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 info@drogmi.org.
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 MeditationResuming Sunday 21 January 2024
Sundays, 10-11am 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, starting Sunday 3 September.
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 info@drogmi.org. By donation. Go to this page, and scroll down to Donations. |
Karma Yoga group retreat - MarchFriday 22 to Sunday 24 March
For the sake of creating a beautiful home for the Dharma - Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe This is our fourth 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 conclude 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 Booking are essential, for organisational needs. Please email info@drogmi.org or phone 0403 779 099. |
Shamatha and mindfulness retreatThursday 28 March, 7pm, to Sunday 31 March, 1pm
(Easter long weekend) Led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe Open to everyone. A wonderful opportunity in these turbulent times to learn and practice these methods of meditation that have been tried and proven throughout the centuries to help relax and focus our concentration, leading to improved mental health. 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’. |
Day-long mindfulness retreatSaturday 27 April, 9 am to 4.30 pm – lunch provided
With Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara 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 day retreat, Ayyas Jitindriyā and Jayasāra will offer teachings and guided meditations based on mindfulness practice and integrating it into our daily lives. The daylong will be held in noble silence with times for group Q & A and discussion. Both Ayyas have 35 years’ experience in the Theravada Tradition of Buddhism and live at Viveka Hermitage at Mystery Bay, NSW. Cost $90 – 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’. |
Ngondro retreatThursday 16 to Sunday 19 May
Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe instructs us on the first three practices of Ngöndro: Refuge, Vajrasattva and Mandala Offering Khenpo la will give the required transmissions. This retreat is open to everyone who has received the Hevajra Empowerment. Ngöndro refers to the preliminary or ‘foundation’ practices of Vajrayana Buddhism. The Ngöndro practices are profound and powerful means for effecting a deep purification and transformation, at every level of our being. Not only do they prepare the practitioner for the profound path of Vajrayana, but they also lead us gradually towards the experience of Enlightenment. The centre is offering 40% off the usual pricing to encourage serious practitioners. Because of this there is no member/friends discount. In addition, following the group retreat, we are offering attendees the opportunity to stay on at the centre for a further two weeks to continue with their Ngondro practices. The cost is $25 per day. Please let us know if you wish to do this – send an email to info@drogmi.org. When 1pm Thursday 16 May to 1pm Sunday 19 May Cost On site stay: $290 (includes teachings/accommodation/ meals) On-site stay: own van/camping $280 (includes teachings/meals/facilities) Off-site stay: $250 (includes teachings/meals) |
Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara retreatFriday 7 June, 7pm, to Monday 10 June, 1pm
(Kings Birthday Long Weekend) Led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara is the Master of Unfathomable Mysteries who upholds the 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 be giving detailed teachings and practice together. Please note: Attendance at this retreat is full time from beginning to the end. Prerequisite: Shri Vajapani Bhutadamara empowerment. Cost Onsite: $420 - includes all meals, teachings and accommodation. Onsite camping or own van: $410 - includes teachings, all meals and centre facilities. 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’. There will be a Fire Puja as part of this retreat that is open to all. There will be more information about this closer to the date. For inquiries about the puja email info@drogmi.org. |
Karma yoga group retreat - AugustFriday 2 to Sunday 4 August 2024
For the sake of creating a beautiful home for the Dharma - Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe This is our fifth 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 conclude 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 Booking are essential, for organisational needs. Please email info@drogmi.org or phone 0403 779 099. |
Family Meditation CourseSundays from 29 September to 27 October
11:30 am-12:30 pm Your whole family is invited to take part in this nurturing 5-week course, under the auspices of Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, Kamalashila’s highly qualified resident teacher and Zara Kaye, primary school teacher. In a world with ever more complex demands placed on families, the development of mindfulness and meditation can support us to maintain healthy balance. Values of kindness, compassion and togetherness are taught through meditation, music, storytelling and craft. Cost: $50 per adult and $25 per child for the full 5-week course. 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’. |
Annual shamatha retreatFriday 4 October to Sunday 12 October
Shamatha Meditation translates as ‘tranquillity of the mind’ or calm – abiding’. It helps stabilise the mind by cultivating awareness of the object of meditation. The traditional practice of shamatha uses different kinds of supports or anchors for practice. During this nine-day retreat Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will detail teachings on Shamatha Meditation. This is a great opportunity to learn and practice these methods of meditation that have been tried and proven through the centuries to help relax and focus our concentration, leading to improved mental health. Starts 4 October, 7 pm; finishes 12 October, 1 pm Cost Onsite: $990, includes all meals, teachings and accommodation. Onsite camping or own van: $980, includes teachings, all meals and centre facilities. Offsite: $900, 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’. |
Shamatha-vipassana retreat15 to 18 November With Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara In this retreat, Ayya Jayasāra and Ayya Jitindriyā will guide us in cultivating the meditative practice of samatha-vipassana (calm and insight) with the specific support of wisdom teachings from the Masters. Over the course of the retreat the nuns will present selected readings of oral instructions from some of the great sages of the three main Buddhist traditions, and offer Dharma reflections and meditation guidance based on these pith instructions, which all encapsulate the Buddha’s liberating path of Awakening and elucidate key points of understanding that release the mind from ignorance and suffering. This retreat runs from the afternoon of Friday 15 November through to Monday 18th lunchtime. It will engage the practice of noble silence for the most part, and include periods of group Q & A with the teachers. When Friday 15 November, 4 pm to Monday 18 November, 2 pm. Cost Onsite: $420 includes teachings, meals and accommodation Onsite camping/own van: $410 includes teachings and meals and centre facilities Off site: $360 includes teachings and meals. Accommodations at Kamalashila Buddhist Centre Accommodations offered onsite at Kamalashila are rustic, either in old caravans or shared dorm-style rooms. Being off-grid, the amenities are outside compost toilets and outside private showers (with hot and cold water). This is reflected in the very reasonable cost for the onsite accommodation option on retreats. However, if you require something more for your retreat accommodation, there are plenty of holiday rentals in the area: Tilba, Wallaga Lake, and Mystery Bay are all within a 10 min drive from the centre; Bermagui and Narooma about 15 mins away, so there are many options to choose from online. 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’. |
More 2024 events
3rd ANNUAL THREE VISIONS FESTIVAL
Saturday 26 October
FAMILY DAY
Saturday 23 November
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Saturday 7 December
TIBETAN DOCTOR DOLMA
Public Talk and Private Consultations
Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 December
PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA AND NEPAL HOLY SITES
Commences 27 December
Saturday 26 October
FAMILY DAY
Saturday 23 November
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Saturday 7 December
TIBETAN DOCTOR DOLMA
Public Talk and Private Consultations
Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 December
PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA AND NEPAL HOLY SITES
Commences 27 December
Online courses and events
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. Click here for more information on the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course |
External courses and events
How to create happiness in troubled times - a Buddhist perspective - talk at WindsorTuesday 5 March, 6 pm to 7.30 pm
Tebbutt Room, Deerubbin Centre 300 George Street, Windsor NSW We invite you to an enlightening evening where Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will share invaluable insights from a Buddhist perspective on finding true happiness during challenging times. This is your opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of timeless practices and principles that offer solace and clarity in the face of turmoil. Khenpo is the Founder and Spiritual Director of Drogmi Buddhist Institute and has been an ordained monk for over 50 years. He is widely recognised as a teacher of tremendous ability, conveying the profound Buddha teachings in a way that makes them accessible to modern times. Tickets: $20/$15 concession, available online or at the door. 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’. |
How to live a meaningful life - Talk at WentWorth FallsThursday 7 March, 6.30 to 8 pm
Wentworth Falls School of Arts, 217-219 Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls In this talk Khenpo will discuss how we can transform the outer world turmoil and constant change, into a sense of inner peace and resilience. For centuries this ancient method of inner reflection and meditation has been proven to bring greater meaning and happiness to one’s life. And in so doing, shifting from our usual habitual self-centeredness to other-centeredness. An ordained monk and scholar, Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe is one of the most knowledgeable and respected teachers of the practice and philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia. He has lived and taught in Australia for 30 years, and is the Spiritual Director of Drogmi Buddhist Institute. Khenpo’la teaches with clarity, wisdom and gentleness. Cost $20/ $15 concession 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’. |
Mind training teachingsSaturday 9 and Sunday 10 March,
Saturday 10 am-4 pm Sunday 9.30am-3.30pm 3/20 Murray Street, Croydon, Sydney or via Zoom With Khenpo Ngwang Dhamchoe One of the key themes of mind training practices is a radical re-orientation of our personality, attitudes, and thoughts, shifting these from our usual habitual self-centeredness to other-centeredness. Mind training begins with an emphasis on cultivating a completely new way of relating to other beings. Khenpo la will draw on a number of the profound mind training teachings given by Buddha, equipping us with the tools and techniques to be able to undertake this profound training of our minds. An ordained monk and scholar, Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe is one of the most knowledgeable and respected teachers of the practice and philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia. He is the Spiritual Director of Drogmi Buddhist Institute. Khenpo’la teaches with clarity, wisdom and gentleness. Cost: $140 in person / $90 via Zoom 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’. |
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.