AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE |
ANNIVERSARY OF THE BUDDHA’S DESCENT FROM HEAVEN
15 November 2022
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”.
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.
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”.
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.
HAPPY 84TH BIRTHDAY TO HER EMINENCE
14 November 2022
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
About Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding
Photos below were taken at The LamDre Teachings and Empowerments, Balmain 2009
held at SAKYA TSECHEN THUBTEN LING, vancouver, canada
14 November 2022
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.
“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.
HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
11-13 November 2022
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!
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!
HAPPY 92ND BIRTHDAY TO HIS EMINENCE
7 November 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
HELD AT SAKYA COLLEGE
28 October 2022
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.
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 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.
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.
HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
30 September – 9 October 2022
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
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
HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
9-11 September 2022
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.
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.
HAPPY 77TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR PRECIOUS ROOT GURU
7 September 2022
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.
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.
HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
26-28 August 2022
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.
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.
THE BUDDHA’S FIRST TURNING OF THE WHEEL OF DHARMA
June 2022
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.
“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.
AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE AND CROYDON
June 2022
Since the beginning of the very auspicious month of Saga Dawa (Wesak), the centre offered butter lamps (candles), daily on behalf of many sponsors. We rejoiced in these great meritorious acts, especially during the most holy month in the Buddhist Calendar. May all beings benefit. The centre continued these offerings throughout this precious and auspicious month.
On the date of Saga Dawa Düchen (the Full Moon date), marking the anniversaries of the Buddha’s enlightenment and His passing into Mahaparinirvana, we gathered in the gompa physically at Kamalashila in Tilba, in Croydon (Sydney) and online, whilst Khenpo la led sangha in a beautiful ceremony of light offerings, practices, and auspicious prayers. It was a very special evening.
As we entered the final week of Saga Dawa the centre continued light offerings on behalf of sponsors each and every day. We dedicated these to their wellbeing and for the benefit of all mother sentient beings, that these light offerings may help to awaken their Buddha Nature mind and for all to be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
On the date of Saga Dawa Düchen (the Full Moon date), marking the anniversaries of the Buddha’s enlightenment and His passing into Mahaparinirvana, we gathered in the gompa physically at Kamalashila in Tilba, in Croydon (Sydney) and online, whilst Khenpo la led sangha in a beautiful ceremony of light offerings, practices, and auspicious prayers. It was a very special evening.
As we entered the final week of Saga Dawa the centre continued light offerings on behalf of sponsors each and every day. We dedicated these to their wellbeing and for the benefit of all mother sentient beings, that these light offerings may help to awaken their Buddha Nature mind and for all to be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
19 JUNE 2022
At Sunday meditation mid-June during Saga Dawa Month, Khenpo la led us in prayers and chanting to commemorate the 49th day of the passing of our beloved gompa dog Gyri Dolma. Khenpo la led prayers in the gompa dedicated to Gyri and all beings recently deceased, then we recited more prayers at her gravesite. The Three Traditions of Buddhism were represented, the Venerable’s Jitindriya and Jayasara led prayers in the Theravadin, followed by Venerable Tsultim in the Mahayana, then Khenpo la in the Vajrayana. We then enjoyed a delicious morning tea sponsored by members whilst reflecting on Gyri’s remarkable life.
HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
10 TO 13 JUNE 2022
The Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara Retreat was held in the middle of the Saga Dawa Month. Khenpo la was joined by Lama Konchok Choephel, the Spiritual Director of the Melbourne Sakya Centre in leading a Fire Puja near the end of retreat, along with sangha members. Those in retreat and those joining outside of retreat attending, felt so fortunate to have had this opportunity. As Khenpo la and Lama la commenced the puja, the weather varied throughout with gentle rain for a short time, wild winds, and then again gentle rain at the end of the puja, Khenpo commented on how auspicious this was of a very successful puja.
At the conclusion of the Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara Retreat the next day, Khenpo la expressed once more how this was a very successful retreat, conducted in the most complete and authentic manner, with all the practice instructions and rituals including the Fire Puja assisted by Lama la.
From all of the retreat sangha and locals joining in on the fire puja day we offer our heartfelt gratitude to Khenpo la and Lama la, who took such care for us all throughout. Thank you to Ani Nyidon la for cooking us such delicious and nutritious meals. Thank you to all the lovely sangha and volunteers. May any hindrance or obstacles to practice for dharma practitioners everywhere, be extinguished.
HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
3-5 JUNE 2022
On 3 June the opening evening of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Retreat commenced, students having travelled from as far away as Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. There was a large group of online students attending too who could not be at the centre in person, as well as all of our mentors as part of this program. Khenpo la discussed the intention of the course to help foster and nurture the students’ potential, to sprout fully in the coming of spring. It was a wonderful first weekend retreat of this particular three-year course.
Reflections from Tjenka
The Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Inaugural Retreat was held at Kamalashila. This retreat was the culmination of the first Semester of the course and the first big get together of all the students, mentors, course convener, Carole Kayrooz, her husband/assistant/tech guy, Robert Garran, and our precious Teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe.
The Gompa was full of 43 students and 14 mentors, there were also 13 students on Zoom – that’s 73 altogether! It was a lovely atmosphere of keen investigation and discussion of the Dharma and how we try to apply it in our lives, there were interesting question times and of course great mealtime conversations.
Students have been meeting with their mentors on Zoom and listening to Khenpo la online during this first semester, so it was a buoyant feeling by meeting everyone and Khenpo la, in person.
This semester Khenpo la has been teaching on the Foundations of the Buddhist path from the Hinayana perspective, beginning with the Four Common Foundations – having a precious human rebirth, the law of karma, the truth of impermanence, and the sufferings of samsara. Then continuing on to learn about The Four Noble Truths – suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path that leads to the cessation of suffering.
Lastly Khenpo la wove it all together explaining how following a teacher, leading a virtuous life, and understanding how to live ethically supports our entire Dharma path.
There were many smiles and a strong feeling of sangha as people said farewells till the next retreat at the end of Semester two, as we continue on our three-year journey together.
Finally, as one student said, drawing our attention to Ann’s words of wisdom in her orientation talk: “stay on the path!” (meaning the path through the bush), though as Dharma students we knew it really meant “the path that leads to the cessation of all suffering!!!”.
Reflections from Tjenka
The Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Inaugural Retreat was held at Kamalashila. This retreat was the culmination of the first Semester of the course and the first big get together of all the students, mentors, course convener, Carole Kayrooz, her husband/assistant/tech guy, Robert Garran, and our precious Teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe.
The Gompa was full of 43 students and 14 mentors, there were also 13 students on Zoom – that’s 73 altogether! It was a lovely atmosphere of keen investigation and discussion of the Dharma and how we try to apply it in our lives, there were interesting question times and of course great mealtime conversations.
Students have been meeting with their mentors on Zoom and listening to Khenpo la online during this first semester, so it was a buoyant feeling by meeting everyone and Khenpo la, in person.
This semester Khenpo la has been teaching on the Foundations of the Buddhist path from the Hinayana perspective, beginning with the Four Common Foundations – having a precious human rebirth, the law of karma, the truth of impermanence, and the sufferings of samsara. Then continuing on to learn about The Four Noble Truths – suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path that leads to the cessation of suffering.
Lastly Khenpo la wove it all together explaining how following a teacher, leading a virtuous life, and understanding how to live ethically supports our entire Dharma path.
There were many smiles and a strong feeling of sangha as people said farewells till the next retreat at the end of Semester two, as we continue on our three-year journey together.
Finally, as one student said, drawing our attention to Ann’s words of wisdom in her orientation talk: “stay on the path!” (meaning the path through the bush), though as Dharma students we knew it really meant “the path that leads to the cessation of all suffering!!!”.
HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
Semester 1, 2022
We are so fortunate to have Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe as our teacher and inspiration in the new Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course. The Course began in the first week of March 2022 and, in June, will conclude its first semester.
Khenpo’s coverage of the Hinayana has been so clear and comprehensive. It gives students a firm basis for understanding the first of the three major traditions of Buddhism. We have covered The Four Common Foundations, The Four Noble Truths, and a Virtuous and Ethical Life. Khenpo la has shown great equanimity and kindness in conducting this Course. May all find benefit to increase their own happiness and the happiness of others!
The Course now has 67 students. The students’ progress is assisted in specific mentor sessions by our 16 mentors and the students’ study is supported by resources in a learning management system and a set of readings in The Hinayana Booklets prepared specifically for the Course. Whilst the Course has been fully online to date, we are all looking forward to the first of our residential retreats in June.
Registrations for the Course have closed now but we are keeping a waiting list for any vacancies for the remainder of the year. If you are interested, please contact the Course Convener, Dr Carole Kayrooz by email to place your name on the waiting list at autumn@drogmi.org.
Khenpo’s coverage of the Hinayana has been so clear and comprehensive. It gives students a firm basis for understanding the first of the three major traditions of Buddhism. We have covered The Four Common Foundations, The Four Noble Truths, and a Virtuous and Ethical Life. Khenpo la has shown great equanimity and kindness in conducting this Course. May all find benefit to increase their own happiness and the happiness of others!
The Course now has 67 students. The students’ progress is assisted in specific mentor sessions by our 16 mentors and the students’ study is supported by resources in a learning management system and a set of readings in The Hinayana Booklets prepared specifically for the Course. Whilst the Course has been fully online to date, we are all looking forward to the first of our residential retreats in June.
Registrations for the Course have closed now but we are keeping a waiting list for any vacancies for the remainder of the year. If you are interested, please contact the Course Convener, Dr Carole Kayrooz by email to place your name on the waiting list at autumn@drogmi.org.
A MESSAGE FROM KHENPO NGAWANG DHAMCHOE
31 May to 28 June 2149* (2022)
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: first, the Buddha was conceived; second the Buddha was born, third the Buddha took ordination; fourth the Buddha completely defeated his own maras; fifth, he attained full enlightenment; and lastly, he passed into Mahaparinirvana. All these occurred during this this particular month, making it a very special month in the Buddhist calendar. Within this month whatever positive and negative thoughts and actions one carries out are multiplied 100,000 times.
The sutras state that the Buddha performed many of The Twelve Great Deeds within the month of Saga Dawa. The sutras say that to go to these holy sites, such as the places of the Buddha’s birth and other major events, are more effective, for these places are more powerful than ordinary places. As the Buddha blessed this month, in particular the first 15 days when he carried out the Six Noble Activities, all virtuous activities will be multiplied. Because this particular month has been blessed by Buddha Shakyamuni and many other enlightened beings, whatever we do virtuously – in our practices, mantras and any other practices – will then be multiplied 100,000 times. Such practices are much more effective than at any other time.
Whatever one can manage, it is important to make a pledge for one day, fifteen days, or for the entire month, to avoid any negative thoughts. It is also important not to carry out any negative deeds. If you do not feel strong enough to make such a pledge, just simply be as positive as possible, try not to be negative, this is good enough. Try to do this for at least the first 15 days; try to perform as many virtuous activities as possible at this very blessed time.
I encourage you all to look at this month differently, to do something for oneself, to try our best in being virtuous – for this is the source of all happiness, to avoid all non-virtuous things – for this is the cause of all suffering. I also encourage and ask you all to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet during this most auspicious month, remembering all precious mother sentient beings are searching for everlasting happiness.
Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe
*2149 is the date for 2022 in the Tibetan calendar
The sutras state that the Buddha performed many of The Twelve Great Deeds within the month of Saga Dawa. The sutras say that to go to these holy sites, such as the places of the Buddha’s birth and other major events, are more effective, for these places are more powerful than ordinary places. As the Buddha blessed this month, in particular the first 15 days when he carried out the Six Noble Activities, all virtuous activities will be multiplied. Because this particular month has been blessed by Buddha Shakyamuni and many other enlightened beings, whatever we do virtuously – in our practices, mantras and any other practices – will then be multiplied 100,000 times. Such practices are much more effective than at any other time.
Whatever one can manage, it is important to make a pledge for one day, fifteen days, or for the entire month, to avoid any negative thoughts. It is also important not to carry out any negative deeds. If you do not feel strong enough to make such a pledge, just simply be as positive as possible, try not to be negative, this is good enough. Try to do this for at least the first 15 days; try to perform as many virtuous activities as possible at this very blessed time.
I encourage you all to look at this month differently, to do something for oneself, to try our best in being virtuous – for this is the source of all happiness, to avoid all non-virtuous things – for this is the cause of all suffering. I also encourage and ask you all to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet during this most auspicious month, remembering all precious mother sentient beings are searching for everlasting happiness.
Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe
*2149 is the date for 2022 in the Tibetan calendar
AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
2 May 2022
It is with a heavy heart that we let you know that our dear Gyri Dolma passed away around 4.00am on 2 May 2022.
As some of you might know Gyri had been declining in her health over time, and more recently had reduced her food intake. Khenpo la had been giving her some broth and water up until her passing that morning.
Gyri was so peaceful, Khenpo la described coming out to check on her and all the environment was very calm and peaceful as she passed. Her little face looked so youthful and content.
Khenpo la conducted a ceremony that morning, where we lit 100 candles for Gyri, chanted prayers, and mantras, and then carried her outside the gompa for one final circumambulation of the gompa before putting her to rest. She has been buried in the ground in view of the gompa, with her head turned towards the gompa and her position in full sunlight during the day. We then had a lovely time together enjoying some lunch and talking about her, rejoicing in her very special life and circumstances for a favourable rebirth. Gyri taught us all so much, and as a sangha we are the stronger for having her as part of our community and our lives.
Gyri came to the centre in 2016 during the Easter long weekend working bee. She walked up the drive from next door, ate some lunch with everyone, and took up a position at the gompa door, greeted all that arrived each and every time, and never left. It is so unusual for this to happen, she never wanted to return to her other home. In time we approached her owners and they said we could keep Gyri at the centre.
Many people helped care for Gyri over the years, and many sponsored her food, veterinary bills, all sorts of things to help her, as the centre would like to thank each and every one of you on Gyri's behalf. For many years she was so independent and seemed to be getting younger not older. She would often be seen trotting off on her morning walk, keeping guard of the gompa and surroundings.
Then in September 2019 she suddenly lost the use of her back legs and became paralysed. After a period of getting used to this new way of being in the world, Gyri accepted all the care from everyone with such grace. She would have setbacks, but always bounced back stronger than ever. Her overall health was quite exceptional.
Gyri was 22 years old. She says she will see you in the next life.
We ask for you to pray for Gyri, saying mantra and lighting candles for her fortunate rebirth.
As some of you might know Gyri had been declining in her health over time, and more recently had reduced her food intake. Khenpo la had been giving her some broth and water up until her passing that morning.
Gyri was so peaceful, Khenpo la described coming out to check on her and all the environment was very calm and peaceful as she passed. Her little face looked so youthful and content.
Khenpo la conducted a ceremony that morning, where we lit 100 candles for Gyri, chanted prayers, and mantras, and then carried her outside the gompa for one final circumambulation of the gompa before putting her to rest. She has been buried in the ground in view of the gompa, with her head turned towards the gompa and her position in full sunlight during the day. We then had a lovely time together enjoying some lunch and talking about her, rejoicing in her very special life and circumstances for a favourable rebirth. Gyri taught us all so much, and as a sangha we are the stronger for having her as part of our community and our lives.
Gyri came to the centre in 2016 during the Easter long weekend working bee. She walked up the drive from next door, ate some lunch with everyone, and took up a position at the gompa door, greeted all that arrived each and every time, and never left. It is so unusual for this to happen, she never wanted to return to her other home. In time we approached her owners and they said we could keep Gyri at the centre.
Many people helped care for Gyri over the years, and many sponsored her food, veterinary bills, all sorts of things to help her, as the centre would like to thank each and every one of you on Gyri's behalf. For many years she was so independent and seemed to be getting younger not older. She would often be seen trotting off on her morning walk, keeping guard of the gompa and surroundings.
Then in September 2019 she suddenly lost the use of her back legs and became paralysed. After a period of getting used to this new way of being in the world, Gyri accepted all the care from everyone with such grace. She would have setbacks, but always bounced back stronger than ever. Her overall health was quite exceptional.
Gyri was 22 years old. She says she will see you in the next life.
We ask for you to pray for Gyri, saying mantra and lighting candles for her fortunate rebirth.