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 2025 program at the bottom of the page.
For quick reference there is a list of the full 2025 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 and events
External courses
Advanced courses
Full 2026 program
Sponsor a meal or tea at retreats
Cancellation of bookings
Courses and events at Tilba
Online courses and events
External courses
Advanced courses
Full 2026 program
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 Meditation# Please note that Sunday Practice resumes after the end of year break on 15 February 2026, after the road upgrade is completed.
Every 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 will be held the first Sunday of each month at 12 noon to 1 pm.
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. |
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losar ལོ་གསར tibetan new year celebrations - 18 and 22 februaryAn invitation to Tibetan New Year (Losar ལོ་གསར ) Celebrations and Prayer Flag Sponsorship.
The year of the Male Wood Horse 2153. At Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, we will be celebrating Losar on 2 days, firstly on the actual New Years Day and then again on the following Sunday. Everyone is welcome to attend both days. Wednesday 18 February Program: 10 am -12 md: Sixteen Arhat Puja with auspicious rice and tea offering. Sunday 22 February Program: 11 am - 12 md: Hanging of Prayer Flags and Sunday Practice. Prayer Flag Sponsorship: Each year at this time we offer sponsorship of prayer flags. Prayer flags are known as Wind Horses, spreading positive and blessed messages with the winds. Sponsors can purchase a flag (s), and request their name or family or friends names to be written on the flags, or messages of universal good will, to be picked up by the winds and dispersed. Your sponsored flag will then be hung on your behalf at the centre on 22 February or you can attend the day and help to hang them yourself. Please email us the names or messages that you wish to have written on the flag (s). Cost to sponsor flag (s): $7 for 1 flag $30 for a set of 5 flags |
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ANNUAL VAJRAYOGINI RETREAT 20-22 FebruaryStarts 9am Friday 20 February, concludes 1pm Sunday 22 February.
This is our 5th Vajrayogini Retreat at Kamalashila. Senior students will lead the sessions under the guidance of Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. Pre-requisite to attend is: Previously receiving from a Sakya Master the Vajrayogini Blessing and 7 Day Teachings on the sadhana. The weekend schedule is designed to cater for those newer to the practice and those with more experience, to share our knowledge with each other. Emphasis is on practicing together. ZOOM: For those Sangha unable to attend in person, there is an option to attend all sessions via Zoom. Cost: Onsite: $245 - includes all meals, teachings and accommodation. Onsite camping or own van: $215 - includes teachings, all meals and centre facilities. Offsite: $200 - Includes teachings and all meals. Zoom: $140 Single and double rooms: A limited number of single and double rooms are available for an additional cost: Single room $10 per night; double room $15 per night per room. Click here to order |
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PUBLIC TALK in SYDNEY:
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teachings in sydney:
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MEDITATION FOR WELLBEING COURSE
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karma yoga group retreat 20 - 22 March~ KARMA YOGA GROUP RETREAT ~
9am Friday 20 March to 1pm Sunday 22 March “For the sake of creating a beautiful home for the Dharma” Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe 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. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: for organisational needs - email [email protected] |
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MINDFULNESS RETREAT - 25 - 27 APRIL (anzac long-weekend)RETURN and REST
The most yielding of things overcomes the hardest of things ~ Tao Te Ching with Ayya Jayasara 9am Saturday 25 April to 1pm Monday 27 April In this weekend of mindfulness, we shall practice recognising the habitual, conditioned grasping patterns of both body and mind. Cultivating a series of calm abiding and mindfulness practices, meditative Chi Gong movements and postures, along with reflecting on profound pointers from the Wisdom of the Masters, we’ll learn how to relax the tension and stress we create and carry in our lives. In doing so, we come to rediscover the natural and inherently peaceful state of the mind at ease. This long weekend retreat will be held mostly in noble silence, with periods of Q&A. It will start at 9am on the Saturday morning and go to lunchtime on the Monday. However, for an easeful transition to the retreat, if you wish to register and stay over at the centre on the Friday evening, you can select this option at the time of booking. ** Please note that this retreat is suited for experienced meditators – those who have been meditating for a few years, have had some retreat experience, and maintain a daily/regular sitting meditation practice. Spaces are limited so book early! Cost: Option 1 - 3 days Onsite: $375 - includes all meals, teachings and accommodation. Onsite camping or own van: $355 - includes teachings, all meals and centre facilities. Offsite: $335 - Includes teachings and all meals. Option 2 - 4 days Onsite: $450 - as per option 1, plus Friday night accommodation and dinner, and breakfast Saturday. Onsite camping or own van: $420 - as per option 1, plus Friday night accommodation and dinner, and breakfast Saturday. Members and Friends of Drogmi get a 15 per cent discount. Health Care Card and Pensioner 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’. For Health Care Card and Pensioner Card holders, email [email protected], let us know your concession type and request the discount code. |
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FAMILY RETREAT 2 - 3 MAYStarts 11am on 2 May and Finishes 1pm on 3 May 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 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 / $35 per child dormitory or van $60 per adult / $30 per child camping $50 per adult / $25 per child off site Members and Friends of Drogmi get a 15 per cent discount. Health Care Card and Pensioner 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’. For Health Care Card and Pensioner Card holders, email [email protected], let us know your concession type and request the discount code. |
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uLURU RETREAT - 20 - 25 may
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Online courses
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ONLINE FAMILY MEDITATION COURSEReturning in 2026. Thursday night’s 12 February to 13 March 7 pm - 7.30 pm 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 25 - 27 Apr Mindfulness Retreat with Ayya Jayasara 30 Apr - 28 May Thursday nights for 5 weeks. 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 (Bookings are opening soon) 25 - 31 May Saga Dawa - Holy Month Daily light offering sponsorships On Line Mantra Recitations 7-8pm 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 Second 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. 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.
