Courses and events
Drogmi Buddhist Institute offers courses and events at Tilba and elsewhere. We also have advanced courses for experienced practitioners.
For quick reference there is a list of the full 2026 program at the bottom of the page.
For quick reference there is a list of the full 2026 program at the bottom of the 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
Full 2026 program
Advanced courses
External courses
Sponsor a meal or tea at retreats
Cancellation of bookings
Courses and events at Tilba
Online courses
Full 2026 program
Advanced courses
External 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
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Sunday MeditationEvery Sunday
8.30-9.30 am Green Tara Puja in the Tara Gompa Every Sunday, 10-11 am Shamatha or "Calm Abiding" Practice led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. Learn and practice the fundamentals of meditation by an accomplished meditation master. Stay for a cuppa and chat afterwards. Every second and fourth Sunday of the month 11-11.30 am Medicine Buddha Practice led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. Medicine Buddha is effective in healing physical and mental sickness, for oneself and others. You do not require any pre-requisite when attending this practice in the group setting. By donation Go to this page and scroll down to the Donations section. |
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Six dome White Tara practiceSix Dome White Tara Practice is held the first Sunday of each month at 12 noon to 1 pm.
The practice is also 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 the Donations section. |
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MEDITATION for well being
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uLURU RETREAT - 20 - 25 may
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SAGA DAWA Sunday 17 May to Monday 15 JuneSaga Dawa is the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar and is considered the most important Buddhist time of the year. The month’s name derives from the Tibetan Saga ས་ག. It is also known as “the 100,000 multiplying month”, as all skillful and unskillful actions are said to be multiplied by 100,000 times. The month, and particularly the first fifteen days are auspicious for dharma practice and cultivating any positive actions with body, speech and mind. This is the most auspicious and meritorious time of year to make offerings. The centre provides the opportunity for you to sponsor light (candle) offerings during the month and to sponsor tea and meal offerings during our Mantra Marathon event.
At the centre we will be celebrating this very special time with this program. 1. Sunday 17 May: 10am - 11.30am: Regular practice with special prayers and the lighting of 108 lamps. Then a shared morning tea - bring a plate of food to share. 2. Daily sponsored light offerings: for the first 15 days.
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saga dawa duchen mantra 'marathon' recitations 30 - 31 MayCommencing Saturday 1 pm concluding Sunday 1 pm
Where: Main Gompa, Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre What to bring: Offerings for the shrine, a water bottle warm comfortable clothing and a mala. Saga Dawa Duchen is the most holy day, in the most holy of months, Saga Dawa, in the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar. It is a day that commemorates Buddha Shakyamuni’s enlightenment and passing into mahaparinirvana. At the age of 35 Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya India. At the age of 80 Buddha Shakyamuni demonstrated passing into mahaparinirvana in the town of Kushinagar India, after saying “It is the nature of all things that take form to dissolve again. Strive with your whole being to attain perfection.” (Sakya Calendar) Traditionally, at this time, the lay community conducts this Mantra (marathon) recitations for a 24-hour period. Due to this auspicious time, all our meritorious efforts are multiplied a million times over. It is a very virtuous time to enrich our heart and mind by cleansing our attachment and grasping mind. It is a time not to gain but to give to oneself and all sentient beings. Meaning of Mantras: Mantras in Vajrayana Buddhism are sacred sound vibrations representing the enlightened body, speech, and mind of a Buddha, acting as tools to guard the mind from suffering and negative karma. They are used for meditation, transformation, and connecting to the essence of specific deities to gain wisdom and compassion. The goal: To recite as many mantras as possible collectively within a 24-hour period. How it works: It will be a group nonstop recitation of mantras such as Buddha Shakyamuni mantra, Healing mantra, Compassion mantra, Green Tara mantra and Vajrasattva mantra. The 24-hour program commences at 1pm on Saturday 30 May and concludes 1pm Sunday 31 May. Participants are welcome to come and go from the gompa and recite as many mantras as possible, in a system of rotating “shifts” of sangha members, so that the mantras never pause or cease during that time but continue nonstop. Attendees can have regular breaks for refreshments. Meals will be offered at staggered times to ensure the recitations continue. Taking of the 8 Mahayana Precepts: On Sunday morning Khenpo la will lead us in a precept’s ceremony. The 8 Mahayana Precepts are a 24-hour set of vows taken to purify negative karma, accumulate merit, and cultivate the Mahayana motivation to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. These vows, which closely resemble monastic training for one day only, are often taken on full/new moons or holy days, including strict restrictions on eating times, sensory pleasures, and sexual behaviour. Offerings: This is the most auspicious and meritorious time of year to make offerings. It is highly recommended that you make offerings of flowers and fruit to the shrine. You will also have the opportunity to make tea and meal offerings by sponsoring these for the ordained and lay sangha members. For those unable to be present during this event, you may choose this as a way of participation. Sponsorships: Are available – to sponsor morning or afternoon tea $100; sponsor lunch or dinner $250. Bookings: Confirm your attendance via email [email protected] - this event is free of charge. |
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Shri vajrapani bhutadamara retreat with fire puja 9 - 12 julyShri Vajrapani Bhutadamara is the Master of Unfathomable Mysteries, who upholds truth of darkness and ignorance.
In general, Vajrapani Bhutadamara is the remover of all sorts of obstacles, in particular to overcome difficulties for serious Vajrayana practitioners. Traditionally in the Sakyapa, practitioners complete this retreat before conducting a major retreat. Khenpo la will give detailed teachings and practice together. Please Note: Attendance at this retreat is full time from beginning to end and for those attending the retreat it includes the Fire Puja. Pre-requisite ~ Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara Empowerment The Fire Puja on 12 July is open to everyone, it has no pre-requisite if attending just this day. Where: Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre ~ 9000 Princes Highway, Tilba NSW When: Thursday 9 July (7pm) to Sunday 12 July (1pm) 2026 Cost: On-site: $450 (Includes all meals, teachings and accommodation). On-site camping/or own van: $420 (Includes teachings, all meals and centre facilities). Off-site: $390 (Includes teachings & all meals). Fire Puja only: 12 July at 10am - $80 includes puja and lunch and refreshments. Bookings essential. Members and Friends of Drogmi receive a 15 per cent discount. Concession Card Holders get a 20 per cent discount. |
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karma yoga group retreat
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family retreat 19 - 20 SeptemberStarts 11am on 19 September and Finishes 2pm on
20 September with Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe 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 and interactive family activities for all ages led by Zara Kaye, a local primary school teacher. It is a great follow on from the Family Online Course. Cost includes accommodation, meals and program. $70 per adult / $40 per child onsite dorms $60 per adult / $30 per child camping/own tent/own van $50 per adult / $25 per child off site Members and Friends of Drogmi receive a 15 per cent discount. Concession Card Holders get a 20 per cent discount. For Members and Friends, select the option you want then go to the checkout. Choose the 'coupon' option. Enter the discount code you have been given. Enter the discount code and click on ‘Apply’. |
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shamatha - vipassana (calm & insight) retreat
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Online courses
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ONLINE FAMILY MEDITATION COURSEThe 2nd course for this year is currently running on Thursday nights and finishes on 4 June 7 pm - 7.30 pm. Your family are welcome to join in for the remaining session (s).
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. Once you have booked by emailing [email protected] you will be sent the zoom link to join in. This course is by donation. |
Full DBI program 2026
Come and join us for these enriching events that cater to both beginners and experienced practitioners. These retreats and gatherings are designed to provide a space for deep reflection, meditation, and community connection. Whether you are seeking spiritual growth, peace of mind, or a supportive community, these events offer something for everyone.
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12 Feb - 12 Mar
Thursday nights for 5 weeks. Online Family Meditation Course led by Zara (7-7:30pm). Open to families with young children. 18 Feb Losar Celebrations 20 - 22 Feb Vajrayogini Retreat Pre-requisite Vajrayogini Blessing and 7 Day Teachings on the sadhana. 28 Feb Kamalashila Open Day 3 - 31 Mar Introduction to Meditation Course - Tuesdays for 5 weeks 10 - 11.30am 6 Mar Sydney Public Talk - Newtown. 6.30pm-7.30pm 7 - 8 Mar Sydney Teaching Program - Croydon 20 - 22 Mar Karma Yoga Group Retreat (Starts: Fri at 8am, Finishes: Sun at 3pm). Open to all 31 Mar - 5 Apr His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche visit to KTBC 21 Apr - 19 May Meditation for Well-being 5 week course Tuesdays 10-11.30am With Venerable Tsultim 25 - 27 Apr Mindfulness Retreat with Ayya Jayasara 30 Apr - 28 May Thursday nights for 5 weeks. 2nd Online Family Meditation Course led by Zara (7-7:30pm). Open to families with young children. 2-3 May 1st Family Retreat (Starts: Sat 2rd at 11am, Finishes: Sun 3th at 1pm) Open to all. 20 - 25 May Uluru Retreat 17 - 31 May Saga Dawa - Holy Month Daily light offering sponsorships 17 May - 10 am-11.30 am Saga Dawa - Regular Sunday practice with 108 light offerings followed by morning tea to share. 30 - 31 May Saga Dawa Special weekend retreat 9 - 12 Jul Vajrapani Bhutadamara Retreat - Fire Puja 12 Jul Pre-requisite Vajrapani Bhutadamara Empowerment. 30 Jul - 27 Aug 3rd Online Family Meditation Course Thursday nights for 5 weeks with Zara (7-7:30pm). Open to families with young children. 31 Jul -2 Aug Karma Yoga Group Retreat (Starts: Fri at 8am, Finishes: Sun at 3pm). Open to all 19 - 20 Sep Family Retreat. Open to all. 2 - 10 Oct Annual Shamatha Retreat (Labour Day long weekend) (Starts: Fri 2nd at 7pm, Finishes: Sat 10th at 1pm) Open to all. 24 Oct Death and Dying Workshop with Venerable Rinchen 25 Oct Mindfulness based on the five aggregates teachings with Venerable Rinchen. 12 - 15 Nov Shamatha - Vipassana Retreat (Starts: Thu 12th at 4pm, Finishes: Sun 15th at 2pm). Open to all 14 - 15 Nov Sydney Teaching Program 5 Dec Annual General Meeting 27 Dec - 1 Jan Healing and Purification Retreat. Open to all. |
Advanced courses
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Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course 2026-28This 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.
The inaugural Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course ran successfully from 2022 to 2024. The course will run again from 2026 to 2028, beginning in March 2026. In the first year the course will cover the Shravakayana 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 open to anyone who is interested in Buddhist philosophy and practice. The course is presented in the true spirit of ‘rime’ or non-sectarianism. In the first year the course covered the Shravakayana tradition, and in the following years the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions are covered. Click here for more information |
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Drogmi shedra course 2026-28Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will lead a new three year studies program at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre.
The Drogmi Shedra will commence in May 2026 and conclude in September 2028. ‘Shedra’ is the Tibetan word for ‘centre for teaching’ and is the traditional higher learning provided to monks and nuns to study the most important Buddhist texts. The course comprises two semesters per year and includes in-person intensive study residentials at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre; three days in semester 1 (in May) and 10 days in semester 2 (in September). The study residentials will involve teachings, personal study, discussion and a mix of group and individual presentations. The text for 2026 will be Bodhicharyavatara (Chapter 5: Contemplations and Chapter 6: Wisdom) by Shantideva (8th century) and any version of the text can be used. 2026 Dates: Semester 1 study residential: 7 to 10 May 2026 Semester 1 online Zoom teachings: June, July and August (one session per month) Semester 2 study residential: 4 to 13 September 2026 Click here for more information |
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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.
