Day 1 of the Healing & Purification Retreat involved Khenpo la giving participants the Vajrasattva transmission and initial instruction on the practice. Khenpo la explained the ancient lineage of the practice (pre-dating the historical Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha) and its purpose being to purify and cleanse the negativities of our minds that we and all sentient beings have accumulated since beginningless time. Once cleansed, our minds are perfected = Buddha pure mind.

Day 2 of the Healing & Purification Retreat involved Khenpo la explaining the different parts of the Vajrasattva purification practice including the symbolism of the visualisation. Khenpo la encouraged us to slowly build our practice in stages (Vajrasattva and Vajragarvi visualisation, mantra recitation and purification visualisation) and to humbly remember that we all have beginner minds. Khenpo la outlined that the teachings are a form of medicine for our minds, showing us what to adopt and what to abandon, with the real buddha being the inner purity of our minds. 

Many brilliant questions were asked during our afternoon Q&A session about the practice and dharma (and life) in general. And a huge shoutout to our wonderful Sangha cooks who kept us well fed and nourished throughout the days.

After five incredible days, the conclusion of the Healing & Purification Retreat was on 1 January 2026. Khenpo la gave further detailed teachings on the qualities and wishes of the Eight Medicine Buddhas and we did our final Medicine Buddha meditation practice to heal and relieve the suffering of all sentient beings and our planet. Retreatants also shared their experiences about the retreat and Khenpo la encouraged us to take the experiences from the retreat into our everyday lives by focusing more on helping others. 
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Our deepest respect and gratitude to Khenpo la for his guidance, kindness and being a living example of the dharma in his actions of body, speech and mind.

Sunday practices

On our final Sunday practice of 2025, local sangha gathered after practice to share lovely festive food and company. Khenpo la prepared auspicious rice for everyone. We wished everyone a happy and safe festive season and so looking forward to sharing the Dharma with all in the years to come.

Thank you to everyone who came and to all those who have attended and contributed to the centre this year. A huge thank you to Khenpo la and ordained sangha for being such a tremendous example of loving kindness in our world. We are blessed to have you all.

Annual Working Project Team

We would also sincerely like to express our deepest of gratitude to all that contributed to the Annual Four Day Working Project, following the Healing & Purification Retreat on 2‑6 January, led by Scott and band of his merry hardest working women and men. What would we do without this dedication, thank you!

On Guru Rinpoche Day, the centre hosted visiting monks from the Sri Lankan Forest Tradition who were travelling from Bhaddeka Vihari Buddhist Monastery in Ripplebrook, Victoria to Brisbane for a meditation retreat.
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Their leader Bhante Aryadeva explained that as Buddhist monks, they always seek to stay at a temple or monastery along their journey, and they came across Kamalashila and requested accommodation at the centre. We were pleased to host the group for the evening and wished them a restful break before their long road trip to Brisbane.

At Sunday practice on 30 November, Khenpo la was presented with a beautiful sacred Guru Rinpoche plaque by our friends and twin sisters Lesta and Jackie. They had been wanting to offer this to Khenpo la for some time and by coincidence chose this day, Guru Rinpoche Day, on the 10th day of this month, which is the 10th month in the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. An incredibly double auspicious occasion. 

Khenpo la will place the plaque in an appropriate place in the Kamalashila garden. Thank you so much Lesta and Jackie, such a special gift.
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The profound meaning behind this Padmasambhava plaque is described below, with a selection of photos showing some of these plaques around the world.

Global initiative to place Sacred Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) plaques: a spiritual response to global crisis

In a time marked by rising global conflict, environmental degradation and widespread uncertainty, a profound spiritual movement is emerging. The International Buddhist Community has launched a Global Guru Rinpoche Plaque Initiative, placing sacred plaques of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered “Second Buddha” of Vajrayana Buddhism, at ecologically and spiritually significant locations across the world.

Rooted in ancient prophecy and timeless wisdom, the initiative seeks to invoke the enlightened energy of Guru Rinpoche to counteract the modern world’s turbulence – restoring harmony, protecting life, and planting seeds of peace where they are most needed. These plaques, imbued with powerful mantras and symbols of resilience, act as spiritual anchors amidst chaos.

Crafted from black diamond stone (Shungite), renowned for its shielding and purifying properties – each plaque is embedded with:
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• Iron beads – representing protection and Vajrayana strength.
• Micro-engraved mantras, including Om Ah Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum, to radiate blessings and dissolve negativity.
• Long-lasting durability, ensuring their presence and purpose to endure for generations.

Following traditional geomantric principles (sac hog), plaques are being placed at mountains, sacred waters, forests, and caves – merging spiritual reverence with ecological care. Already, more than 1,000 plaques have been installed across the world including Bhutan. Devotees worldwide participate by receiving training in consecration rites (rabne), contributing documentation, and spreading awareness. A growing digital archive and global recitation movement unite practitioners in one sacred mission.

This initiative is not only a gesture of devotion – it is a spiritual strategy for peace, environmental balance, and resilience. With the prophesised Iron Dog Year (2030) approaching – a time foretold to carry the threat of deadly war – the plaques serve as protective sentinels, ushering in light where there is fear. 

May Guru Rinpoche’s blessings radiate across all directions, bringing protection, harmony, and awakened courage to a world in need.

~ Phub Dorji Wang 

“As Bodhicitta is so precious, 
May those without it now create it,
May those who have it not destroy it, and 
May it ever grow and flourish.”

The Shamatha and Vipassana Retreat led by Ayyas Jitindriyā and Jayasāra was a wonderful success. The retreat was full of beautiful Dharma teachings, guided and walking meditations. Participants came from nearly every state to be part of this special retreat. The Ayyas taught on the foundations of meditation, the five precepts as a guide to a happy and ethical life: using the contemplations on the Khandhas or five aggregates, as a method to arise wisdom in our minds. 

We thank the Ayyas for their precious teachings and warm presence, to all the attendees who were so sincere in their practice and learning, and our hard-working group of volunteering sangha. We look forward to next year’s retreat.

The Field - Mike Kelly
Poem by an attendee of the Shamatha and Vipassana Retreat

There can be no greater exhilaration nor grander ecstasy than frolicking in the field of quiet joy found where the innate sacredness of life meets the knowing that none of the particulars ever mattered.

That life exists – the very process of creation – is a miracle beyond the imagination of a mind. To understand creation is to see into the heart of things and realise that all things are of the heart.

From this place, every act, every expression, is meaningful and sacred simply because it is. Life is life and because it is life, it is love. And because it is love, it is worthy.

And yet, whatever arises shall also pass. Each experience will change as the seasons do and evolve as we have. Holding on will every time prove fruitless as we clutch for solidity in a flowing river. The passage of time has no equal and is yet conquered simply by simple folks who care not for nought but the now.

Right here. Right Now. See, that’s the ticket, my friends. Enjoy the comings and goings with all your heart though pay their seductive baying no heed. They are only coming to go. Remain firmly here, present to the miracles just waiting to astound you.

When you finally land yourself in this knowing; when you learn to bathe unfazed by temptation nor repulsion in the shimmering flow of creation, you might find yourself in the field an old poet named Rumi wrote of hundreds of years ago. 

A field beyond time where right and wrong have been long forgotten.

And here we are.

Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre hosted Ven Rinchen, on her first visit to the centre from Cairns. She conducted two wonderful workshops – Death and Dying, and Mindfulness Meditation.

On the Saturday, Ven Rinchen led us on a journey of discovery about our own thoughts and feelings of dying, workshopping ways to have us look at this often-unspoken subject in our western culture with a new and almost joyful approach. Then on Sunday Venerable taught and guided us in mindfulness meditation, based on The Four Foundations of Mindfulness. 

It was a rich weekend of dharma, full of learning and laughter. Ven Rinchen’s knowledge on these subjects was very inspiring, and she has a direct way of imparting this to others. She made many new friends with her warm and open teachings. We thank Ven Rinchen sincerely for offering these two workshops to the south coast community. Thank you to all the lovely people who attended and shared in this very special weekend.

After this successful weekend came a rare and well-earned day off for Khenpo la and Ven Rinchen, serving the sentient beings tirelessly. We thank Ven Rinchen from the bottom of our hearts for giving such a wonderful two days of workshops and teachings to our local south coast community; we sincerely wish that she returns to Kamalashila soon.

“Thank you so much for facilitating the Death and Dying workshop with Venerable Rinchen recently. She is a special teacher. The warmth and welcome from everyone at KTBC were heartfelt. We hope to participate in more events in the future.”
~ Wendy and Wyn 

“A thank you to the KTBC team for organising the Death & Dying Saturday Workshop – it was so informative, covering just about every aspect of death for me to think about. I was privileged to be in the presence of a dying friend whose daughter so kindly shared the time and space with her mum with me (she passed away three weeks ago), so Rinchen’s guidance was timely, and it really deepened my understanding of death.”
~ Chiaki

“Thank you for hosting this wonderful weekend.”
~ Zena

Khenpo la taught for the nine days on The Nine Stages of Shamatha Meditation and The Parting from the Four Attachments. An incredible retreat of precious Dharma teachings. Thank you so much Khenpo la and all our wonderful participants and volunteers for making this such a special annual event for everyone to truly benefit from.

“I really enjoyed the 2025 Shamatha Retreat for so many reasons. Firstly, of course, was the quality of teachings and guided meditations from Khenpo as well as the harmony that pervaded the group. The peaceful surroundings and facilities helped immensely in quieting the mind and the restaurant quality food and service in the dining area topped off an awesome experience. Thanks so much to all involved, as I would highly recommend others wanting to deepen their practice to attend.”
~ Andrew C.

“Thank you so much for organising these retreats. To learn the dharma from Khenpo la is a precious gift indeed. I am changed from the retreat for the better I believe. I have a greater understanding of bodhicitta and its importance for my meditation. Connecting my mind’s worries to realising that so many sentient beings suffering having those exact same worries. It helped me to understand the suffering and gain compassion for us all. Before, my mediation dedication was focused just on me!”
~ Emma

We had another amazing Karma Yoga Spring Retreat with so much being accomplished, including the planting of all the new trees and shrubs in the garden and replacing the south side pathway of the gompa. A huge thank you to everyone who came and devoted their time and efforts. Another big thank you to all our sponsors of the plants and soil. Your generosity is truly inspiring. We hope everyone can visit the centre soon to see all these new upgrades.

“An amazing weekend of teachings with Venerable Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. The Public Talk on the Friday night gave insight into how the ancient wisdom teachings of the Buddha can help us in these challenging modern times. This was a fantastic base for the weekend teachings, allowing the time to go through ‘The 37 Aspects of Mind Training’ to help shape our way of living a more balanced, compassionate life. 

“These profound teachings, when applied mindfully daily, can transform a stressful life into a more peaceful one, even in the midst of chaos. We may not be able to change the world around us but with diligent practice we can train and change our mind.

“At the completion of the teachings a beautiful, joyful offering dance was performed, as a thank you to Khenpo la, from the local Dzogchen Community. A beautiful way to finish an inspiring weekend.”

​~ Ven Rinchen

Drogmi Buddhist Institute sangha gathered both in Croydon, Sydney and on Zoom in the Tara Gompa at Kamalashila on a beautiful sunny spring weekend to receive the precious teachings on Medicine Buddha practice from Khenpo la. 

Khenpo la guided us through the preliminaries, the main practice, and then gave detailed teachings on the qualities and individual wishes of the Eight Medicine Buddhas. Khenpo la also led us through this practice several times to familiarise us with the practice alongside the teachings, making the weekend incredibly helpful in enhancing and growth within our practice. 

Thank you Khenpo la for your infinite kindness and wisdom, and to everyone who helped make this weekend a wonderful success.

Birthday celebrations for our Glorious Precious Root Guru His Holiness the 41st Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trinchen Rinpoche on 7 September was such a joyous time, falling on the second day of the September Family Retreat, as well as Father’s Day and a full moon day, from all at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre! 

We continually pay our deep respects to His Holiness, without whom, we would never have the great blessing of Khenpo la and Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, changing the lives of so many, bringing peace and clarity. Thank you, Your Holiness – we pray for your good health and long life. 

Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre’s Spring Family Retreat was such a delight. With warm hearts, the families entered a gentle weekend of meditation and learning with Khenpo la and Zara.

“I am grateful for coming to this place and spending time with old friends and new friends” ~ Kit, 7

“I want to be a Buddha” ~ Ocea, 5

“The meditation made me feel calm” ~ Harry

“Can I offer this flower to the Buddha?” ~ Charlotte

“I really appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with nature… and my daughter” ~ Mel (mum)

“I haven’t thought much into gratitude before, but I am starting to appreciate how important it is to our happiness” ~ Leigh (dad)

“The imagery of the sand settling in the water really helped me understand what to do in my meditations” ~ Natasha (mum)

“I valued the games and activities – they helped me connect and have fun with our family” ~ Peter (dad)

Thank you to all the families who joined us this weekend – for your questions, your insights and your open hearts and minds. We are looking forward to our next one already, in Autumn 2026. 

A few students requested a number of years ago that Khenpo la accompany them on the walk up Gulaga Mountain, a sacred mountain to the Yuin Nation. Khenpo la kindly agreed and the Centre arranged a program with Uncle Warren Foster, a local elder. 

By coincidence, the chosen day was on a Medicine Buddha Day, and mother Gulaga is known by traditional elders as a place of healing and birth. 
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It was exquisitely beautiful weather, as we had postponed from the day before due to strong winds. Such an incredible cultural education, from Uncle Warren who was so generous to give us his time and knowledge to explain some of the very sacred places on this mountain. Khenpo la led us in Medicine Buddha chanting and meditations on the mountain as well. For those who could not make it this time, Khenpo la indicated he will hold another such program in the future. Thank you Khenpo la, Uncle Warren and all who attended.

I have shared yoga and breath activities with my five-year-old granddaughter, Toby from an early age and I was keen for her to join the Family Meditation online course. Toby’s parents committed time each week to the course that is just finishing now and it has been delightful to hear about how much they all enjoyed the experience. 

Toby’s comments on the course are “I really like the meditation course. The thing I like most is the story. I liked learning about Buddha; he is a kind person. I learnt that when you keep your back straight it tells your mind that you want to be awake. We played games and I had a good time, and I want it to keep going”.

Toby’s parents also appreciated the opportunities the course provided. They commented that “This is something we have really enjoyed doing together. It’s a lovely way to end the day and calm all our minds. This has become one of our favourite moments in a busy week”. 

Participation in the course has been a great introduction to meditation and Buddhism. Importantly the course has provided an opportunity to take some time out from busy schedules to spend time together in reflection.
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 I am very grateful to Zara and to Drogmi Buddhist Institute for enabling my family to have this experience. 
~ Sue Taylor 

Khenpo la visited the White Conch Group in Brisbane, Queensland for a weekend of teachings and meditation practice in August. He very generously offered teachings on The Twenty-One Praises to Tara and The Root Verses of the Middle Way, Mūlamadhyamakakārikā, composed by the great Indian philosopher Nāgārjuna.

Dr Tony led workshops at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. He was also a very generous yet humble benefactor sponsoring many projects and buildings for Drogmi Buddhist Institute. His generosity transformed the old pizza hut into the beautiful Tara Gompa which was recently completed. The Tara Gompa will be a constant reminder of our dear Dharma brother’s support for the precious Buddhadharma. 

Tony was also renowned and respected for his leading work as a somatic therapist and psychiatrist through which he helped so many people. In his work as both a doctor and psychiatrist, he was mentor to many young doctors who will also feel his loss. 

And, it has to be stated that Tony was a big personality, often irreverent, with a cheeky smile and wicked laugh and never shy. Tony was larger than life which is why his passing has impacted so many of us so deeply. 

We pass on our sincere condolences to Tony’s partner Mark, to Tony’s family, to his many Dharma brothers and sisters and to all those who benefited from his kindness, counsel and therapy.

Leading Sakya masters, and people all around the world are already praying for Tony’s passage through the bardo so that he can swiftly take human rebirth and continue on his journey with the precious Buddhadharma. 

We would like to share some images of some of our sangha gathered in the main gompa at Kamalashila to make light offerings and recite prayers for our dear Tony. 

Tony would not want us to be sad at this time for him and would wish that we devote our energies to our practice and helping other sentient beings. 

Vale Tony and hope to see you again soon in the mandala.

Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe was invited to teach at the Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling Centre in Richmond, Canada by Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding Rinpoche la over these past few months. Khenpo la graciously led Sangha through a White Tara Retreat, as well as offering teachings on “The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” by the great scholar Shantideva. Khenpo la also held a Shamatha Weekend Retreat during his time there.
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The Centre referred to Khenpo la as a renowned scholar and practitioner, expressing how incredibly grateful and blessed they were for his profound wisdom and presence. The teachings were offered in person and on Zoom in English and Chinese translation.

Three Teachings this Summer with Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe

In July and August, we gathered at Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling
a quiet brightening of the day, cushions like small islands shared in an island chain
As Khenpo led three teachings,
the White Tara retreat, the Shamatha Retreat,
and the Bodhisattva Way of Life teachings on patience and meditation. 

White Tara retreat
A lotus, a moon, a figure of brightness is
White Tara with seven eyes
not to scrutinize or criticize, but to witness what we hardly dare to hold.
Nectar poured through the crown; the body mended from within
We dedicated the sweetness to the long life of,
the teacher and guru, the flourishing of Dharma,
and the widening circle of beings.  
 
Shamatha retreat
We practiced building a shelter, a refuge for our attention
step by patient step with 
placement, continuous placement,
returning, close placement, taming, pacifying, fully pacifying,
to find single-pointedness, balanced ease,
a palace of steadiness in a stormy world.
When the mind scattered outward like startled birds, we softened.
When it sank like dark rainy weather, we brightened.
As the boat did not capsize or stall, our oars began working as one.   

Bodhisattva Way of Life teaching
We studied how anger destroys merit like fire in a dry field,
and how patience is strength, not surrender
We endure harm without returning it,
and accept suffering without despair,
to keep faith with the Dharma over years and decades.
From emptiness, compassion naturally appears
for the one who harms, for the one who is harmed,
Both are less solid than the story shouts.   
Then meditation is a vow to be loving and kind
With solitude not as exile but as clear space
The yoga of calm-abiding and insight
One river held in bodhicitta,
Our path is inspired to extend beyond the self.   
And when the teachings end, and when the doors closed each evening,
The evening light and the ocean scents reflect the teachings
be here, return, be kind, return,
until returning is no longer a journey but a home.
This was our summer’s practice, and its result,
a steadier presence, with sparks of awareness and insight,
and the quiet courage to keep returning, to keep opening.

In summer’s calm at Tsechen Thubten Ling,
We sat on cushions, Khenpo pointed three ways
White Tara’s seven eyes, a watchful love,
Poured nectar through the crown to heal our ways.
To life we pledged, that Dharma’s bloom increase,
And vows grew broad to all who breathe and turn
In shamatha, we built a seat of peace,
From placement into pacifying, return.
The boat held true, our oars began as one.
As Shantideva warns, anger fuels the flame
From emptiness, compassion’s rivers run,
And patience stands, a strength that will not shame.
Be here, return, be kind, return again
Then home is presence, awake once again.
 
~ Poems composed by Gordon Grant inspired by teachings that Khenpo la gave this summer

A most wonderful Karma Yoga Group Retreat was held the first weekend of August. A tremendous amount of work was completed in painting, digging for the garden makeover, moving rocks, cooking, and cleaning. It truly is amazing how everyone keeps contributing no matter the weather. Incredible generosity. 
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The mornings started with a guided meditation; hearty breakfast, then to work. In the afternoons we worked to around 4.30pm, then did yoga and stretching. Thank you so much to everyone who came, who cooked, lifted, gardened, cleaned and laughed! Thank you to our fearless Scott, you are a beautiful and gentle leader.

​Beautiful images shared at IBA in Kathmandu, Nepal at the reception of His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, at the commencement of the 6th year of The Complete Path teachings. Many of our sangha were there receiving these teachings, we rejoice in their great fortune.

On the morning of Buddha Shakyamuni Day of the new moon 24 July 2025, students attending The Complete Path Teaching by His Holiness the 42nd Kyabgon Gongma Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche at the International Buddhist Academy in Kathmandu Nepal made a Mandala Offering to His Holiness on behalf of Drogmi Buddhist Institute, our beloved and precious Teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, and all other students of Khenpo la and friends of DBI. 

The offering was made on the eve of the anniversary of the untimely passing of our dear Dharma Brother Peter Tooth, and the following prayer was read out to all those attending the ceremony:

“To the Holy Lotus Feet of the Great Assembly of the Lord of the Wheel, Master of the Ocean of mandalas and families, the Great Protector, embodying great loving kindness and compassion – His Holiness the 42nd Kyabgon Gongma Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche – along with all the venerable reincarnate lamas, abbots, spiritual friends, and the community of monks and nuns.

“On this holy Buddha Shakyamuni day of the new moon, at this very auspicious time when the Teacher, the era, the sacred place, the Dharma teachings and the fortunate disciples are all perfectly gathered together in the five favourable conditions, 

“Drogmi Buddhist Institute, on behalf of our precious founder and teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe and all his students, and all other friends of Drogmi Buddhist Institute make this offering as follows:

“We pray for the longevity of our Precious Gurus, for His Holiness the Sakya Trichen, for His Holiness Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, for His Holiness Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, for His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche, for Her Eminence Jestun Kusho la and for the wellbeing of all their Noble Families.

“We pray for the preservation of the precious Buddha Dharma and the flourishing of the Great Sakya lineage. 

“We pray for all our precious teachers – may they turn the minds of all beings towards the Dharma and lead them on the path of Ultimate Happiness. 

“We pray for the happiness of all mother sentient beings. 

“We pray for our Vajra brothers and sisters all gathered here in Kathmandu, along with all our other Dharma brothers and sisters, that we all become strong in our practice as an expression of our sincere gratitude and deep devotion to His Holiness and our other precious teachers. We pray that all obstacles are removed from our practice and that all beings progress swiftly towards Enlightenment. 

“We pray for our beloved Dharma brother Peter Tooth as tomorrow marks the first anniversary of his passing. We pray for all who have passed away recently and for all in the bardo state.

“May the precious Gurus enjoy excellent health and live long lives as we beseech them to continue to turn the Wheel of Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings.

“We humbly request your prayers and blessings for these aspirations.”

We completed our second Gardening Upgrade Group Weekend. Thank you to everyone for offering your time and energy towards this important project. A huge thank you to Vasi for leading us these past two gardening weekends, not just in the garden, but for stretching and relaxation sessions as well, and to our cooks, sponsors and everyone who has contributed.

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations at Kamalashila were held on 6 July. Such a beautiful and joyous morning was shared with our local community on this wonderful occasion. 

The morning started with 108 light offerings for His Holiness’s Long Life, followed by shamatha practice and a guided meditation from His Holiness’s teachings on equanimity and compassion. We then offered His Holiness birthday cake and khatas whilst reciting His Long-Life Prayer. We all then enjoyed cake and tea. 
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Everyone expressed how happy they were to come and celebrate His Holiness’s life. May His Holiness continue to live a long and healthy life for the benefit of all mother sentient beings. Thank you, Kathleen, for baking and offering such a delicious cake.

A dedicated retreat time for study and practice, breaking our routine habits, and slowing down is such a kind act of compassion for ourselves, and a wise use of our time. And there are so many ways that we can do this.

I live in the beautiful Blue Mountains and have a lovely shrine room. However, I cherish the opportunity to carve out a few days and trek down to Tilba for a personal retreat with a personal retreat plan away from my comfortable distractions at home. The six-hour drive to Tilba is part of my retreat preparation. My heart sings as I arrive at the wooden gates that helps define a retreat boundary. I make that mindful drive up the driveway, past the temple and pausing over the crest seeing the 3 separate retreat huts – one of which will be my cozy home for a short time. I love the simplicity of the huts that have all one needs. 

The small fridge, along with an esky, supports a simplicity in approach to meals, suitable for retreat. The huts are set up with the space for practice and furniture for study. Sliding door is the entrance for breeze when needed and opens to an expansive view to support practice. In wintertime the log fire is a treat on a cold night. 

Entering these huts for our retreat we contribute to the aspirations and practice of retreatants before us and who will follow us. I have been the only person there and also there with retreatants either side. During the day it is wombats, wallabies, bell birds and magpies who will be your companions. 

The huts are in the shadow of the Yuin peoples sacred Gulaga Mountain. This retreat land has a heritage of Buddhist retreat and practice. It is indeed a land that vibrates with this combined richness. 

We are very fortunate to have Khenpo and the sangha who provide this opportunity with generosity, compassion and care. It is so important to have affordable accessible places to retreat. My thanks to those who work hard to make this happen and the hospitality they volunteer to ensure our access and support our retreat time in such a beautiful part of the world. I can't wait to return! 

~ Patricia D.

It was a beautiful winter’s day at Moruya local markets with the Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre Dharma Shop. Being in community, selling some great dharma shop items and meeting friendly people. It truly was a wonderful morning. Thank you so much to Vasi and Ann, for running the stall a few times in Moruya during these winter months!

Each year at the Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre during the holy month of Saga Dawa, many generous and kind sangha sponsor lamp offerings to dedicate to their family, friends, world peace and for the benefit of all sentient beings. Each day during Saga Dawa one of the sangha makes physical offerings on behalf of our sponsors if they cannot come to make the offering themselves, reciting all the names and the light offering prayers. 

Light offerings are such a simple, yet profound offering to make. Light symbolises the Buddha’s wisdom, shining on all sentient beings, illuminating the darkness of their ignorance and transforming it into the light of primordial wisdom. This year we have been most fortunate to have scheduled so many wonderful retreats and events during Saga Dawa, some of our regular retreats falling this year within the holy month. 

Saga Dawa Düchen

On the most holy of days, Saga Dawa Düchen (Full Moon Day this year was on 11 June), sangha enjoyed a beautiful morning of prayers and chanting led by Khenpo la, with auspicious rice offerings and a delicious morning tea together.  For six nights in the lead up to Saga Dawa Düchen Day, Khenpo la led so many students/sangha via Zoom in guided meditations and mantra recitations. It really is such a special month for sangha to be together and for the individual practitioner to deepen their faith and devotion in the Triple Gem. 

Khacho Yulo Ling Buddhist Centre in Cairns was fortunate to be able to once again host Venerable Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe to complete the teachings on Nagarjuna’s “Letter to a Friend” which he began last September. Khenpo la started the weekend off with a very profound talk on the Friday evening on “How to Create a Happy Life” incorporating an ethical Buddhist approach, a teaching so relevant today in our troubled times.

The weekend teachings explored this whole theme of happiness and suffering, delving into what are the true causes of suffering and how to eliminate those causes and conditions – primarily a mind afflicted by ignorance, desire and hatred. Then, exploring through these ancient teachings, how to cultivate the causes and conditions to create genuine happiness – primarily a mind imbued with wisdom and compassion. 

All those attending the weekend left inspired and with practical tools to work on their mind to create positive change. For this we are so grateful to our dear Dharma Teacher Khenpo la for tirelessly turning the Wheel of Dharma to benefit all beings.
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~ Venerable Rinchen
Resident Nun, Khacho Yulo Ling Buddhist Centre