A poem composed during Penny’s 5-week Vajrayogini Retreat
by her life partner, dear man Jean

There was a young lady Penny Jayne
Who thought it certainly sane
To realise the accomplishment
Of achieving enlightenment 
Without feeling any sort of pain

She spent five weeks in a cabin
Praying for it to soon happen
The weather was hot
She lay on her cot
And ‘twasn’t long before she was nappin’

However, the insight that came in her dream
Made her think of a wonderful scheme
So she sat ‘neath a tree
Then counted to three
And in her hands captured a sunbeam

The result of this catch was amazing
She felt like she was now gazing
Into the Sun
It was all just for fun
So now her plans she’s reappraising

The time spent on her own on the floor
Has made her wiser I know, that’s for sure
But the pain in her knees
Is now going to ease
As she’ll sit on a chair near the door

“It was a joyous occasion from the moment that Khenpo la flew into Brisbane on 21 April to give a weekend of teachings on The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas – his first visit to our Brisbane centre since 2019 due to the pandemic. Many of those who attended the teachings had not seen Khenpo la or one another since before the start of the pandemic, so the atmosphere was one of great happiness, excitement, and gratitude to be able to finally meet face to face once again, and to deepen the sacred connection with our teacher and the rest of our Dharma family. Special thanks to those members of the Gold Coast sangha who travelled up for one or both days of the teachings, and to Aylar who came all the way from northern NSW with her delicious chai!!

“The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas, which is one of the most famous mind training texts in Tibetan Buddhism, was written by Gyelsay Togmay Sangpo at the beginning of the 14th century and summarises the teachings of Shantideva’s ‘Bodhicaryavatara’ and other sources in order to present the path of the bodhisattva in just 37 four-line verses. Khenpo la explained that the text is divided into three main parts: the preliminary part (the first 7 verses), the main part (verses 8-37), and the conclusion. The author begins by paying homage to the Buddha of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), as one needs to receive the blessings of the Buddha in order to teach the Dharma correctly; paying homage to Avalokiteshvara also indicates that this text reveals the practice of the Bodhisattvas.

“The main body of Gyelsay Togmay Sangpo’s text can also be understood with reference to the three levels of intelligence – those of small, middling, and great – with the emphasis on the path of the great person who practises the Mahayana teachings for the benefit of all. This compares with the person of small intelligence who does not see beyond this life, and the person of middling intelligence who wants to attain liberation from suffering only for herself/himself.

“Khenpo la pointed out that the author wants to teach the correct techniques and method so that we as Dharma practitioners can attain both the temporary and ultimate benefits; therefore, we need to understand and apply the teachings correctly in everyday life as a result of study, contemplation, and meditation in relation to this text. It is vital for us to be constantly checking one’s motivation or intention for all of our actions, and to always be vigilant in checking whether defilements are arising in our mindstream. 

“Another point which Khenpo emphasised was that compassion and kindness are the root of the attainment of Buddhahood for the sake of sentient beings, and that our compassion should be greater for those who have enmity towards us, as they need more help than those who are our friends. It is only through the practice of loving-kindness and compassion that bodhicitta can arise, and it is only through the practice of relative and ultimate bodhicitta (including The Six Paramitas or Perfections) that one can attain the fully enlightened state of a Buddha – all of which is covered in the main part of Gyelsay Togmay Sangpo’s teaching on The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas. Therefore, the most important point that Khenpo la made was that the main ingredient to attaining Buddhahood is kindness to others.

“On behalf of Rongton Buddhist Centre and all those who attended these teachings, I would like to thank Khenpo la for his great kindness in agreeing to teach from this ancient Text, and for the richness, clarity, and depth of his guidance through this profound text, including all the wonderful examples and analogies he used to elucidate the meaning of each of the Thirty-Seven verses. Through the dedication of merits and by the blessings of this teaching, may all beings gain both the temporary and ultimate benefits without exception!”
~Robin M.

There was a very warm welcome and beginning to the Inaugural Wellbeing Retreat led by Doug and Tara Skipper – a lovely group settling into this very special place and looking forward to the weekend ahead of learning and sharing. Tara and Doug accepted Khenpo la’s invitation to run an event at the centre, and they both put so much effort and commitment into making this happen, and we thank them so much for giving of their knowledge and time. The event was co-facilitated by Jen and Susy. 

What a truly special event. Doug and Tara, Jen and Susy presented the elements of Positive Psychology in a way that all participating felt included and held in this wonderful place of Kamalashila. The sessions were interactive, opening our minds and hearts to the positive self. The sound experience in the evening was an unforgettable experience. Wow!! 

Thanks everyone who attended, a warm and loving community of people. Thank you to Tara and Doug, Jen, and Susy for making this possible, and to our Karma la for your incredibly delicious meals. 
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We can’t wait for the next Wellbeing Retreat!

The first full day’s program at the Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat was led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe which began with a light offerings and recitation of the Buddha of Wisdom Manjushri Prayer. Khenpo la commenced teachings on Shamatha meditation and the benefits, obstacles, and their antidotes. Khenpo la gave extensive teachings on the grasping of self being the root of all the defilements. The self is hard to give up only because we continuously chase it, and to stop that desire to chase it we require the wisdom, which starts with this Shamatha meditation. A lively and interesting Q&A along with walking meditation led by Venerable Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara, and delicious food cooked by Tony, completed a beautiful day together.

A reflection from one of the participants, Lily: “I am so grateful to be here and to hear Khenpo’s wisdom and teaching. I feel both rested and motivated to bring mindfulness to my daily life and start a meditation practice”. 

The Annual Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat finished with Khenpo la concluding the precious teachings on mindfulness. We then made dedications and offerings to Khenpo la and our local Ayya las. Attendees commented how this retreat has been so helpful to their lives. At the end of the retreat a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky. Thank you to Khenpo la for your teachings and inspiration, Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara for your valuable and helpful contributions, all our cooks and helpers, and to all who attended and made this such a successful retreat. May all beings have peace and happiness in their lives.

A very special thank you to Rob Assink who made this new and most spectacular light offering table, brought down from Queensland by another sangha member Anthony. A magnificent creation for Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre.

“Driving off the highway at the welcoming prayer flags of Kamalashila for the Shamatha retreat immediately brought me a feeling of relaxation as a smile spread over my face. It is a special place that I have appreciated for many years now especially with the wise presence of Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. He shared these precious teachings in such a method that proves so accessible in daily life as well as formal practice. Just the reminder to recall daily events, to check our understanding as we read or listen to teachings is within the capacity of us all to strengthen our mindfulness. I certainly appreciated the weekend and offer my gratitude to Khenpo and the two Venerables.”
~ Kate T.

“I am so grateful for this opportunity to reflect. This Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat was like a deep cleanse self-care spa. The deep kindness, clarity, and accessibility of both Khenpo la and the poignant reflections of the Nuns were like a deep cleansing spa to the mind. Khenpo gave us access and ease of the shared practice and gentle teachings to take care to do what is right for this being at this time in a way to suit. This made it totally accessible and opened the path for practice with ease and curiosity. Then there is the sacred setting and design of Kamalashila, it is a pure land to provide a teaching and resting place to ponder. 

“The food, the grace of volunteers and the spacious structure on the sacred mountain of Gulaga, Mother Mountain makes it so auspicious. And finally, being amongst the sangha of fellow seekers of purity in being and living more precious loving lives and building new precious connections. I’m washed and cleansed and always grateful for this community and Khenpo la for him being a pure portal to access the sacred space of Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre on Gulaga and offering the teachings of Buddha.”
~ Pippa W. 

“I too am so grateful for this retreat that has helped me feel grounded in peace. It was such an amazing experience spending time in the arms of the Mother Mountain Gulaga, immersed in the collective wisdom and integrity of such amazing human beings. How blessed I feel. My heart overflows with gratitude. Thank you.”
~ Virginia

The Karma Yoga Group Retreat 24-26 March was a wonderful success. The group of committed workers accomplished so much together, everyone commenting on how we all worked as one. Some came for a few hours, others for the whole 3 days. The centre was sparkling for the return of our precious teacher Khenpo la in late March. The days began with group practice in the gompa and ended with a welcome stretching and yoga session. One of the attendees gave a small impromptu concert playing guitar and didgeridoo.

To Peter T, Karma, Penny, Robert, Tjenka, Andy, Lael, Tony, Carolyn, Scott, Terry, Garth, Keith, Mark, Sam, Kate N, Phil, Brendan, Zara, Hector, Jimmy, Kate T, Maggie, Cat, Susanne, Andrew, and Ann:

Thank you so much for being part of such an incredible group of sangha this weekend. As a group we achieved so much together. All that effort will really make a huge positive difference to the centre’s functioning, and this can only ever help ourselves and others for many years to come. It was such a harmonious and happy group. We all worked with joy in our hearts to repay the great kindness of all our teachers, and especially Khenpo la so that he can continue to give the precious Dharma teachings for many more years at the centre to help countless sentient beings. 
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A special thank you to our fearless Peter T, for your great coordination of all the work undertaken. Sorry we couldn’t get you all in the group photo. Thank you to everyone who came and offered your time skills and energy for the happiness of all. We hope to see everyone at the centre one day soon and thank you again for your wonderful contributions.

On March 11th Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara led us in our second Day-Long Mindfulness Retreat at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. The group were led in sitting, standing, and walking meditation, and given foundational teachings on the technique of mindfulness in meditation. The Q&A sessions were so informative and helpful. Thank you Ayyas for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and experience with us. It was a really beautiful day.

​We are thrilled to announce there is now solid roofing outside the dining room at the Centre. There is now substantially more space for everyone to enjoy out of the weather for all occasions.

We thank Dan Bertoli for his huge effort and expertise in leading the major upgrade of the plumbing system at KTBC.  Thank you to Peter Tooth and Robert Newberry who worked hard alongside Dan over the whole week.  And thank you also to our generous donor who made all this possible. How fortunate.

On a recent Sunday Shamatha Practice during His Eminence’s 49 Days, the group made Light Offering to His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche. After everyone in attendance lit the candles for his Eminence, Ayya Jayasara led us in a beautiful meditation. We then enjoyed morning tea in the new outdoor dining area at Kamalashila.

​The Annual Six Dome White Tara Retreat concluded after three full days on the very auspicious occasion of the full moon and Amitabha Day. Led by Khenpo la, sangha members made light offerings and prayers to commemorate the most precious Guru Vajradhara Luding Khenchen Rinpoche. Attendees commented how fortunate we are to be able to receive the precious Dharma teachings from authentic and learned Teachers in this great Sakya tradition and never take it for granted! 

Thank you Khenpo la for giving us this rare opportunity, with detailed teachings on the sadhana and then leading us in guided meditations deepening our understanding of this profound practice.

The Healing and Purification Retreat commenced at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre with Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. On the first day Khenpo la gave the attendees the Vajrasattva transmission, teachings and practice.

The auspicious Medicine Buddha Day according to the Tibetan calendar fell on day three of the retreat. Khenpo la gave the Medicine Buddha Transmission to a full gompa of devotees that morning. Khenpo la said we take this transmission to practise Medicine Buddha to help those with physical and mental sickness. It was a truly moving ceremony, giving those participating the means to really help others. Khenpo la gave two days of teachings on this practice.

​During the retreat we learned of the sad passing of our beloved Guru Vajradhara Luding Khenchen Rinpoche. Led by Khenpo la, sangha offered hundreds of light offerings and recited Guru Devotion Prayers. On the final day of the retreat, we took the prayer text of the Prayer to the Exalted Guru, the late Luding Khenchen Dharma King Known as ‘Rain Blessings’ written by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin and we recited this a number of times. Sangha members were offered a copy to take home to recite. 

We owe everything to our precious Teachers. His Eminence is an incredible example to us of how to live one’s life, completely selflessly helping all beings always. 

At the conclusion everyone remarked how the experience at this retreat was very warm and profoundly moving. We thank Khenpo la for his incredible teachings during retreat and giving us all guidance at this time.

​Khenpo la along with members and friends of Drogmi Buddhist Institute were deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of the temporary passing into Mahaparinirvana of His Eminence Vajradhara Luding Khenchen Rinpoche. During our end of year Healing and Purification Retreat at Kamalashila, we offered more than 100 candles and recited the Guru Devotion prayer. May Your Eminence swiftly return to help us ignorant beings and lead us to the state of Vajradhara.

His Eminence with members of the Glorious Sakya Family

On Sunday 15 January, the monks and sangha at Kyegu Buddhist Institute in Sydney led a gathering for prayers in memorial for our beloved Guru, the head of the Ngor Lineage of the Sakyapa School of Tibetan Buddhism. Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe was in attendance for this very important ceremony.

Then to commemorate our most precious Guru Vajradhara Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, Drogmi Buddhist Institute Sangha, led by Khenpo la at Kamalashila in Tilba and via Zoom link to Croydon, recited Guru Yoga practice and The Prayer to The Exalted Guru, the late Luding Khenchen Dharma King Known As “Rain of Blessing” written by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga. Sangha offered many light offerings with deep devotion and great gratitude in their hearts for the boundless wisdom and compassion of our Guru.

Tributes on behalf of Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre in Tilba and Croydon

Lastly, Khenpo la and all members and friends of Drogmi Buddhist Institute offered prayers for our Precious Guru as His Holy physical body journeyed back to His Seat at Ngor, Monastery Manduwalla via Dehradun. May He travel effortlessly. His Eminence Luding Khen Kushon Rinpoche, His Eminence Thartse Khen Rinpoche and Lama Tempa accompanied His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche’s precious physical body.

His Eminence being brought home to the Ngor Monastery

On the 9th of January 2023, the physical emanated body of our guru in this and all lifetimes, Vajradhara Kyabchok Ngor Sharchen Luding Khenchen Jamyamng Tenpa’l Nyima, the great 75th throne holder of Ngor was received at the great Seat of Ngor Pal Ewam Chodan monastery by the lineage holders and sangha members of the Sakya Tradition.
Words from: @asanga_sakya
Photograph credits for the journey home: @ངོར་དཔལ་ཨེ་ཝཾ་ཆོས་ལྡན། Ngor Pa Centre
Photograph credits of Vajradhara Khenchen shrine: @sakya_sangchen_gyudre

Cremation of His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche’s physical form on 16 February 2023

In the presence of precious Gurus His Holinesses the 41st, 42nd and 43rd Sakya Trizin Holinesses, Tulkus Rinpoches, Khenpos, Monastic Sangha, prestigious guests and all Tibetan communities at Manduwalla.

Prayer to the Exalted Guru, the Late Luding Khenchen Dharma King Known as ‘Rain of Blessings’ 

Endowed with the compassionate intent to benefit all beings, and the wisdom of understanding nature as it is. To the one with mastery over the meaning of sutra and tantric scriptures, and who is rich with orally transmitted instructions, I pray!

The light touched by the blessings of the Manjushri master, manifests in the beautiful sky of the Sakya tradition. To the great Sharpa, sun of the dharma who ripens the lotuses of fortunate disciples, I pray!

On top of the tall snow mountain of outstanding race, the moon rays of superior aspiration embrace. To the source of descent for the pure water of noble conduct, king of mountains, the most excellent guide, I pray!

Lord of all maroon clad victory banner holders. The auspicious discipline of the great vehicle beautifies you. To you who have perfected the yoga of the two stages, which are the treasures of all common and uncommon attainments, I pray!

Upholding the meaning of the well-taught Vinaya’s group of precepts. You are outstandingly skilled in conferring the stainless novice, and full ordination vows according to exact fortune. To the foe destroyer, the great Sthavira, I pray!

Through this sincere prayer, may the youthful sun, Having completely dispelled the gloomy darkness within the minds of beings, Unfurl the lotus of genuine reality, and bless us by looking after us zealous bees!

This was written voluntarily by Sakya Trichen Ngawang Kunga, with a feeling of great loss and sadness upon the sudden dissolve into dharmadhatu of our most excellent source of refuge, Vajradhara Luding Khenchen. May it become a cause for the great venerable guru of all beings to take care of us!

Translated from the Tibetan to English by Khöndung Asanga Vajra.

It was a very special weekend at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre with the Shamatha-Vipassana Retreat led by Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara. With heartfelt appreciation and gratitude, thank you Ayyas for your teachings and guidance. 

A comment from one attendee summed up the weekend: “I absolutely loved it, the teachings were amazing, I loved the whole centre and all the people”.

​Thank you Ayyas and everyone who attended and contributed to this inaugural event.

Firstly, we are near the end of 2022. I sincerely pray that it is the end of the pandemic throughout the world. For the last few years, during the pandemic we have all faced many challenges and tough times, this has made us not weak yet stronger: may this strength that we have gained during COVID last for the rest of our lives.

The pandemic taught us the value of the mind, no matter if one has power or success, nothing can protect us in this kind of time. Virtually the pandemic has taught us to not rush, as we usually spend so much of our energy and time on external power, we will find that nothing can truly protect us in that way. The Dharma has kept us protected, to have peace within, so the mind can then stay in the state protecting positivity and then experience a great sense of peace.

The reality is whatever we think, and whatever the world says – at the end of the day the cause of all our problems is our defilements. The only remedy for this is the Dharma, for just meeting the Dharma in this very lifetime is to recognise how fortunate we are, we have found the solution from beginningless time until today.

This is the reason why we have established our Dharma Centre. The Centre offers so many teachings, retreats, meditation sessions and courses. There is a direct benefit for those attending and then those people share their experiences with others outside the Centre, so in this way we have reached out to many people within this past year. In order to run the Centre for one person alone is impossible – we need collective effort. In this way I sincerely would like to thank the continually hard-working committee, the hard-working social media support, newsletters, etc. It is very hard to say everyone’s names here, I thank you all. 

Thirdly, all the people helping with cooking throughout retreats, and the one’s organizing morning tea during meditation group times, etc. As well, the Centre has a very large acreage of land to care for – as in cutting grass, maintaining the road and so on. Those who offer karma yoga time and volunteers at other times, this offering is such a beautiful form. To those who came and participated in every program of Centre, the sponsors and friends, anyone who mentally contributes, and who offer economical contributions towards the Centre and to all Centre members, I thank you.

It is nearly Christmas time and welcoming in the New Year, so I encourage people to celebrate, to have a good time with your families and enjoy your lives. I sincerely request everyone to drive and travel safely and maybe not to drink too much! 

I am truly looking forward to 2023, and as a team to flourish the Buddhadharma, and to free all beings from their defilements. 

Khenpo

Photo credit: Dean Dampney

Mentor Penny: 

“I chose to be a mentor this year because I thought it would make me study and it worked! Terror is a much-underrated motivation in the modern day, and the fear of being shown up by my bright, informed students was enough to overcome some of my terrible laziness. 

“It has been good for me as I had hoped, but it has also brought some unexpected treats into my life. My students have been both enthusiastic and perceptive. Not only have they kept me on my toes but have also inspired and revived me. It has been a privilege to share their philosophical enquiries, explorations, and personal insights, and I hope we have all felt we have had companions on the road to understanding the teachings of the Buddha and practising those teachings in our daily lives.”

Susanne, one of Penny’s students:

“Learn to meditate – the reason I first came to Kamalashila. I knew nothing about Tibetan Buddhism. Meeting Khenpo la and the lay Sangha was gratifying and has cultivated my life to be much more meaningful. 

“Upon reflection, Khenpo la has covered this course in his retreats and weekly teachings, and on Zoom during COVID. I am beginning to understand what he means by the vastness of each topic. 

“Every aspect of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course can be applied to our daily lives to benefit ourselves and others. It is exciting to learn about and study the right path to enlightenment, and inspiring that it is possible to eventually attain Buddhahood. Even though it is intellectually demanding and interesting, practical application to daily activities can be challenging again, enlightening, and satisfying. 

“Completing this first year of the course has entailed discipline to prioritise lasting spiritual development over recurring worldly and mundane tasks. A requirement that is succinctly condensing copious information into effective written communication. Training for this will be implemented whilst revising notes during semester break. 

“I have enjoyed the variety of active learning and assessment methods and appreciate the balance of Dharma teaching followed by contemplation and reflection on practical application. Mentoring sessions have been extremely beneficial – seeing and supporting each other in our studies under the spiritual guidance of our esteemed mentor. At this present moment I am eagerly anticipating The Second Turning of the Wheel.”

Mentor Jane:

“Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Khenpo la for his wonderful, ongoing teaching and guidance, to Venerable Mahinda for his clear and thought-provoking teaching and to Carole and Robert, without whom I can’t quite imagine how this would all work so well and so smoothly – their efforts have been incredible. 

“Ever since first meeting Khenpo la, I have been strongly drawn to his thorough, approachable and practical approach to teaching the Dharma. 

“I enjoy both the study and practice aspects of the Path and have found that engaging in this course has helped me structure my own study and practice more effectively. I knew that being required to assist others in a mentoring capacity would be both exacting, and at times challenging, but I was not prepared for how profoundly and how positively this would affect me. It has made me study and contemplate the material in a different way.

“I have felt the need to be as clear and straightforward as I could be, to try not to get over-excited and go off on tangents, to be properly prepared and to investigate the points I was struggling with more thoroughly. I note there has been little time for procrastination, so this has been a very useful discipline. I have also felt the need to be transparent about my shortcomings. 

“I also feel a genuine wish to be useful to the students – it’s not just for me, and this has been a real blessing. I have found my group to be delightful, eager to learn, thoughtful and insightful. Rather than a distinct mentor/student divide – even though I may be a little more experienced with this material – I have felt a strong sense that we are all Dharma students helping each other. 

“I consider the students to be very fortunate to have entered this course and to be under the guidance of a truly authentic teacher and am so looking forward to continuing next year.”

Tracey, one of Jane’s students:

“I was attending a calm-abiding meditation course in my local area with a friend when I heard other members of the sangha mentioning that they had enrolled in and were enjoying the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course through the Drogmi Buddhist Institute. After some research I realised the course had started, made an inquiry and found out I could enrol and catch up the month I had missed. I was delighted as I had been dabbling in meditation and done some readings, listened to podcasts not really knowing what was or wasn’t authentic. I really had just scraped the surface and was eager to find out more. The course so far has been very inspiring. The course format has been well paced and easy to navigate using Moodle.

“Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe’s teachings have been rich and dense with complex information conveyed in a way that is thought-provoking and sprinkled with a gentle sense of humour. I love having a mentor and Jane is so approachable and thoughtful. Her love of the Dharma is both infectious and inspiring. Having a group response to the teachings enhances your individual level of understanding and feels like a warm and safe way to learn.

“I am in awe of how much others know and understand, for this is just the beginning of a very long journey. I enjoy that everything we do is linked to how we engage with the world that we live in and not just studied as an intellectual and dry study. 
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“The retreat at the conclusion of each semester is perfect as it enables us to meet our fellow participants, mentors and teachers and soak in the atmosphere in the peaceful setting of Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre nestled at the foot of Mount Gulaga. Our understanding of the coursework is further enhanced, and we can truly experience the Triple Gem the Buddha Dharma and the Sangha.”

Mentor Sue T.:

“I have always valued the concept of mentoring and I’ve been fortunate to experience the benefits that can be gained from it. I was therefore very eager to participate in the mentoring program when the opportunity first arose, however my eagerness soon changed to trepidation. 

“I questioned my ability to be able to assist others when my own knowledge and understanding of the dharma is so limited. Carole encouraged me to give it a go and I am so pleased that I did. I was fortunate to have students with a broad range of experiences in my mentor group and the sharing of these personal experiences in relation to the teachings has provided me with added insights into my own practice and understanding. Our mentoring sessions never seemed long enough as we discussed, questioned, and mentored each other. Having access to such valuable teachings from Khenpo la and Venerable Mahinda and the resources that accompanied them has enriched my own knowledge as we examined and discussed some of the fundamental Buddhist teachings. 

“Being a mentor, this year has been an absolute privilege and has enriched my own practice. I can only hope the students gained as much from the course as I did. 

“Thank you, Khenpo la, Venerable, Carole, Robert and all involved in the implementation of the first year of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course.”

Evelyn (Ev), one of Sue’s students:

“Although I have been involved with Buddhism for many years and had teachings from various masters and lamas, I found this a great opportunity to go back to basics and consolidate all the bits and pieces I’ve heard before, but not fully understood. 

“A busy life with rostered work shifts and other volunteer commitments meant that I could rarely attend longer teachings such as Lam Dre, major empowerments and more recently the first Three Years of The Complete Path Teachings. 

“Khenpo la has been planning this course for a number of years, and now through modern technology, written texts and retreats we can access these precious teachings. 
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“I have heard teachings on The Four Common Foundations many times, the Noble Eightfold Path and Shamatha practices on Sundays at Kamalashila and our previous centres, but this course gives the opportunity to learn about and understand (eventually) the concepts of Buddhism in the three major traditions. 

“It has been great to have teachings from different traditions. The words of the Buddha are the same but explained a bit differently by Venerable Mahindra. I am in awe of Khenpo la’s ability and profound knowledge of the Dharma. How can Khenpo la sit and lecture to us for over an hour without notes, and rarely skipping a beat? 

“For those of you who are new to Buddhist teachings, I’m sure you have become aware of the depth and detail. Especially when a topic for example has – six parts, each of these six is divided into more parts, and those parts into more sections, again. Yet Khenpo can deliver this to us succinctly. 

“Many thanks also go to those behind the scenes. Mentors working with their groups, those involved in recording and disseminating Khenpo la’s lectures and all the others involved in making this course possible and accessible. And not to forget my fellow students.

“I am looking forward to the next two years. And to be honest, I think I have put more effort into this study than when I did my master’s degree! In the case of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy course, there is a reward for effort.”

​The 22nd day of the ninth lunar month is known in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar as Lhabab Düchen. It is one of the four most holy days of the year, each of which commemorates a major event in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. Lhabab Düchen, meaning “Descent from the Celestial Realm”, is a day commemorating Shakyamuni Buddha’s descent from the Celestial Realm (god realms) of the Thirty-Three, after spending three months there in the these realms teaching the Dharma and repaying the kindness of His dear mother, Mayadevi, by liberating her from samsara. Mayadevi had been reborn in a god realm after passing away one week after giving birth to Buddha.

Lhabab Düchen provides us all with an opportunity to accumulate great merit. As a merit multiplying day, the karmic results of actions done on this day are multiplied 100 million times. This amazing result is taught in the Vinaya text “Treasure of Quotations and Logic”.
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Along with increasing our daily practices on this most auspicious day, Khenpo la also encourages up to light candles throughout – bringing all suffering mother sentient beings within our mind stream, praying for them to experience happiness and all of its causes, to be free from samsara.

Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, all members and friends of Drogmi Buddhist Institute would sincerely like to wish Her Eminence Sakya Jetsun Chimey Luding Rinpoche a very happy 84th birthday on 14 November, to have a long and healthy life so She may continue to Turn the Wheel of Dharma for all mother sentient beings to be free from suffering and their causes. Her Eminence’s birthday this year falls on the eve of Lhabab Düchen. 

About Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding

Photos below were taken at The LamDre Teachings and Empowerments, Balmain 2009

​Members and friends of Drogmi Buddhist Institute joined Her Eminence Sakya Jetsun Chimey Luding Rinpoche’s centre in Vancouver to celebrate Her Eminence’s birthday:

“Sharing some photos of the little birthday celebration held at Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling’s new centre where friends and students gathered in person and in Zoom to wish Jetsun Kushok happy birthday. 

“We pray fervently that Jetsun Kushok Rinpoche will live long and healthy for many, many years to come, may she continue to be a beacon in our lives and an inspiration to all practitioners on the path, and benefit all sentient beings until full Enlightenment is achieved for all.”

Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, all members and friends of Drogmi Buddhist Institute sincerely wished Her Eminence Sakya Jetsun Chimey Luding Rinpoche a very happy 84th birthday on 14 November, to have a long and healthy life so Your Eminence may continue to Turn the Wheel of Dharma for all mother sentient beings to be free from suffering and their causes.

The universal comment of participants in this final Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Retreat for the year seems to be ‘Wow, we are so lucky to be doing this course!’

The Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course is quite unique in so far as it offers a 3-year comprehensive training in the three Buddhist Paths of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana.

This 2nd retreat of our first year has been the culmination of our study of the Hinayana or the Foundation Vehicle, comprising the first set of teachings that the Buddha gave.

Khenpo la likened the Three Paths to a great tree: the Hinayana is the roots without whose discipline and ethical conduct, our progress would be unstable. The Mahayana is like the trunk of the tree and the Vajrayana, its fruit.

Today was particularly special as it was the Anniversary of Atisha Dipamkara, who caused the Dharma to flourish and spread in Tibet during the 11th century. On this very auspicious day, several students of the course chose to take Refuge with Khenpo la, which was both beautiful and inspiring.

“Now you have Buddhist citizenship!”, chuckled Khenpo la. 

May all of us citizens always work in harmony with each other to do as we have promised – to follow honestly in the footsteps of the Buddha, to work with our mind, to free ourselves and others from suffering. 

We have also been blessed by very clear teachings from a Theravadan teacher, Venerable Mahinda whose words are so brilliantly precise. In the retreat, Ayya Jitindriya offered further teachings from the Theravadan perspective.

We examined intellectually ‘The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination’, being a wonderfully inspiring opportunity to connect what we had learned with experiential practice. Khenpo la began with advice on how to motivate ourselves to practise Shamatha and Vipassana, followed by a walking meditation guided by the mentors. 

On one of the loveliest of warm days, many of us took Khenpo la’s advice to start our outdoor meditation with a large object of meditation, such as our local mountain, Mt Gulaga, then progress to a single tree, then to a leaf or a blade of grass in order to gradually develop our mind’s capacity to stay with a single object. 

Ayya Jitindriya also taught on ‘The Four Foundations of Mindfulness’ and guided us through meditations on the breath, body and the four elements. As one student expressed, “Well, that was kind of mind-blowing!”

Our heartfelt thanks to our Theravadan teachers of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course, whose clear minds and clear teachings have deeply inspired us. As Khenpo la said, “It is good to hear the teachings of the Buddha again and again from different angles. This deepens your understanding of the Dharma.”

Khenpo la expressed on our first day of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Retreat that we are all like family, no one of us is higher or lower than the other, we are all learning together and helping each other. His words ring true as we took the opportunity today to look back on our year in the ABPC and reflect with each other on what we have gained from the course:

“Our greatest defilements are our greatest tools” ~ Peter A.

“Our group appreciated and connected with each other around the ‘why’ of practice and the importance of motivation and preparation.” ~ Bel, Nathan, and Sally

“We CAN change!” ~ Andy

“We have appreciated the encouragement to investigate ourselves. The requirement to summarise the video teachings really helped us pay attention and it was useful to have to carve out a space in our everyday lives to really attend to them. Watching the teachings, then summarising, presenting our own and listening to the other summaries in the mentor group, we found to be a gentle approach, as each time we revisited the material, we understood a little more…” ~ Tara

“I appreciated learning about the foundations of Buddhism and meeting the teachers who were representatives of that system. I have reflected a lot on the Buddha’s words of his awakening:
‘Suffering should be fully perceived, and it has been fully perceived.
The cause of suffering should be eradicated, and it has been eradicated.
The cessation of suffering should be realised, and it has been realised.
The path [to free oneself from suffering] should be developed, and it has been developed.’” ~ Chiaki 

“When the mind can concentrate and is stabilised through Shamatha, the wisdom part naturally arises. (Vipassana)” ~ Doug

“The cause of suffering is self-grasping. The cause of happiness is the practice of virtue.” ~ Zara

Now at the end of retreat, we must offer our heartfelt gratitude to Khenpo la and Dr Carole Kayrooz, who developed the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course. Without their vision, experience, and hard work, we would not have been able to access these precious teachings so deeplt. Our palms are pressed together at our hearts too for our wonderful mentors whose warmth, diligence and rigour supported us to progress our understandings of the Dharma.

Khenpo la’s final words for us today were, “Always be a new Dharma practitioner”.

Indeed, we look forward already to being a new Dharma practitioner again next year!

We celebrated the 92nd birthday of the most precious Guru, His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, on 7 November 2022. 

Khenpo la shared at our gathering at Shamatha Practice on 6 November that it is important to know and realise, even though His Eminence is in His nineties, his schedule is extremely busy. He is always travelling to different parts of India helping countless sentient beings, it truly is incredible. Normal people in their nineties are most likely in a nursing home. His entire life has been dedicated in helping others. 

His Eminence’s family come from an anciently structured family of Tibet, many many generations. The system has been that when there are two brothers, one will marry and one will become a monk, this then is holding the lineage. 

The celebrations in India will be very big, then a few weeks to follow there will be another big celebration in Bodhgaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment. In our own way here at Kamalashila, we wish that this Great Master has a long and healthy life and continues to help countless beings. 
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Khenpo la and all attending chanted His Long-Life Prayer on this celebration day and sang Happy Birthday as well, with a beautiful cake by sangha member Penny. His Eminence is an extraordinary inspiration and light of hope for us all, being one of the great living Buddhist Masters in this world. 

In Dehradun on 28 October 2022, Sakya College, based in Rajpur, held celebrations of its 50th Anniversary of Founding.

The celebration began with an inaugural ceremony of lamp lighting by His Holiness Sakya Trichen Rinpoche, after which Dr Tashi Tsering delivered the welcome address, followed by Principal Khenpo Jamyang Jinpa’s introductory speech. Subsequently, Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang and special guest Sikyong Penpa Tsering inaugurated a book of essays on the 50th anniversary.

In his address, the special guest stated, “through dedicated efforts made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang and other heads of Tibetan Buddhist lineages, Tibetan Buddhism had been revived in India.” 

Similarly, addressing the gathering, Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Dorje Chang stated that atheists and theists alike all seek happiness, adding that real happiness could be found in the messages of religion. Furthermore, Rinpoche recounted the initial hardships faced on arrival into exile and the founding of the monastery in 1972 and extended his gratitude to the government and the people of India.

Before concluding the event, Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, chief guests, and the special guest jointly inaugurated the Great Pillar: an emblem of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary.
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The photos are from the third day of the ceremony for the launching of Khenchen Appey’s biography, the Grand Long-Life ceremony for His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche in the morning, and the bestowal of oral transmission and Dharma teachings by His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen. Then there was the Inaugural launching of the five-volume set of books of Khenchen Appey Rinpoche’s biography by Khenchen Sonam Gyatso in the evening. 

The Annual Shamatha Retreat commenced in the evening with Khenpo la giving detailed explanation about the three levels of retreat, each one relating to our own motivation and applied effort in retreat. As the rain fell Khenpo la, guiding us in meditation, led us to use the sound of the rain falling as a focus of our meditation. We all looked forward to learning more and being in this supportive and perfect environment for retreat for 9 days.

On day 3 a meditation was led by Khenpo la, then an insight meditation by Venerable Jayasara: 

​“The compassionate heart of Avalokiteshavara graced us today as we slowly commenced contemplation on the famous 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. From the preliminary verses we reflected thus: 

Graced with the freedom and riches of this human body we recollect our good fortune to meet the Dharma in this very lifetime. This vast wisdom mind inherent within us all has the capacity to embrace all sentient beings as oneself; to free us from all delusive attachments and afflictive emotions; and to journey with great confidence on the path of Liberation.”

Reflections from the retreat

“In the environment of such a tranquil, peaceful and beautiful retreat centre setting, Khenpo la taught us again with incredible skill, depth of experience and knowledge, warmth, clarity, and plenty of humour too! Opening our minds and hearts further to the capacity we all must transform our minds in the ways most positive and beneficial to ourselves and others. Describing the precise methods to do this. Reminding us of and encouraging us too: this is do-able, it’s all within our reach. 

May we all nurture those precious seeds which have been planted, so that they can sprout, grow, and bear magnificent fruit for the benefit of all! 

Thank you Khenpo la and sangha for another wonderful retreat!”
~Nicola

Another wonderful (and productive!) day at the Karma Yoga Retreat. Meditations led by Khenpo la framed a day of good humour, hard work and connection. Several of us reflected today how meaningful these retreats are: all our efforts, though small, have made useful changes to the centre over time. And each time we visit, we see those changes, our teamwork, woven into this place, just as this place is now woven into us. How lucky we are to be in this community so wisely guided by Khenpo la.

On the last tea break at the weekend Karma Yoga Group Retreat everyone was treated to a freshly brewed cup of coffee from the centre’s new coffee van and newly trained barista Jack! The van was a generous offering by a sangha member.

​In celebration of our precious Guru His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche’s 77th birthday, during Healing Practice, Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe led us chanting His Holiness’s Long-Life Prayer for His Holiness to have a long and healthy life and continue to benefit countless sentient beings in this world.

​Sangha present and online offered His Holiness a khata and then Khenpo la offered His Holiness a delicious birthday cake so devotedly baked by Penny – and then we all shared in the cake. Some attended in person and a number on Zoom. It truly was a beautiful evening.

The Mind and Body Workshop with Dr Tony Richardson and William Penhale was held over the weekend at Kamalashila. At the invitation of Khenpo la, Dr Tony and William led a wonderful experience of connecting our physical body experience in meditation and a spiritual process. We learnt ways to experience joy in our bodies through simple exercises that we can access easily.

​Thank you, Dr Tony and William, for sharing your knowledge and time for others and supporting the centre. We look forward to your return. Thank you to our master chef cook Tony for his delicious meals and to everyone who came and shared in this very special event.

Her Eminence Dagmo Kalden La took Her children on a twelve-hour day trip in Kathmandu, Nepal, along with Their teachers. We share a few images from this journey.

“Travel with us on our Choekar Düchen pilgrimage with the (Royal) children and their teachers to Swayambhunath Stupa, Namo Buddha, and Boudhanath Stupa!” Her Eminence continues to say, “We set out at 8am and returned at 8pm, a slightly long, slightly wet, but very happy day”. Her Eminence offers thanks to Khenpo Jordhen la for the car, and Kusho Tsering Norbu la for driving them everywhere! 

Thank you so very much Your Eminence for sharing on @dagmokalden

To read more on Choekar Düchen please go to an earlier Wisdom Age article, Choekar Düchen, the Buddha’s First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.