onsite camping or own van: $410- includes teachings, all meals and onsite stay Offsite: $360 – Includes teachings and all meals Members and Friends of Drogmi receive a 15 per cent discount. To receive the discount select the option you want then go to the checkout. Choose the 'coupon' option, enter the discount code and click on ‘Apply’. |
|
Karma Yoga group RetreatFriday 28 to Sunday 30 March
“For the sake of creating a beautiful home for the Dharma” Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe This is our eighth Karma Yoga Group retreat. It will be a weekend where our body and mind work together to help others. The days start with a meditation session led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe and concludes with a campfire yarn. Come and join us with work in the garden, building maintenance, cleaning and painting or assisting with the catering. There is a job for everyone! * Meals and accommodation are offered free of charge. Friday and Saturday: 8 am to 6 pm; Sunday: 8 am to 1 pm Bookings essential for for organisational needs - please email [email protected]. |
|
3rd Annual Three Visions FestivalSaturday 5 April
Gates open at 10.30 am This festival is a platform for Aboriginal, Tibetan and Western cultures to come together and celebrate and showcase each culture’s dance, art, food, costumes, music and song. More information and Bookings coming soon. |
|
Shamatha and mindfulness retreatThursday 17 April, 7pm, to Sunday 20 April, 1pm - Easter long weekend
Led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe Open to those new to meditation and to all others. A wonderful opportunity in these turbulent times to learn and practice methods of meditation that have been tried and proven throughout the centuries to help relax and focus our concentration, leading to improved mental health. Where: Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, 9000 Princes Highway Tilba When: Thursday 17 April 7pm to Sunday 20 April (1pm) Cost: Onsite: $420 – includes teachings, all meals and accommodation Onsite camping or own van: $410- includes teachings, all meals and onsite stay Offsite: $360 – Includes teachings and all meals Members and Friends of Drogmi receive a 15 per cent discount. To receive the discount select the option you want then go to the checkout. Choose the 'coupon' option, enter the discount code and click on ‘Apply’. |
|
Mindfulness Daylong Retreat 2025 – with Ayya Jitindriyā
Saturday 26th April, 2025 – 9 am-4:30 pm
The cultivation of mindfulness, full awareness and wisdom are central to the path of awakening and liberation from suffering as taught by the Buddha. In this daylong retreat, Ayya Jitindriyā will offer teachings and guided meditations based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness - a core set of practices outlined by the Buddha for awakening - and the application and integration of mindfulness within our daily lives. The daylong will be held in noble silence with times for group Q & A and discussion. Cost: $90 (Cost includes program, lunch and morning and afternoon tea) Members and Friends of Drogmi receive a 15 per cent discount. To receive the discount select the option you want then go to the checkout. Choose the 'coupon' option, enter the discount code and click on ‘Apply’. |
|
Family retreatSaturday 3 - Sunday 4 May
Starts 11am on 3rd, finishes 1pm on 4th. This retreat offers families the opportunity to spend quality time together, strengthening and deepening relationships and opening our hearts to each other. In this retreat Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will lead us on short meditation sessions and Q&A for parents, interspersed with fun family activities for all ages. It is a great follow on from the Family Online Course. Cost includes accommodation, meals and program. Families are accommodated together. Cost: $70 per adult Dorm or Hut/ $60 camping $30 per child Dorm or Hut/ $20 camping Members and Friends of Drogmi receive a 15 per cent discount. To receive the discount select the option you want then go to the checkout. Choose the 'coupon' option, enter the discount code and click on ‘Apply’. |
Online courses and events
|
Online family meditation course7-7:30 pm Thursdays, 6, 13, 20, 27 March, 3 April
Over five sessions, this course offers your family an opportunity to try meditation together in your own home. Values of togetherness, kindness and mindfulness are also explored through simple games and story. Facilitated by Zara Kaye, a primary school teacher. This course is by offering only. Bookings are essential at [email protected] Once you have booked you will be sent the zoom link to join in. |
|
Autumn Buddhist Philosophy CourseThe inaugural Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course began in March 2022. This is a precious opportunity to join a three-year comprehensive spiritual training in the three main Buddhist traditions.
The course is presented in the true spirit of ‘rime’ or non-sectarianism. In the first year the course will cover the Hinayana tradition, and in the following years the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. The course will be conducted over two semesters each year with regular online teachings by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, teachings by guest speakers drawn from the different traditions, online mentor sessions with Drogmi Buddhist Institute-trained mentors, especially prepared readings by Khenpo and two retreat sessions each year. The course is fully enrolled; however we have a waiting list in case vacancies arise. The course will be run again, starting in 2026. Click here for more information on the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course |
External courses and events
|
Khenpo's 12th pilgrimage to India and Nepal28 December 2024 to 18 January 2025
Walk in the Footsteps of the Buddha. Join Khenpo on a transformative pilgrimage to the four holy sites:
*Flights, visas, and travel insurance not included Limited spaces available! Join Khenpo on this journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. It is truly a rare opportunity to undertake this very special pilgrimage as Khenpo only leads pilgrimages once every three years. For more information and to register contact Vanessa Howie at [email protected] |
|
RegulaR meditation at Croydon, NSWThe regular meditation sessions at Croydon are cancelled until further notice.
|
Advanced courses
|
The Complete PathThe International Buddhist Academy in Kathmandu, Nepal, has launched an international seven year training program that encompasses the Tibetan Buddhist path in its entirety. This unique course is for Dharma practitioners of all levels to study and experience training on the theory and practice of the Mahayana and Vajrayana path as transmitted by the founding masters of the Sakya school ofTibetan Buddhism.
Drogmi Buddhist Institute offered the first three years of the international training program. Kamalashila Buddhist Centre, Tilba, from 2017 to 2019. The final four years are offered at the International Buddhist Academy at Kathmandu. Read more |
Sponsor meal or tea
Consider sponsoring meals or morning and afternoon tea at DBI retreats. It is considered virtuous to provide food to sangha in retreat. This is a way to contribute for those who can’t attend and. for those taking part to make an extra contribution. You can sponsor meals for $100 or tea for $50. When you go to the checkout, write a note telling us the retreat you want your donation to be used for.
Cancellation of bookings
A cancellation fee will be charged for bookings which are cancelled. The fee is 10 per cent of the total price, with a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $50.