A very special weekend welcoming Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe back to Manjushri Buddhist Centre in Milton, NSW this last weekend of August. 

Khenpo wisely retreated and taught from his residence in Tilba at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre over the last three years while the world turned upside down with Covid, which meant there was much anticipation and joy to have his warm and wise presence return to our town.
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We joyously reflected on the nineteen years of Khenpo la visiting us in Milton, so next year we so look forward to celebrating his 20th year visiting and teaching in Milton.

Over the three days, eighty members and friends soaked in his precious teachings on understanding how as human beings we suffer, yet with strength of mind we can overcome our hardships. He reminded us that we all possess pure Buddha nature, and we should remind ourselves of this daily to remedy our feelings of depression and helplessness. From here we water our inherent seeds of loving-kindness, compassion and bodhicitta will surely flourish for us to find true peace and happiness through helping and serving others. 
~Jacky H.

Heart Sutra Weekend Teachings with Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe in Sydney and via Zoom. 

We were at the culmination of Khenpo la’s teachings on the Buddha’s Heart Sutra, our brains were buzzing and awake. I think Linda Mc. put it best: “Khenpo la has given us such a precise and profound roadmap to enlightenment this weekend by explaining such complexity with such elegant simplicity”.

Several of us were left scratching our heads in amazement: “Have we really been this lucky – to have gained a such a window into the precious Prajnaparamita?”
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Khenpo la’s warmth and humour, his care for his students and his depth of knowledge and experience meant that each of us gained valuable insights into the Buddha’s Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. We are so deeply grateful… May we all awaken and awaken each other!

Khenpo la was invited and travelled to the Central Coast of NSW at Mandalong to give a talk with a local meditation group. Khenpo la was generously hosted by Scott and Brenda at their home, and Ma Kali at the Barn Temple. Khenpo la’s talk was a strong encouragement to change our responses to upsets and grow up in order to reduce the harm done to all parties and just notice how much our heartiness and contentment can grow. 

Comments from Ma Kali at the Barn Temple:

“His presence was exquisite and the light that exhumed from his being provoked great measures of pure joy, pure peace and incredibly palpable compassion and kindness. The feedback from many, was that the teachings were in simplicity of form and easy to digest and understand. More importantly that for many of those who received the teachings, there would be immediate employment of these orientations within daily life. Inward actions of relating all experiences to the self and learning to respond from kindness, from compassion. There was so much received from those in attendance that the grounding of the teachings is still coming through the minds of the attendees. 

“There were a few different traditions visiting on the night, members of shanti mission, Sharmans, and Chinese traditions and those from Kali sangha also. The Dharma talk from Khenpo la was such that it spoke to all languages and traditions and was relatable by all in understanding principals in mastery of the mind. Deep gratitude Khenpo la.”

On August 2, 2023, His Eminence Ngor Luding Khen Rinpoche started the holy Dharma teachings of “LamDre Gyued Gsum” (tri-tantra in LamDre) at Namgyal Choedhe Thubten Darga Ling monastery in Mustang, Nepal. Please enjoy a few special images of this day.

Glimpse of images from 6 August where His Eminence Ngor Luding Khen Rinpoche, His Eminence Dhungste Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung and Semo Sonam Paldren went to Lowathang, taking a one day break from the LamDre program simply to regain the freshness and energy from nature and its beauty that allows mental peace during this busy schedule.

Mandala Offering to His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin Gongma Ratna Vajra Rinpoche on Chöekhor Düchen

During the precious teachings of The Complete Path by His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin at IBA, on the auspicious day of Chöekhor Düchen, a Mandala Offering was made to His Holiness on behalf of Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe and Drogmi Buddhist Institute by DBI students and friends attending the teachings. Alongside offerings to His Holiness and the ordained sangha, all students received a picture of the Five Race Buddhas.

The following prayer was composed to mark this occasion: 

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 the happiness of all mother sentient beings. 

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 our Vajra brothers and sisters 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 and that all beings progress swiftly towards Enlightenment. 

We pray for our Dharma sister Genevieve Ryan who passed away recently and whose funeral is taking place on this very day, for Kye and all others 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.

Completion of the Four Weeks of Teachings from Khenpo la

Thank you so much Your Holiness and congratulations to all students.

Words from a Few Students

“For myself, just being in Kathmandu, this most holy place for four weeks was challenging with all of the stairs we needed to climb each day, yet at the same time so uplifting with the special teachings from His Holiness 42nd Sakya Trizin. All being well, I hope to return next year, the year after that, again and again.”
~Brenda C.

“Firstly, I need to thank Khenpo la who is always giving teachings in every situation, and also for the formal teachings of the first three years of The Complete Path in Australia. For myself, I have not had any proper schooling or a smart mind. I must have accumulated good karma in the past in order to receive these teachings, so now I need to continue studying and doing my practices the best way I can.

“Surprisingly, I found His Holiness’ teachings easy to understand at the time of His teachings, so now I have to work on fixing my monkey mind plus plug up the holes in my leaky pot, to work really hard digesting at all.

“Our days off were on Saturdays, yet His Holiness continued to give teachings, doing pujas, and giving blessings for many to people at different places around Kathmandu on those days. His Holiness gave us teachings each morning then we had re-teachings each afternoon. The first week was from Khenpo Jordan and then after that it was Lama Ngawang Tenzin, who was the interpreter for His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre Tilba in 2019.

“As it is not appropriate to talk about the teachings that we had, I will share about some of the people I met or spent time with, starting with Bess and Pam. They kept everything at IBA running in shipshape – Bess did all of the admin, and Pam did all the housekeeping, the mind boggles!!! It was so much work, but they were always happy to help. We had our first Saturday out with Venerable Tsultrim, taking Brenda and myself to a Tibetan bookshop which was like in Aladdin’s Cave. Followed by a lovely lunch. 

“I was very fortunate to sit with Linda McKeone and Jacqui Quilty, as their kindness and support was truly wonderful, true dharma sisters. We also had a lovely day out together in the quiet countryside.

“I also had the good fortune to catch up with Dorothy. We first met in 1997, and she carried with her a group photo, she was very surprised and happy to see myself and Brenda. It felt like yesterday as we chatted together. Then there was Ashley from a few doors down from us. As well as going on a group day out, we found when chatting that we both attended the same Zoom practices for each of us in a different country on different days at different times and doing the practice together (the idea of time and place seem to have disappeared)! We can now look out for each other, being such a comforting thought. Thanks to Jack we caught up with Lama Kunga who lived in Whyalla, South Australia, many years ago, looking really well and happy. In the room opposite me was Renee who was from Townsville and doesn’t have a centre or resident teacher as yet but who knows what is around the corner for her drive and commitment seemed very strong.
 
“There were so many more people I could mention but it would take up the whole newsletter… The entire month went by so quickly as I feel so blessed to have been able to go. On a last note, I would highly recommend staying at IBA – fingers and toes crossed I will stay there next year. Love and blessings to all.”
~ Lynda W.

“This July I was lucky enough to be among the 31 Australians who travelled to the International Buddhist Academy in Kathmandu for the fourth year of The Complete Path Course. We made up the third largest national contingent behind the Chinese No.2 and the Spanish No.1. So much sangha from so many different countries, even some hardy souls who had no sangha in their home country but travelled overseas on their own as the foundation of their practice. 

“For most of us who studied the first three years in Australia it was an amazing experience. It was made all the more exciting because we had to wait out the Covid years before the fourth year of the course was finally re-scheduled, in Nepal.

“Thanks to Bess and Pam, the Aussie co-ordinators of the TCP course, the administration and organisation of the course was seamless. Six days a week for four weeks we enjoyed morning teachings and afternoon re-teachings. There were plenty of extra-curricular activities. Saturday bus trips to stupas, caves, and monasteries. Some Aussies organised Soor practices and Pujas in temples and stupas, having an Aussie audience with His Holiness, and a farewell dinner and even a meeting with the Australian High Commissioner to Nepal.

“It was a privilege to visit Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley in particular. It is such a spiritual place with so many important Buddhist sites, stupas and temples. I didn’t think I would ever stand in the cave that Padmasambhava lived and meditated in. We had the opportunity to circumambulate around the glorious Boudhanath Stupa every day. 
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“We were in Tibetan area of Kathmandu with monasteries seemingly every 50 meters. Kathmandu is a bustling city of around 5 million people (no one knows for sure), a cultural and spiritual melting pot. The cheerfulness and compassion of the local inhabitants faced with the crumbling and inadequate infrastructure was a daily inspiration. The street dogs are carefully looked after by the locals. The lucky dogs sleep all day and bark all night. The locals feed the crows and the pigeons. Potted plants bloom in ever available corner and thousands of prayer flags gently flutter atop all of the houses and buildings. Together with the humidity and monsoonal rain it was a study retreat I’ll never forget.”
~Anthony G.

​“In 2017 Khenpo la introduced us to The Complete Path teachings, expertly guiding us for three years, forming an amazing group of Dharma friends that I treasure. Some of us this year, 2023, were able to travel to Nepal to the International Buddhist Academy in Boudhanath, Kathmandu to continue year four of The Complete Path teachings from His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin. The teachings were six days a week for four weeks. I didn’t understand much of the teachings. 

“I did notice a lot of Dharma practitioners, with their kindness and their attention to others. The many years practising and the great efforts they made through the Dharma. The many amazing results of practice and effort in the Dharma, like the ancient Boudhanath stupa and the modern IBA. Both drawing in practitioners and allowing them even now at this moment to follow and practise the teachings of the Buddha. I did realise even though my practice and understanding now is very weak and confused, that with the right motivation it can build to help others on the Dharma path, and potentially much more. So, I put my leave form in at work for next year. I’ll put away savings each week. I’ll quietly try to practise and study. So then I can understand a little more thanks to my Dharma friends.”
~Dino

From Friday 14 to Sunday 16 July the White Conch Group, in collaboration with the Rigpa Brisbane Centre, hosted Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe in Brisbane. 

Rigpa Brisbane and White Conch first made a connection on the occasion of the His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin’s visit to Brisbane in 2003 which was organised by Rigpa Brisbane in collaboration with Khenpo la. Since that time Khenpo la has visited us for weekend teachings many times, covering topics such as the “Seven Points of Training the Mind”, “Triple Vision”, “Parting from the Four Attachments”, Nagarjuna’s “Letter to a Friend”, selected chapters from Aryadeva’s “400 Stanzas”, and “The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva”. 

This time Khenpo la taught on “The Sutra Recollecting the Qualities of the Three Jewels”, which is an important text for helping us accumulate merit and arouse the faith required for taking refuge and giving rise to bodhicitta. 

Khenpo la’s skilful presentation of the qualities of the Three Jewels worked like a mirror in which we were able to clearly see ourselves in our present, unenlightened state, along with our potential for attaining enlightenment. We felt very fortunate to receive these teachings from a teacher as rare and excellent as Khenpo la, who is not only extraordinarily learned, but also embodies the essence of the teachings in the style of a true and dedicated practitioner.

It was a joyful occasion of sharing good dharma in good company, with around 30 people attending Khenpo la’s teaching at the Rigpa Brisbane centre. Upon his arrival on Friday, Khenpo la generously consecrated a number of statues for our dharma centre and for individual students.
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This was our first teaching event with Khenpo la since the lockdowns and uncertainty caused by the Covid pandemic. We are very grateful to Khenpo la for visiting us this year. We pray that he will live long and in good health, and that he will return to our centre again and again in years to come.
~ Jan van der Breggen

Sangha gathered at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 88th birthday. Khenpo la led in chanting His Holiness’ Long Life Prayer to remain in this world, enjoy good health, and continue to turn the Wheel of Dharma. Penny then led all in a wonderful rendition of Happy Birthday for His Holiness, and Tjenka made a delicious birthday cake which was offered then to His Holiness, as we then made khata offerings. We all imagined receiving a shower of blessings from His Holiness. A very beautiful morning with sangha in a joyful celebration for His Holiness.

A big thank you from the Ananda Buddhist Centre, Rockhampton, Queensland, to Khenpo la and to Ann, his program coordinator of Drogmi Buddhist Institute.

The members of the Ananda Centre were looking forward to the visit by Khenpo la, for with the lockdowns during Covid we have not had the opportunity in having him attend Rockhampton and provide his experienced teachings for some three years.

Notwithstanding a very long journey over two days to travel to Rockhampton, Khenpo la provided a public talk to the Rockhampton public about “How to live a meaningful life”. This was well received by all who attended. The teachings emphasised that life is experienced through the mind, and happiness in our life can be achieved through working on having a happy mind.

This was a very good introduction to the teachings that proceeded over the weekend of teachings on “The Seven Points of Training the Mind”. This was well attended with 15 participants from around the Central Queensland area including people travelling from Mackay. There were a number of experienced students who attended as well as new students who have never learnt anything previously about Buddhist teachings. Because of Khenpo la’s experience over many years of teaching he was able to provide a teaching that was thought-provoking and helpful to all the participants. All students commented on how much they had learnt and how good the teachings were.

The strength of the Buddhist teachings was reflected in the quiet humility of Khenpo’s very sincere, warm, and friendly demeanour with all the students. All attending left the weekend happy and with new enthusiasm to be more positive in their day to day lives. 
~ Allan G.

The name Saga Dawa is of a particular star for which only appears within the fourth month of the lunar calendar. The Saga Dawa month is an incredibly special month, for the Buddha performed Six Noble Activities: the first being that the Buddha was conceived; secondly the Buddha was born; thirdly the Buddha took ordination; fourth the Buddha completely defeated His own maras; fifth He attained full enlightenment; and lastly, He passed into Mahaparinirvana – all within this specific month. Therefore, this is a very special month in the Buddhist calendar. 

At Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre 108 candles were lit daily for sponsors and designated loved ones who may be in need of prayers for countless reasons, those who may be ill and who have passed away. Please enjoy a selection of images taken throughout this most auspicious month.
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Photos by Khenpo la, Karma la, Venerable Tsultim, Ann and anyone not mentioned – thank you!!!

The 4th Annual Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara Retreat held at Kamalashila was a wonderful success. Khenpo la gave us teachings on the sadhana and guided practice sessions to deepen our understanding. We all felt so blessed, we cannot express our gratitude enough, thank you Khenpo la. 
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On the conclusion day of the retreat, we also bid farewell to our dear Karma la who has now departed the centre returning to his home in New York. We all enjoyed a delicious lunch and a farewell cake (made by Penny) to thank him for all he continually did for the Centre and has done for so many of us. From delicious cooking for retreats, grounds maintenance, painting and so much more. He never stopped working for the centre. We miss you Karma la and look forward to your speedy return.

Celebrating Sangyé & Nyangdé Düchen (Saga Dawa Düchen)

The 1st retreat this year of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course was a great success, during Saga Dawa month and completing the 1st Semester of the 2nd year, led by Khenpo la. 

The full moon day of this most auspicious month of Saga Dawa (Sangyé & Nyangdé Düchen), fell on the final day of this retreat, for which Khenpo la offered a teaching on patience. The retreatants all gathered each day of the retreat to light 108 candles on behalf of sponsors, offering for the benefit of all sentient beings to be free of suffering. 

​On this last day and most auspicious day of the Buddhist calendar, the retreat was followed by a two-hour Puja – The Sixteen Arhat Puja, led by Khenpo la, as retreatants and members from the local community all joined in together. All attendees offered a further 108 light offerings; khata offerings were then made to all the ordained sangha; then traditional auspicious rice and tea was partaken by all; followed by a delicious community lunch. It truly was a beautiful day of celebrations at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre.

The Annual Ngondro Retreat led by Khenpo la began Thursday on the anniversary of two of the Great Sakya masters, Gaton Ngawang Lekpa Rinpoche, for whom Ngondro was his main practice, and Khenchen Jamyang Thupten Lungtok Gyaltsen, the 72nd Throne Holder of the Ngor Lineage. Hearing from Khenpo la about their dedication to practice is a great inspiration for us. 
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Day three dawned with the beginning of the most holy month in the Tibetan calendar, Saga Dawa. The sangha attending made 100 candlelight offerings on behalf of sponsors and for the benefit all beings. Khenpo la gave a short talk on Saga Dawa. It is a very special month as it is a time that has a strong connection to human emotions. The results of positive deeds during this month are multiplied millions of times, as also for negative emotions, therefore it is very good time to be mindful of our thoughts, our speech, and our actions. It is a time Khenpo la said that practitioners take extra responsibility. It is the month that Lord Buddha accomplished eight of The Twelve Noble Deeds. We all feel very fortunate to be at the Centre at this time in particular, receiving such incredibly clear and profound teachings from Khenpo la at this time. The teachings from Khenpo la were so profound. 

We had a fantastic weekend of teachings with Khenpo la recently. He taught on the classic text “Parting from the Four Attachments” by Sachen Kunga Nyingpo. The teachings were superb, and it was so wonderful to have him here again to share the dharma. These are classic teachings that give really clear instructions on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. We were encouraged to become an alchemist and transform everything into the path of Dharma. Starting by cultivating a heart of loving kindness and compassion and working to eradicate all the mental afflictions that give rise to our myriad forms of suffering. Khenpo la really highlighted and explained in detail the primary root cause of our suffering, ignorance, and self-grasping. He went through each of the four attachments and explained brilliantly the purpose and meaning of each one, inspiring and motivating everyone to keep on practising and not to give up.

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.