Annual Shamatha Retreat 2023

HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
29 September - 8 October 2023

At the start of the ten-day Shamatha Retreat at Kamalashila, Khenpo la noted this was our 8th Annual Shamatha Retreat held at Kamalashila, although he has led many others over the years and different locations around Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Attendees have come to this retreat from as far away as Northern NSW and Melbourne. Khenpo la invited us to meet and mingle with each other before giving an overview of the retreat, and then a profound teaching on the core reason why we need to learn Shamatha Meditation. Everyone was very happy to have arrived in this peaceful and special place. 

On day two Khenpo la taught in detail on the Four Foundation Thoughts, the Seven Vairocana Posture and refuge. With refuge, Khenpo la taught on the reason why the Triple Gem are the most suitable objects of refuge. Buddha’s every word has the answer to our sufferings; Dharma can destroy all the branches of our defilements; Sangha has the past experience that inspires and supports us until Buddhahood. 

On a different afternoon Khenpo la led students in raising wonderful new prayer flags for our centre. 
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On completion of all the Shamatha instructions and his very special teachings on Nargajuna’s ‘Letter to A Friend’ our retreat was completed. At the conclusion, students felt compelled to recite Khenpo la’s long life prayer in heartfelt appreciation for his wise, clear, and inspiring teaching. May All beings be happy!