Thank you to all who attended the Autumn Family Retreat at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre this weekend. 

Together we learnt rich lessons from Khenpo la about:

Kindness to body
Kindness to speech; and
Kindness to mind.

“I am grateful for my family and friends”, Ocea (5 years)

“I like coming here with all these joyful hearts in beautiful nature”, Obie (8 years)

“Thank you for the kindness of the teachers”, Aggie

“I will take away this beautiful feeling in my heart”, Emmi

The Mindfulness Retreat was led by Ayya Jayasara over the Anzac Day Long weekend at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. The weekend included teachings and instructions on the techniques of meditation. Participants came from far and wide to attend this retreat.

It provided an abundance of favourable circumstances for all attending, such as a highly qualified teacher, like-minded attendees, perfect natural and peaceful environment and beautiful weather. All conducive to contemplation, deep reflection and meditation. 

We thank Ayya Jayasara from all of our hearts for such a beautiful weekend of dharma. Ayya is so caring of us during these retreats, walking us through step by step how to rest the mind, and see what happens from there. 
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Thank you to all the participants who attended, and to our wonderful team of volunteers who made this event run smoothly. We hope everyone can come again next time.

His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche arrived At Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre on the afternoon of 31 March for his inaugural visit to our Centre. He was received by an extended gathering of sangha with a warm traditional Tibetan welcome ceremony. 

Upon arrival His Holiness blessed the shrine, an auspicious rice and tea offering was made to His Holiness and the gathered sangha. Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe made a mandala offering to His Holiness, followed by a speech by our Centre’s President Jack Heath welcoming His Holiness and entourage.

His Holiness was then invited to speak and talked about how pleased he was to be at Kamalashila in such a peaceful place to share the week of dharma together. He spoke warmly about Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, and his respect for him as a teacher. 

The ceremony concluded with long-life prayers and dedications. We all felt so blessed to be in attendance. We all looked forward to the week ahead of precious teachings.

“Of course, faith is very important but having faith with understanding will be much stronger and more stable. In these kinds of programs with empowerments and teachings, with this understanding, you will be able to change your point of view, and one may be able to say one can ‘see’ another point of view. To have that curiosity and build your curiosity, to explore this curiosity. To be able to think out of the box. These teachings will show you a different path, a different method and a whole new way of approaching our lives. The Buddha’s teachings always have many benefits, with short-term benefits, long-term benefits and ultimate benefits. The short-term benefits are that one will have a calmer life, a life without stress and anxiety, without daily suffering, for then you will understand that there is not much point in going through all these sufferings because we realise it is just made up in one’s mind.

“The long-term benefit through these understandings and practices, you can gain merit, meaning the more merit one has in this life it will be better and in future lives, for we believe in future lives, we will be born in a better place, where there is food, good weather, like Australia [everyone laughs], although not much water, but still everything is much better here. Now, physically it is important to have a good physical body to hold your mind, basically. If one is physically unwell, for example, having a terminal illness one cannot work with the mind properly.”

“We think, oh, Khenpo is teaching, I don’t have time, one needs to have time, one basically needs to make time. Then Khenpo needs to have time, Khenpo is not in retreat, Khenpo is not travelling, there are many, many areas that need to come together, to see as a precious human life. To recognise, Khenpo is not going through any physical problems, Khenpo is also physically well, Khenpo is mentally stable [laughter from His Holiness and all in the gompa]. So, one must be healthy, stable, physically well, and then Khenpo must be as well. So, all of these factors must come together and meet at the right time. 

“Then to be able to concentrate, but not just to concentrate but also to understand, not just to understand but also to digest, for no matter how long one sits in the classroom or sits in the teaching, if one is not accepting all these things there is no point. Oh yes, Khenpo is saying all these things, but I don’t believe this or not really trust in this, then the power of the teachings will not be felt and will not gain any benefit, basically. So many things must come together. Then we consider ourselves as very lucky and value our precious life. 

“Again, in this type of situation of everything coming together, if one does not have the awareness, one needs wisdom to be able to digest Khenpo’s teachings. Relating to all students in the Himalayan Region, to gain wisdom they all practice Manjushri. For Manjushri is the combination of all the Buddha’s wisdom in all forms and shapes, this is the Manjushri practice. Almost all the children in most of the monasteries first thing in the morning, especially the younger children, they practise Manjushri’s practices. So, for then whatever practice they choose to do, it will make it easier for them to understand.

“So many things must come together, so here right now – it is coming together, for this is no less than a miracle that we are all here together. We all have jobs, families, but you have made the time, we have all come together, you are mentally stable, you are physically okay, you have come here to receive the teachings as well as Khenpo giving teachings, this is almost like one in a billion, basically. This is no less than a miracle to me, this is how I see it! 

“I think it is very important for you to see it, for the more precious you think it is the more you will be ready to accept these teachings, the more concentration you will have. If you take it all lightly and don’t care, one will not get much from it, even though you are sitting right in front. One person may think, ‘oh yes, Khenpo is giving a very precious teaching’ – then that person will gain all of the benefit. Yet a person sitting in the same class, the same room, but taking it all so lightly, will only gain so much, it is according to one’s own understanding and belief that you will gain benefit. As I said, these teachings are seen from not just solving your daily problems but giving you the ultimate – the key to the end of your suffering! Nowadays, everything is put in how much value does something have, so basically this is a multi-million dollar course, you are getting it for a very good deal [laughter]. 

“One time, I was in India speaking with some Indian Officials about so many of their most beautiful and most precious museums, it is impossible to put a price on any of these most precious artefacts. Nobody has heard of the Indian museums, yet we have heard of the French museum, the English museum, this region and other regions, because they have all put money into them. Oh this is a $50 million dollar painting – whereas I always find it quite strange that when those paintings were made, for example Picasso, when he was painting it, it was worthless, then I am told maybe 10 years or 100 years on – ‘oh Picasso is so great, his paintings worth millions’ – beyond such numbers I do not understand.”

“With the youth of today, having a million dollar this and that, flying all over the world to see a particular museum to see some painting, people are in awe. Yet because no one has put a value on any of the artifacts in Indian museums, nobody is going there, these artifacts are just sitting behind glass, considered as low value. So, it needs to have importance. 

“Similarly, you must give importance to these teachings. Because it is not just a teaching, it can solve your immediate problem, your ultimate problem, basically giving you more than putting a number on this, it is impossible to put a number on this. How can you put a number on one’s peace, on one’s happiness? No amount of money can give you peace. It is only when you receive these teachings and when one accepts, then one digests it only then can you see the beauty of this, it is so simple. 

“I think this is a great opportunity that we are all experiencing and that Khenpo is starting these courses (The 2nd Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course and the Advanced Shedra Course), as I am very happy and appreciate Khenpo’s hard work. 

“Khenpo is one of the great masters, and I believe that when he teaches, he teaches from his experience, not from just reading. He experiences everything, for experience is what makes it valuable. If it is just a matter of reading it and then teaching it, there is little value, but with the experience, it is the best. Khenpo’s master was Khenchen Appey Rinpoche, one of THE greatest masters, not just for the Sakyas but for all Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He is considered one of the best masters, and Khenpo is a student of his. So, we must remember this. Khenchen Appey Rinpoche is right here [His Holiness is looking up at the photograph of Khenchen Appey Rinpoche], for when I was little, I used to see him quite often, when we would go to the Sakya College, on special occasions. 

“Again, this is a very good opportunity for everyone to receive the teachings and to really make a difference in one’s life, for receiving initiations is one thing but receiving teachings is another great method of practising.”

A wonderful weekend at our 10th Karma Yoga Retreat at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. Many sangha turned up to prepare the Centre for the upcoming special visit of His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche. 
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Thank you to everyone who came and put so much effort into the days, with Khenpo la leading by such a shining example. And to Steve who lead the work groups for his first time. So much was accomplished!

Public Talk

Khenpo la gave a wonderful public talk on “Compassion as a Universal Healer” in Sydney. 
He said that compassion is such a big topic and is at the heart of every Buddhist teaching. Without compassion there is no Buddha. Thinking of all beings in the universe as the same as ourselves is extremely important as it is our self-cherishing mind that causes all the problems/sicknesses. Once we can see everyone as the same as ourselves, we then can start to experience true happiness. 

The healing is from stinginess, non-ethical living, having a short temper/anger mind, laziness, and distraction, to name a few. When we get upset with someone who harms us, we tend to give them more weapons, and then they can harm us more. So if we think of others with compassion, it is a win-win situation, as it helps others as well as ourselves, then we are able to see all sentient beings in a way to develop a more positive mind. 

Weekend Teachings

Drogmi Buddhist Institute’s Sydney students were so fortunate to have Khenpo la teach on “The Parting from the Four Attachments”. 

Khenpo la taught how the four lines of this ancient text are related to The Four Noble Truths and have a preliminary antidote and main antidote for each state. So many teachings were covered within these four lines: precious human rebirth, impermanence, the law of karma, renunciation, the suffering of samsara, loving-kindness, compassion and bodhicitta as well as many other aspects.

Khenpo la instructed on how to meditate in the proper sequence to make it a complete practice in order to obtain a complete result. 

There were many interesting questions from the sangha, trying to get our minds around these profound topics. Khenpo la managed to fit so much into just two days and offered us all inspiration to take these teachings into our daily lives and meditation practice. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this incredible opportunity, Khenpo la.

As many are aware, Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre is truly growing and glowing now. In the lead up to His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche’s visit, many of our sangha volunteered time, energy, materials as well as financial sponsorship to make it so.

The ‘Path to the Dharma’ (our new driveway) is safe and stable; terracing, pathways and structures give thoughtful form to the grounds, and the garden beds are glorious. Everything looks tended, cared for and loved, so thanks so much to everyone who contributed to the Centre’s beauty.

In addition, a new dharma shop has been neatly installed into the old library, and a new library is arising to line the walls of our beloved Tara Gompa.

Khenpo la’s vision for the library is that it supports the study of Dharma and offers extra resources to those who are undertaking courses at Kamalashila. To that end, our small Library Team (Maija Ringis, Tjenka Murray, Penny Moody and Zara Kaye) have been busy ferrying books from the old library to the magnificent, hand-crafted shelves (thanks again, Rob Assink!) of the new library. 

There has been an initial sorting of the texts into Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana and general categories and Maija, with initial much-appreciated support from Natasha and Tjenka, has taken on the mammoth task of uploading publication details of each text into our new online catalogue. 

Ultimately, the catalogue will mean that all visitors to the library, and especially those undertaking the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course and Shedra, will be able to search the collection by subject and easily source the materials available on that topic to deepen their study.

In addition, each course will have pertinent texts set aside on the reference shelves for students to study onsite. Anticipating the commencement of Shedra in May, we already have available three different translations of the core text, the Bodhicaryavatara, as well as three important commentaries.

Earlier this month Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara supported the team with the Theravadan collection so that our library contains valid sources and texts that students can rely on while studying this foundational school of Dharma.

There has been wonderful progress with the library and there is still much to do. The Library Team will announce the official completion of all their tasks, when we can celebrate the opening of the library for use by all. We look forward to seeing you there.

It truly was yet another lovely Open Day at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, on 28 February. It’s a day that we open up the Centre for the wider community to enjoy. 

Khenpo la gave a dharma talk and Venerable Tsultim offered a session on how to meditate. We had a delicious lunch, chai and cakes, a fun kids’ corner of mani stone painting, an information stall and shop with lots of beautiful things. 
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Thank you to everyone who came through the gates, it was a peaceful and sweet day.

It was a special day at Kamalashila, Sunday 22 February, full of dharma activities. Amongst these activities was the completion of our 5th Annual Vajrayogini Retreat led by students. It was three days of wonderful learning and practice together with a final day Tsog offering practice. 

Thank you, Penny, for leading this retreat, and to all the sangha who came in person, joined online and each one contributing by leading a session or their engagement in discussions. Thank you, Zara, for your delicious and healthy meals that you also sponsored, so generously. 
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A big thank you to Khenpo la, for your wonderful support to the students in this event each year. We can’t wait for next year’s retreat!

Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding Rinpoche is one of the greatest living Tibetan female teachers, and the elder sister of His Holiness the 41st Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, our root guru and Vajradhara.

Her Eminence sent her sincere greetings and blessings to all members and friends of Drogmi Buddhist Institute. She also kindly sent this precious and holy photograph, taken on the morning of 19th February, to Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. 
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Tashi Delek! Happy Losar to ALL. The Centre welcomed a large group of sangha friends to celebrate this New Year, the Year of the Fire Horse. Khenpo la led us in The Sixteen Arhat Puja, Long Life and auspicious prayers. We then held a bodhi tree planting ceremony in the garden near the gompa. Khenpo la invited us all to touch the tree as a gesture as a connection to our own enlightenment. We then all took part in auspicious rice and tea offering in the main dining room, along with morning tea and a delightful catch up with everyone. 

On the Sunday the Centre continued Losar Celebrations when Khenpo la led sangha in the prayer flag hanging ceremony at Kamalashila. Khenpo la led us in a smoke offering puja (Lhasang) and traditional barley offerings to all the celestial beings for a positive start to the New Year. 

We started with the burning of the old prayer flags and prayers to dispel and purify the negative forces of the old year and usher in the New Year with positivity and good will to all beings. New flags were hung, all sponsored by sangha who had written messages of love and peace in this world, and family and friends names for their wellbeing. We then all gathered in the meditation hall where Khenpo la led us in meditation and prayers. Sangha were then offered auspicious rice and tea, and Khenpo la had made the traditional Kupsey (Tibetan biscuit) eaten at New Year. 

We thank Khenpo la for his constant Dharma Activities for the benefit of us all, and we wish Him and everyone a truly happy and joyful New Year and may the Centre continue to flourish in the Dharma so as to help countless sentient beings.

Thank you to everyone who came to share and enjoy over the two days of celebrations.

Over the Mentor Training Retreat Weekend, Khenpo la revised teachings for the group and our course convenor Carole led group workshops. We thank the mentors for taking on this very important role for all the students who have enrolled for this wonderful course. 
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During the last day of this gathering, our Sunday practice restarted the Centre’s year program for 2026.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of many DBI friends and supporters, the roadworks are completed for the ‘Path to the Dharma’ (our new driveway).

Craig de Sommerville and team spent a week preparing and pouring the new concrete road. Paul McGrath spent a further week rebuilding the roads up to the carpark and then up the saddle and behind the retreat huts, including putting in new drains. 

We rejoice in the merit of all who have contributed – thanks to your kind generosity, for this all was part of our huge preparations in welcoming His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche this past March/April!

Thank you all so much, especially Khenpo la for kicking off the fundraising appeal in the first place. 

On 17 and 18 January our dear centre brother Robert Assink installed new book shelving in the Tara Gompa. Robert had built the shelving in his workshop in Queensland and delivered them to the centre on his trailer.

The shelving costs were donated to the centre as a gesture of deep appreciate to Khenpo la by a group of the 2024-2025 pilgrims. Robert then kindly agreed to build them. 

Such a beautiful demonstration of craftsmanship and devotion by Robert. We thank him sincerely from the bottom of our hearts, as visitors to the centre are really going to benefit from his great efforts for many years to come. We hope everyone can come to the centre and enjoy. 

​Big thank you to others who helped and to all our pilgrim sponsors. And of course, Khenpo la for his great vision. We will now transfer all our books to this new gompa/library home.

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.