Australian Fires 2019-2020 – Kamalashila

AFTER THE FIRES – Kamalashila tibetan buddhist centre
​February 2020

Kamalashila was miraculously spared from the traumatising monster fire that brewed on the west side of Mt Gulaga overlooking our entire Centre property. It hovered over the 150 acres that hold all the precious teachings and blessings of Kamalashila, the master’s home, the gompa, as well as all down the far South Coast to the Victorian border and beyond, into parts of Victoria, and the North Coast of NSW up to the Queensland border, the Snowy Mountains, outskirts all around Canberra. Due to the most recent heavenly and heavy rainfall, it has now been declared “put out”!!!

​During the beginning of the year the Kyegu Buddhist Institute (KBI) monks carried out two Nagaraja rituals which aim to produce rain and also to promote environmental health and stability by rejuvenating weakened Nagas, as prayers were also being made for the favourable rebirth of the vast numbers of animals who have been killed. They carried out these two pujas within a few weeks of one another at Bronte Beach, Sydney NSW. 

We thank all for the deepest of heartfelt prayers from the highest of Tibetan Buddhist masters abroad in India, to our locals. So many, during these fires since 26 November 2019 up until a few weeks ago, have lost their loved ones, animals, all possessions – some had to flee in the middle of the night from the flames unexpectedly without even their wallet; more than the mind can comprehend. One must continue prayers for those lost – they are saying over one billion animals perished not even including all types of creatures, insects, endangered species; the list is frightful (uncountable Om Mani Padme Hum mantras)!

​There is so much healing needed which inevitably will happen in time yet seeing the immensity of it all in bits and pieces in the aftermath brings a deep sinking feeling in one’s heart and brings one to tears. Now we are seeing some encouraging growth which arises out of this inexplicable despair as our communities continue to support, love and hear one another so we can mend. 
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Here are a few smoke-filled images over the last few months at the centre along with some beautiful images of the KBI monks performing the Naga pujas.