A dedicated retreat time for study and practice, breaking our routine habits, and slowing down is such a kind act of compassion for ourselves, and a wise use of our time. And there are so many ways that we can do this.

I live in the beautiful Blue Mountains and have a lovely shrine room. However, I cherish the opportunity to carve out a few days and trek down to Tilba for a personal retreat with a personal retreat plan away from my comfortable distractions at home. The six-hour drive to Tilba is part of my retreat preparation. My heart sings as I arrive at the wooden gates that helps define a retreat boundary. I make that mindful drive up the driveway, past the temple and pausing over the crest seeing the 3 separate retreat huts – one of which will be my cozy home for a short time. I love the simplicity of the huts that have all one needs. 

The small fridge, along with an esky, supports a simplicity in approach to meals, suitable for retreat. The huts are set up with the space for practice and furniture for study. Sliding door is the entrance for breeze when needed and opens to an expansive view to support practice. In wintertime the log fire is a treat on a cold night. 

Entering these huts for our retreat we contribute to the aspirations and practice of retreatants before us and who will follow us. I have been the only person there and also there with retreatants either side. During the day it is wombats, wallabies, bell birds and magpies who will be your companions. 

The huts are in the shadow of the Yuin peoples sacred Gulaga Mountain. This retreat land has a heritage of Buddhist retreat and practice. It is indeed a land that vibrates with this combined richness. 

We are very fortunate to have Khenpo and the sangha who provide this opportunity with generosity, compassion and care. It is so important to have affordable accessible places to retreat. My thanks to those who work hard to make this happen and the hospitality they volunteer to ensure our access and support our retreat time in such a beautiful part of the world. I can't wait to return! 

~ Patricia D.

Each year at the Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre during the holy month of Saga Dawa, many generous and kind sangha sponsor lamp offerings to dedicate to their family, friends, world peace and for the benefit of all sentient beings. Each day during Saga Dawa one of the sangha makes physical offerings on behalf of our sponsors if they cannot come to make the offering themselves, reciting all the names and the light offering prayers. 

Light offerings are such a simple, yet profound offering to make. Light symbolises the Buddha’s wisdom, shining on all sentient beings, illuminating the darkness of their ignorance and transforming it into the light of primordial wisdom. This year we have been most fortunate to have scheduled so many wonderful retreats and events during Saga Dawa, some of our regular retreats falling this year within the holy month. 

Saga Dawa Düchen

On the most holy of days, Saga Dawa Düchen (Full Moon Day this year was on 11 June), sangha enjoyed a beautiful morning of prayers and chanting led by Khenpo la, with auspicious rice offerings and a delicious morning tea together.  For six nights in the lead up to Saga Dawa Düchen Day, Khenpo la led so many students/sangha via Zoom in guided meditations and mantra recitations. It really is such a special month for sangha to be together and for the individual practitioner to deepen their faith and devotion in the Triple Gem. 

Khacho Yulo Ling Buddhist Centre in Cairns was fortunate to be able to once again host Venerable Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe to complete the teachings on Nagarjuna’s “Letter to a Friend” which he began last September. Khenpo la started the weekend off with a very profound talk on the Friday evening on “How to Create a Happy Life” incorporating an ethical Buddhist approach, a teaching so relevant today in our troubled times.

The weekend teachings explored this whole theme of happiness and suffering, delving into what are the true causes of suffering and how to eliminate those causes and conditions – primarily a mind afflicted by ignorance, desire and hatred. Then, exploring through these ancient teachings, how to cultivate the causes and conditions to create genuine happiness – primarily a mind imbued with wisdom and compassion. 

All those attending the weekend left inspired and with practical tools to work on their mind to create positive change. For this we are so grateful to our dear Dharma Teacher Khenpo la for tirelessly turning the Wheel of Dharma to benefit all beings.
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~ Venerable Rinchen
Resident Nun, Khacho Yulo Ling Buddhist Centre

Saturday and Sunday 14-15 June was a very successful gardening weekend at Kamalashila. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers as we went about the first stage of the main garden upgrade, supported by our great cooks. Big thank you to Vasi for leading the way in this important project. Our next gardening weekend is 12-13 July!

We are inviting volunteers to join us in the redevelopment of the main garden at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre at Tilba. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time in nature, contribute to a meaningful project, and help create a beautiful, peaceful space for all to come and enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply enjoy being outdoors with your hands in the soil, we’d love to have you involved. Even a few hours can make a real difference.

The redevelopment will take place in various stages, before our larger Karma Yoga Retreat which is in early August.

If you’re interested in lending a hand, please send an email to [email protected] and let us know what days you can help and if you wish to stay overnight. If you are staying on site, it is best to arrive on the Friday night prior. Accommodation and meals will be provided. 

If you are unable to participate physically, there is always the opportunity to sponsor sangha meals or make an offering for materials being used. You can do this via the DBI website: drogmi.org/support-us.html

Vajrapani is a very important deity in the Vajrayana, and in particular in our tradition, Sakya. It is the first formal personal retreat many of the young monks and nuns undertake, and they are very young! Vajrapani is a great subduer of any hindrances to our dharma practice and therefore such an important deity for the practitioner. Every year (this was our 5th), over the June Long weekend at Kamalashila, our precious teacher Khenpo la conducts this group retreat for four days. Giving incredibly detailed teachings and allowing participants time to develop their own study and contemplations around this profound sadhana. 

It was a very warm sangha group, learning from each other and practising together. It is so inspiring to be part of this. During retreat as well, was the start of the Continual Mantra Recitation evenings on Zoom led by Khenpo, which commenced for six consecutive nights in the lead up to the Saga Dawa Duchen, in this Holy Month of Saga Dawa. Light offerings were continually made daily and throughout retreat on behalf of sponsors. To think we have this opportunity, right here in Australia, at the foot of mother Gulaga mountain, and especially to have a teacher of Khenpo la’s stature and qualities, teaching, encouraging us all on our path to enlightenment. A beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky just before our final session. Thank you so much Khenpo la for all you do for all beings. 

~ Ann 

Tony’s farewell

27 April: On this morning after Sunday practice, we enjoyed a morning tea in honour of our dear Tony, who is moving to Sydney. Tony has offered support at the centre for many years, cooking beautiful meals at retreat, serving on the committee and much more. We all wish Tony our best wishes in Sydney and look forward to him visiting the centre in the not too distant future. Thank you, Zara, for cooking such lovely cakes for the occasion.

Karma’s farewell

25 May: Following the commencement of Ngondro Retreat we held a special farewell lunch in Karma la’s honour as he travels back to New York. Karma has been at Kamalashila for 7 months, working so hard cooking for many retreats and festivals and open days, being a steady support to sangha in Khenpo la’s absence, grounds maintenance and so much more. We thank you so much for your great efforts done with complete joy and devotion. We will miss you but look forward to seeing you again soon. Please come back soon.

The 4th Annual Ngondro Retreat was held at Kamalashila, led by Khenpo la. We all felt so fortunate to have this opportunity to attend this retreat and receive such profound teachings on the Ngondro practices from Khenpo la. Thank you Khenpo la for so generously sharing your vast knowledge. Thank you, Karma la, Garth and family for cooking such delicious meals, to Emily for travelling from Sydney to help and the sangha for attending.

​First Ngondro retreat for me, and small more intimate group. Seemed an especially good follow on from the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course and practical in that it filled a lot of gaps in my sadhana practices, with inspiration to actively engage and make efforts towards achieving our best. Visualisations, full length prostrations, sessions all well directed and length of sessions suited us too. Also Khenpo left it open for us to do prostrations as it suited individually in the Vajrasattva practices rather than everyone at one time. Great to be introduced to mandala plate practice too which I’ll need to follow up on. Very good offering option to continue practice personally (with self-catering) at the centre after retreat and would have but for commitments at home. 
~ Amanda

Thank you to Zara and Ann for the organising and facilitating such a beautiful weekend of family connection. It truly felt like stepping into a dream – where every detail was thoughtfully taken care of from the nourishing food and cosy accommodation to the sun-drenched nature play and the gentle rhythm of meditations and meaningful exchanges.

Khenpo la’s presence and wisdom deeply enriched the experience for both the children and us adults, offering inspiring insights and gentle guidance for living and interacting more peacefully, mindfully and compassionately with one another.

Some highlights for us included the marshmallow meditation, playing soccer and enjoying a picnic on the saddle, the parent session with Khenpo la, and watching all the children playing together and offering their thoughtful reflections in the gompa.
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Our hearts are full after this weekend. Our children had the most wonderful time and are already counting down the days until the next retreat.
​~ With immense gratitude, Emilie & Leander

Kamalashila sangha came from far and wide to receive precious teachings on Mindfulness from Ayya Jitindriyā at our Fourth Annual Day-long Mindfulness Retreat. Ayya gently guided us through the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as taught by Lord Buddha, through experiencing sitting and walking meditations. Ayya’s clear and targeted teachings were very helpful and accessible, and the question and answer sessions were like a daily guide to how to live a life of mindfulness in this chaotic world. So beautifully supported by Ayya Jayasāra, and our amazing cook Penny, along with helpers Tjenka and Dan, thank you to everyone who came. Thank you Ayya Jitindriyā, we all feel so fortunate to have you in our community, turning the Wheel of Dharma.

I really appreciated spending time at the Mindfulness One-Day Retreat with Ayya Jitindriyā at the Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. It was my first time meditating with other people and I was very warmed and welcomed into the process. The retreat was clear, approachable, in a beautiful setting conducive to insight and practice, and it gently demystified what a retreat and a sangha actually are in practice. A big thank you to the volunteers, the centre and those involved, and the teachers for sharing such an important and helpful practice with the community. 
~ Max C.

The Day-Long Mindfulness Retreat with Ayyas Jitindriyā and Jayasāra was a rich and memorable day of crystal clear and profound Dharma teachings by these exceptional teachers.  The meditation hall and bush surroundings at Kamalashila are beautiful and peaceful – so conducive to contemplation – and the whole experience (including delicious lunch!) was seamlessly and generously hosted by Ann and a team of volunteers. Thank you, I will be back. 
~ Alistair

​We express our deepest gratitude to Khenpo la for leading the Annual Shamatha and Mindfulness Retreat at Kamalashila on Easter weekend. Khenpo la gave such clear instructions on Shamatha and Mindfulness meditation, both in theory and practice, of how to correctly undertake the meditations. Ayya Jayasāra led us in walking meditation and on the final day of the retreat in teachings and guided meditation, and to Jack on our final evening leading Q&A and meditation. Such a beautiful gathering of sangha, from Melbourne, Sydney and country NSW. Khenpo la taught on mindfulness of loving-kindness “whenever we have a warm and caring mind we are never going to suffer.”

I can’t even express how wonderful this retreat was. Amazing teachings from Khenpo and such a beautiful sangha to spend it with. Love you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
~Hollie D.

Attending the Shamatha and Mindfulness retreat over the Easter long weekend was the first time my partner Nick and I had visited Kamalashila. The location was very peaceful, nestled in the tranquil bush of Gulaga’s foothills. Being a significant cultural site for the Yuin people added another spiritual layer to the experience. On entering the gompa I was struck by its beauty – draped in colourful thangkas and adorned with flowers and candles to honour its sacredness. Sunshine streamed in for the first half of each day making the colours even brighter and more brilliant. Khenpo la was engaging, gentle, wise, compassionate, thoughtful, kind, serious, humorous and much more. Being with him, I realised how much I had missed being in the presence of and learning from a Buddhist Master of his stature. The teachings and time spent with Khenpo la were priceless.
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The schedule was gentler than some other retreats I’ve attended which allowed me to feel fresh and fully present for each session. I’m sure that feeling alert, comfortable and at ease helped me to absorb more of the precious teachings. We also received teachings and guided meditations from Jayasāra and Jack which added to the richness of the program. The volunteers supporting the retreat were amazing. Apologies for not mentioning everyone but Ann, Emily, Suzie, and Tjenka looked after us and prepared our meals with warmth and love. Attending the retreat left me feeling really settled, like EVERTHING will be alright – I’m on the right track! 

Post-retreat Nick and I are spending more time together in silence. I’m trying to notice others’ faults less and pay more attention to my own. I’m working on having a kinder, softer, wiser, and more positive mind. Being at Kamalashila felt like coming home and I’m grateful to Khenpo la and the Sangha for building this sanctuary for us to share the precious Dharma teachings. 
~Anne J.

The Third Three Visions Festival was held at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre on 5 April 2025. It was a truly beautiful day of joy for so many, in celebrating the three cultures as one and in harmony beneath mother mountain, Gulaga. The morning commenced with a very special and moving welcome and smoking ceremony by Yuin Elder Vivian Mason.

This was followed with chanting by Tibetan resident teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, and then a formal opening by Eurobodalla Councillors. The day was then packed with wonderful dance performances and music and song by the Djaadjawan Dancers, the Nowra Tibetan Community and Beautifully Mad music. It was a special atmosphere of real community and caring. 

​Thank you to everyone who came, and to all our wonderful volunteers. Thank you to Khenpo la for creating this wonderful event for us all to enjoy.

Our family really enjoyed spending the time together, along with the other families attending the Online Family Meditation Course, facilitated by Zara. Our son Kit really liked the stories of the Buddha; our daughter Ruthie loved the dedication with the gestures and also the start of the sessions where each kid got to say what they were grateful for. Wan Yi liked the games and the kids’ drawings of the Buddha stories. 
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I really enjoyed the way Zara led the meditation in particular but also the fun and engaging way she delivered each and every session. We all loved it and look forward to doing it again in the future. Thank you, 
~ Peter A.

I participated in the 5 week meditation course in March. Ann was a gentle instructor, gracious enough to allow for additional content or discussion. The meditation hall is very special, filled with light and supportive energy. I will be back. 
~Georgina M.

The Six Dome White Ayra Tara Retreat was held over three days in mid-March, with students warmly welcoming Khenpo la’s return from Nepal. The retreat was held on one of the four most auspicious days in the Tibetan Calendar, Chötrul Düchen, being the 15th day of the first month, marking when Lord Buddha performed miracles on each of the 15 days. Khenpo la explained it is a day when Tibetans make offerings by lighting butter lamps in the shapes of flowers, trees, birds, and other auspicious symbols, and create elaborate displays in homes and public spaces. It is believed that during this time, the effects of both positive and negative actions are multiplied ten million times. 

All of the retreatants made light offerings on behalf of all sentient beings, may light go to all of the realms, bringing luminosity for peace and happiness to prevail. As a small intimate group in mid-March, we experienced continuing insights into the White Tara practice taught by Khenpo la. Although it has been only the third ongoing annual White Tara retreat, I feel I am benefiting already by the deeper understanding and clarity I have obtained with each step of the learning of this practice. I’m already looking forward to the next one. Thank you Khenpo la. 
~ Pam

Khenpo la led a close group of practitioners through the annual Six Dome White Arya Tara Retreat. We were all very glad to welcome Khenpo la back from his travels abroad. Throughout the retreat we were given detailed instructions and several opportunities to practise the beautiful sadhana together. This was my first introduction to a specific Vajrayana practice and there were moments that I found quite challenging. I was so grateful therefore for the guidance given by Khenpo la and the support shown from each of the senior students at the retreat. By the last day, I had settled so comfortably into the practice and was feeling so uplifted. A big thank you also to Karma, Ani la, Andrew and Suzy for nourishing us with the delicious food they prepared with such care.

We are so very lucky to have such a beautiful, tranquil place to come to hear the Dharma from our precious teacher Khenpo la and to be inspired by our fellow sangha. I am incredibly grateful that I have begun my White Tara practice as I feel that it will sustain me for many years to come. With kindness, 
~ Ruthie E.

At Kamalashila we marked Losar this year led by Karma la with prayers and ceremonial hanging of new prayer flags around the centre grounds. Many sangha members had sponsored these flags, requesting they be inscribed with messages for loved ones and for peace and happiness in this world. 

We then made light offerings for all of those who suffered in the recent earthquake in Tibet and all others caught up in wars and conflict around the world, and for all beings experiencing suffering. 

We meditated on a short teaching of Khenpo la’s on loving-kindness and then recited The Twenty-One Praises to Tara, other prayers and mantras. We partook in auspicious rice and tea, then shared a delicious community lunch. 
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May this New Year bring all beings much happiness, good health, peace and prosperity.

Our 4th Annual Vajrayogini Retreat was held over three days being student run under the guidance of our Teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. Sangha members attended both in person and online. Penny la led so beautifully in guiding us in readings from the profound teachings on this practice, by the late and great His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche. It was wonderful to be able to share our experiences with each other during this retreat and practise together. 
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We all felt such gratitude to our precious Teachers for providing this opportunity for us. Thank you so much to Karma la who provided delicious and nourishing food for the retreat. We all so look forward to next year.

What a wonderful collection of humans visited Kamalashila on our recent Open Day! Ostensibly drawn by curiosity and an interest in spirituality, these new visitors arrived with beautiful insights of their own. 

“These are different communities, but they are connected… It’s connecting communities… like this place…” ~ Denise

“My painting is of fire: from the darkness of the fuel below, comes the light…” ~ Roxana 

“There are lots of different people on my mani stone, represented by the dots… angry people, kind people, all sorts of people. The red between them is the joy and love that connects them all. And the white at the centre, that all the people are connected to, whether we see it or not, is the light, is spirituality.” ~ Kimberley 

The invitation to take a tour of the gompa and the property, as well as to explore meditation, were well taken up, and visitors enjoyed cake, chai and chats, as well as a delicious Tibetan lunch cooked by Karma la.

Both children and adults enjoyed the peaceful creativity of painting their own Mani Stones and shared with each other tales of life and their wishes for the world, captured in their artwork.

Thank you to all our raffle prize sponsors including Narooma Pharmacy and sangha members. Congratulations to winners of the raffle, especially young Oliver!

​And thank you to all who attended, visitors and volunteers alike, for the beautiful atmosphere of gentle harmony that was created today at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre.

​Khenpo la’s 12th Group Pilgrimage to India and Nepal commenced on 27 December. Pilgrims were met at the airport in Gaya, India by Khenpo la and taken to the guesthouse in Bodhgaya where we stayed for one week. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and after dinner circumambulated the precious stupa. We feel so fortunate to be in this blessed place, where Lord Buddha lived and was enlightened, and to have Khenpo la as our guide for these three weeks of pilgrimage.

On New Year’s Day, Khenpo la and pilgrims undertook this rare opportunity to offer to the Buddha, on behalf of all sangha, new robe cloth and many other offerings such as flowers, fruit and rice in the Mahabodhi Temple. May these precious blessings extend to us all, for the New Year and always. Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year and may your dharma activities increase and may all your wishes be realised for the benefit of all sentient beings. Khenpo la has been leading group meditation practice daily under the Bodhi tree, just beside where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. 

​Khenpo la led pilgrims to Vultures Peak, the holy site where Buddha taught The Heart Sutra to many followers gathered in the surrounding valley. The group recited The Heart Sutra and Buddha Shakyamuni Mantras and made khata, light and incense offerings. Pilgrims then gathered in one of Buddha’s closest disciples Shariputra’s meditation cave to make offerings and meditate. This was very special as many in the group had recently been studying The Heart Sutra. 

Nalanda University was the next stop, the site of where the great masters studied, taught and lived, such as Masters Nagarjuna, Shantideva, Asanga, Virupa to name but a few of such extraordinary beings. This was so special, again as we all owe so much gratitude to the great masters, we have all benefited from their great knowledge and compassion from their teachings. We could really feel their presence there.

Just outside Bodhgaya is a very significant holy site, the Mahakala cave. Khenpo la arranged for pilgrims to visit the cave. Here it is believed that Lord Buddha Shakyamuni stayed on His travels in the area along with other realised masters. Everyone made offerings and Khenpo la conducted a short Mahakala practice in the cave. It was extremely special, to know Buddha Himself and many other past and current masters have visited this holy place. Travel was by tuk-tuk to the cave through scenic countryside. 

The pilgrims spent three days in Saranath, Varanasi. Here Lord Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma for the first time teaching the Four Noble Truths to disciples at Deer Park, Saranath. We also visited the site close by the stupa where Lord Buddha met up with the first five disciples. Khenpo la led us in meditation and circumambulating and offerings each day, as well as visiting other holy sites and temples and the local archaeological museum. We all felt so fortunate to have this opportunity to be in these such holy places.

In Varanasi Khenpo took pilgrims on a boat cruise on the amazing River Ganges, holy mainly to Hindu faith and mentioned in some Buddhist texts. The pilgrims then travelled to Kushinagar, the holy site where Lord Buddha became unwell and passed into Mahaparinirvana and was then cremated. We were so fortunate to visit all three sites and pay homage to Lord Buddha. Khenpo la gave concise teachings at each site, asking pilgrims to reflect on Lord Buddha’s incredible teaching for us all, on the impermanent nature of compounded phenomena. Even Buddha, with this human form, could not live forever. On the way to the holy sites we met an elephant, a very auspicious sign. Khenpo la said, the elephant with the owner holding a hooked staff, was the living example of Mindfulness and Vigilance.

In the holy site of Shravasti Lord Buddha spent around 40 years at the later part of His life, setting up monastic orders and conducting 24 Rain Retreats. He also performed many miracles. Khenpo la led us in meditation and making offerings at these sites. The main temple site is where Buddha and many Arhats and realised beings lived, practised and discussed the dharma. One could really feel the Buddha’s and all their presence.

In Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Khenpo la guided pilgrims around the Holy site and were able to see the exact place of Buddha’s birth. Khenpo la led prayers and meditation. Many times, it is hard to believe the great fortunate circumstances to touch the earth that Buddha walked on. It was a very auspicious time as the visit to Lumbini coincided with the anniversary of Sakya Pandita. Pilgrims stayed at His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche’s monastery guesthouse. Khenpo la and pilgrims were invited to attend special practice and prayers in the Gompa with the ordained sangha to commemorate the anniversary of Sakya Pandita’s passing to Mahaparinirvana. It was a very beautiful evening, which included tea offering to all gathered. On behalf of Drogmi Buddhist Institute members and friends, 1000 light offerings were made. We thanked the Ani Las for sharing this very special occasion with us. 

Khenpo la led the final leg of the pilgrimage in Nepal, providing numerous opportunities to pay homage and make offerings. On the first day in Kathmandu, pilgrims visited the most holy site Swayambhu Stupa, the oldest and most complete stupa in the world, and performed Kora, meditation and made offerings. Pilgrims then walked to the nearby Vajrayogini temple, a site frequented by many great Vajrayogini practitioners past and present, and where Khenpo la said many have gained the Vajrayogini state. We made offerings and were so fortunate to have the opportunity to meditate there.

Khenpo la led pilgrims on a visit to the International Buddhist Academy (IBA) in Boudhanath. The academy had been developed by Khenpo la’s late Guru, the great Khenpo Appey Rinpoche. Pilgrims paid respects at Rinpoche’s memorial stupa and were given a very moving tour of the academy, learning about Khenpo Appey Rinpoche’s extraordinary vision and Dharma activities. We then visited the very holy stupa at Boudha close by and made circumambulations of the stupa.

​The following day pilgrims visited Parphing just outside Kathmandu, to make offerings at the site of Tara in the Rock, Guru Rinpoche cave and the very old Vajrayogini temple. At each site the group spent plenty of time in meditation and receiving teachings from Khenpo la. We were so fortunate. On the way back to town we stopped at the ancient part of Kathmandu, Patan, and made a wonderful visit to the Golden Temple, which has so many incredibly ‘alive’ shrines and statues of many deities.

Next stop was the incredible Mahabouddha Temple, dating back to 1585 and built in the image of the Stupa at Bodh Gaya.

Our final day Khenpo la had organised, with Dr Tony Richardson and Emily as main sponsors along with contributions from others, to offer cloth to the Swayambhu Stupa. This is a very rare opportunity, the dome of the stupa is repainted with lime water, that the group members helped to prepare, and cloth was replaced, along with the prayer flags. An amazing day to complete the pilgrimage. Thank you Tony and Emily, and everyone who sponsored, and Khenpo la and Tsering and Nyima for organising to make it happen.

On the final evening of the pilgrimage, Khenpo la arranged for the group to have a celebratory dinner at a restaurant with a view of Swayambhunath Stupa. Pilgrims shared their reflections about their pilgrimage experience. Everyone found this very inspiring. We all enjoyed dressing up for the occasion in traditional Tibetan and Indian dress. Everyone thanked Khenpo la from the bottom of our hearts for leading us these 3 weeks in the footsteps of Lord Buddha. How can we repay your kindness.

Venerable Tsultim generously led a calm-abiding and healing retreat for twenty students at the Kamalashila centre from 27 December through to New Year’s Day, as a beautiful end to 2024 and start for 2025. He was supported by Jack who led teachings on the Four Immeasurables. 

With a number of the people visiting the centre for the first time it was wonderful how quickly the sense of community built and grew over the course of the retreat. Feedback from attendees was very positive. The first two full days focused on the classic text, Advice to Rahula, with the second two days examining the Nine Stages of Meditation, and regular meditations on the body, breath and blue flower along with walking meditations to the saddle to take in the view of Mount Gulaga. 

On New Year’s Eve we enjoyed some lovely singing by Annamaria at dinner before the retreatants asked if they could return to the Gompa to recite Vajrasattva – a first for our end of year retreats! We were kindly supported by Vanessa and Pam with delicious meals lovingly prepared by Karma, Tony, and Andrew. 

We look forward to the new students returning to our centre to continue with us on their Dharma journey under the guidance of our precious teacher Khenpo la. 
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Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and may your practice be strong and joyful. 

“I found the Healing and Clear Mind Retreat very helpful for reinvigorating my practice. I have been seeking some strategies to deal with my restless mind, which often gets agitated by various worldly uncertainties. This restlessness becomes a hindrance to developing a still and concentrated mind. By implementing some of the learnings from retreat and bringing shamatha (calm-abiding) into my daily meditation practice, I notice that I am able to recognise some of the mind’s patterns in my daily activities more easily, and even sometimes notice during meditation when it is about to run off into getting distracted by its usual patterns. Of course, my practice is still a work in progress and some days my mind is all over the place. But the retreat has (via Shamatha) given me a solid foothold, through which I am experiencing more pleasure and tranquillity than before through practices like breath counting and using a fixed object to rest the mind upon. I also found the teachers warm-hearted, patient and knowledgeable. I was grateful for the opportunity to sit the retreat and look forward to attending more in future. Thank you for welcoming me to the Drogmi Buddhist Institute.” ~ Damien

“I went in with an open mind having little experience of Buddhist practice and doctrine. I was very pleased with Venerable Tsultim leading the meditations, in conjunction with Jack’s input. I had been a lapsed meditator for many years, so it was a beautiful reintroduction, via the Shamatha approach, to my own stillness and presence, and I was particularly deeply affected by the use of the blue flower as an image to focus on. The talk given over the course of the retreat focussing on the graphic handout, explaining the monkey mind, elephant and meditator on the path to enlightenment, was a beautiful illustration of the process we all as practitioners have embarked on.

“I was fortunate to stay on and meet Scott, Robert and others in a Karma Yoga program, which ran immediately after the Healing and Clear Mind Retreat. I felt it deepened my experiences of stillness, and the clarity achieved throughout the five-day retreat.

“Back into ‘normal’ life I have been inspired to continue sitting several times throughout the day, as I am very much aware when I lose my presence to thinking. Coming back to the breath, slowing down and simply sitting with what is, has been a lasting effect of the retreat for myself, and one I look forward to when the demands of the world have been met. I also have a better grasp of what Venerable referred to as causes and conditions and can now see when I get triggered or reactive as something I am responsible for, not the event, person or anything outside myself. Although this has always been my practice, the retreat has illuminated this truth as more obvious. Thank you for the gift of Kamalashila.” ~ Steven 

On Sunday 8 December, we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of our Precious Teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe’s living and Turning the Wheel of Dharma in Australia. 
Many students from as far away as Perth, Broome, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney gathered the night before to help in the preparations. Many had been students of Khenpo la for over 20 years. It was a wonderful reunion. 

The celebratory morning commenced with the official opening of our new “Little Gompa”, and the unveiling of the upper part of the stupa, up to the pinnacle revealed. Everyone gasped at the beauty before them. Khenpo la invited the major sponsors and workers on the project to untie the ribbon (khatas) to the front doors. The Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara were requested by Khenpo la to recite auspicious prayers from the Theravada tradition, then Venerable Tsultrim sang The Four Immeasurables. Lastly, Khenpo la recited Tibetan prayers, followed by acknowledgements, offerings of khatas and gifts to the main sponsors, and workers on this special project. The sangha was then invited by Khenpo la to circumambulate the gompa/stupa, reciting the Buddha Shakyamuni Mantra, and enter inside. The sound of the chanting inside was so very beautiful.

Those gathered were then invited to enter the main gompa to honour our precious Teacher in The Sixteen Arhat Puja. The shrine was carefully prepared with many offerings. Upon entry attendees were invited to make a light offering for the long life of Khenpo la, all our teachers and for the benefit of all sentient beings. Auspicious rice and tea offerings were made. The DBI committee sangha made a special Thanksgiving Mandala Offering to Khenpo la. During this time Khenpo la wore ‘His Khenpo Enthronement Hat’, which was so special. Khenpo la explained that this was only the second time he had worn this ceremonial hat. Many offerings were made to Khenpo la from the centre and individually from those attending, including the magnificent Amitayus Long Life Deity statue offered by the centre. Jack had arranged for its consecration and blessings from His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trichen, the 41st Sakya Trizin for Khenpo la in India. Then later in the ceremony Khenpo la walked around the gompa, touching the statue to each person’s head sharing all the blessings. 

Other offerings were a book conceived and prepared by Suzi Walker and a few helpers, inside these special letters of acknowledgment of Khenpo la’s Dharma activities over the 30 years from the Holy family members, His Holiness 41st, 42nd and 43rd Sakya Trizins, His Eminence Luding Khenpo Rinpoche and Her Eminence Jetsun Chimey Luding Rinpoche, together with beautiful writings of student’s acknowledgments of Khenpo la. Karma made a special offering to the centre on this auspicious occasion, of a beautiful Tangka from Tibet of the Twenty-one Taras. It was displayed to everyone and there were gasps of joy from all present. 

We all gathered for an incredibly special lunch, which had been so thoughtfully and beautifully prepared by our wonderful dharma brother and chef Garth, along with his assistants in the kitchen. Wyn played a lovely set of music and song for everyone to join in, and then the ceremonial cake was cut by Khenpo la. Thank you so much to everyone involved, for attending, for helping in so many ways including flower arranging, setting up for the puja, for lunch and tidying up. Most of all to Khenpo la for being such a shining light to us all for these 30 years. 

We would like to share a some of the images from the day, thank you Giovanna for such memorable photos.

As Khenpo la remarked in our session on “The Value of Gratitude”, these days of raising young children, despite the difficulties, the confusion, the exhaustion are in fact the best days of our lives. 

Khenpo la was recalling his own mother’s reflections on raising nine children and how she wished she had appreciated more her time as an active parent of young children. All too soon, our children are grown and depart to make their own lives.

Today’s Family Day felt both fun and supportive. We explored the values of kindness, mindfulness and togetherness experientially through meditations, games and craft, before heading down to beautiful Mystery Bay for a swim.

Thank you to the wonderful team at Kamalashila for making this event possible. I think we are all looking forward to the next one! 
​
~ Zara

From Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling in Vancouver

Dear Dharma Brothers and Sisters,
On November 22, Lhabab Düchen fell on the same date as Her Eminence’s Jetsun Kushok’s birthday according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar. The centre practised The Sixteen Arhat Puja on the morning of this most auspicious day. As well, in celebration and to honour our beloved teacher, Jetsun Kushok la, we presented her with a birthday cake after this practice.

At Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre 

Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe wished Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Rinpoche a very Happy Birthday for 22 November. On the special occasion of your birthday, all members of Drogmi Buddhist Institute and all students at our Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, wish you excellent health so that you can live a long life.

​On the most auspicious day Lhabab Düchen, 22 November, Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe led attending sangha in the blessing of a new stupa, with offerings of flowers, incense, fruits and prayers for the benefit of all sentient beings. This also being a very auspicious day, for Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok la’s birthday falls on this date, and those disciples gathered chanted Her Eminence’s Long Life Prayer. May Her Eminence live long, enjoy good health and may many beings benefit from Her presence in this world. 

The opening of the “little gompa” will take place during our celebrations on 8 December. All are welcome.

The Third Annual Shamatha and Vipassana Retreat led so wonderfully by Ayyas Jitindriyā and Jayasāra was held including 60 sangha members, in person from as far away as the USA and interstate, and others via Zoom, attending this very special weekend of dharma teachings and guided meditations. During the sharing in the final session of the retreat, so many expressed how fortunate we all are to have this opportunity to hear such genuine, authentic dharma from two truly exemplary teachers, in such a beautiful setting conducive to such practice. Thank you Ayya las and to all the cooks and those helpers, and to all who attended who made the three days such a memorable experience at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre.

I want to express my gratitude to Ayya Jayasāra and Ayya Jitindriyā and all at The Drogmi Buddhist Centre for showing me the path to enlightenment. I have been on that path for many years, but I get distracted by the mental highways and byways leading me astray. When I sit with Ayyas Jitindriyā and Jayasāra listening to their wisdom, I see peace, compassion and unconditional love before me and I am again reminded that the path is there and that I can follow it towards the primordial stillness with this step, this breath, this moment and I know that all shall be well… and all shall be well… and all manner of things shall be well. 
~ Patrick

The Shamatha and Vipassana Retreat held at KTBC in Tilba was a truly transformative experience. Set in the tranquil beauty of Tilba’s bushland, the centre provided the perfect environment for deep meditation and reflection. Led by the insightful teachers Ayyas Jitindriyā and Jayasāra, the retreat blended Shamatha and Vipassana practices in a way that was both grounding and enlightening. Some of the meditation sessions began with qigong, helping to prepare the body and mind for the practices that followed. The daily schedule was well structured, with a balance of seated meditation, walking meditation, dharma teachings, and Q&A periods where we could gain personal insights into integrating our own challenges onto the Buddhist path.
One of the most powerful aspects of the retreat for myself was the practice of noble silence. This silence – both in speech and in mind – created a space for deep introspection and allowed the teachings to truly settle. It was a rare opportunity to step away from the distractions of daily life and listen to the quiet voice within. The centre’s facilities were simple yet comfortable, the food was nourishing and delicious making it easy to focus on the practice without distractions. The sense of community was a highlight – there was a warm, supportive atmosphere, and we shared the journey together in a spirit of openness and compassion. The teachers’ wisdom and the serene surroundings allowed me to deepen my practice, bringing clarity, peace, and a greater understanding of my mind. I left the retreat feeling deeply at peace with lasting insight and a renewed commitment to my practice. I am profoundly grateful for this experience and highly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their meditation in a supportive and nurturing environment. 
~ Geri

I recently attended a three-day meditation retreat hosted by Drogmi Buddhist Institute at their retreat centre. It was quite intense, and I do admit I struggled a little bit at first because we did long hours of meditations daily. For the learnings and experiences I received, it was truly worthwhile. I recall one meditation in particular that seemed to open my mind, quite literally. It was at night, after dinner, the wind had calmed down, the gompa was silent with only cricket noises outside and we had just finished practising some qigong, I was aware of my breathing, relaxing my entire body. I very slowly, felt my head disappearing. It was a weird feeling and I’m not sure how to describe it but it felt as if my skull didn’t exist and so all that was left was my mind being exposed to this vast space. I did feel a bit spooked out – so I reached up with my hand just to feel if my head was still there. It was! This state felt expansive, free, open, unlimiting and clear, as I physically felt the energy from the air coming in from the top. My logical mind jumped in and started analysing this situation. Yet I felt the beauty of simply being. Free from the constant chatter of my mind, free from the constructs and stories I create about myself and the world. Realising that I can let go of trying to solve problems, analyse, and/or control. I felt expansive, as though I was no longer confined to the limits of my own mind. I was just... present. Breathing. Existing. And in that, everything was enough. What struck me was how my logical mind resisted this simplicity. It wanted to do, to fix, to strive. But the more I sat with that vast openness, the more I understood that clarity doesn’t come from forcing answers – it arises naturally when I allow myself to be present. Thanks so much, 
~ Jessie

I was fortunate to attend the recent Shamatha and Vipassana Retreat held at beautiful Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara guided us through three days of meditation and Dharma talks, each day focusing on a different tradition, reading from masters of their own Thai Forest tradition, then Dzogchen and finishing with Zen. It was a delight to sit in meditation and let these teachings sink into my heart. I felt overwhelming gratitude towards the Ayyas for what they chose to offer and the skilful way this was done, at times with great humour. I found the retreat enlightening and incredibly restful, leaving with a quieter mind, more clarity and a lightness of heart. A big thank you to all the Drogmi volunteers who helped make this possible and served us such delicious meals. 
~ Amanda

Attending my third retreat with Jitindriyā and Jayasāra continues to develop and support me, navigating through the challenges of life with openness, presence and responsiveness. We all benefit from the depth and rich knowledge of the Ayyas, their generosity and love support us all. This retreat was profoundly important and beneficial for me, during a particularly difficult period of life. I am deeply grateful to our teachers and the beautiful support of the surroundings at Drogmi. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone wishing to learn to meditate or deepen self-enquiry. Love and peace to all, 
~ Gwynne 

“From all kinds of flowers, seek teachings everywhere.” Namkai Norbu Rinpoche, from the formal retreat notes. Glorious flowers – as there were many to be found in the teachings, the gardens and forest at the three-day Shamatha-Vipassana silent retreat held at KTBC. Practising noble silence held us in a calm and attentive atmosphere. The Tibetan gompa, which I had not been inside before, held 55 or so meditators – a mix of old, young and in-between, first-timers, middle-timers and long-timers. Our teachers, Ayyas Jitindriyā and Jayasāra, from the Thai Forest tradition, presented dharma talks, guided meditations, qigong practice, and profound readings from three traditions: Forest (Theravada), Dzogchen (Vajrayana) and Zen (Mahayana).

I learnt and received so much through the clear and brilliant teachings on the nature of buddha-mind, and how to work with our minds right here and now. We were encouraged to be present to the teachings by not taking notes. Dutifully and with relief I took no notes. For me one of the deepest teachings for my meditation practice was noticing the way the nuns themselves sat – a soft stillness, a being-ness that wasn’t forced or rigidly upheld. An at-homeness or perhaps even homelessness in the body. These observations continue to support my sitting practice back home. And another very tiny thing – each meditation ended with a barely audible vibration of a small gong, a delicate clear note. Gentle and undemanding. I also learnt things from other attendees, such as the woman I shared a room with, about becoming conscious of having habitual responses to family members whom we perceive as difficult… hmm that has stayed with me. The teachers’ humorous teasing of one another sometimes with robust Australian inflections, reminded us that we are all without exception so earthily human. In a discussion about “people who annoy us” we learnt that one Ayya (annoyingly) will not properly screw the lids back on food jars which of course leads to minor catastrophes. The accused responded that she was practising open awareness! Regular Q&A sessions sometimes overwhelmed me with information but mainly elucidated all those queries we have in our minds. There were questions, difficult ones, about current geo-political realities and karma. My western mind still struggles with some of those ideas at the same time being stretched to see a wider view. 

Was it for one day or two that the wind was roiling around the treetops, throwing off whole boughs of leaves to the ground? Where do birds go in such winds? Then the showers of rain, then still times with welcome sunshine. Ayya Jayasāra commented that our minds can be like the weather. Getting up in the night, tall trees up lit by the brightest November full moon, I came across a wallaby mother and her pouched young one sipping at the well. 
~ Jan

The final session of the 3-year Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course, co-created by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe and Professor Carole Kayrooz occurred in November. At the final second semester retreat, and after a Transmission of the Shejamma Prayer to Sakya Pandita, students received both their Certificates of Accomplishment and a travel size statue of Sakya Pandita kindly made and offered by Mitch and consecrated by Khenpo la, in a ceremony that was both moving and uplifting.
​
The significance of this course to the lives of the participants cannot be overstated. As Khenpo la joked, “We are having a Tissue Session!” Lots of tears there were indeed today: of gratitude, of raw honesty, or compassion, of inspiration… Our hearts were awake. 

Comments from students and mentors

Khenpo la, I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and wisdom… The teachings these past years have transformed me in ways I didn’t think possible. I look forward to incorporating what I have learned into my everyday life even more in the years to come.

Dear Khenpo la, where would we be without you? Kindest teacher, bringing us together in the Dharma, creating this precious sangha… May it bring great benefit to the world! 

If you need performance indicators of this course, the performance indicators are that it is life-changing!

I am so appreciative of the clear and steady guidance you have given us…

Words cannot express how deeply grateful I am for you initiating, developing, organising and teaching both mentors and students, holding the retreats, and showing us the true Dharma values of humility and kindness.

Khenpo la, you have set the precious seed of Dharma in my heart, and I am eternally grateful to you. With joyful diligence I hope to show my gratitude through life’s practice.

Thank you, Carole and Robert for your tremendous dedication to bringing the Dharma to us in the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course. The Moodle platform with the recordings of teachings and all the other resources were invaluable and a huge help for me in my study.

Carole, thank you for using your extensive education background to co-create this course with Khenpo la. Thank you for the thought-provoking assignments!

Robert, thank you for managing the modern technology which brought the Dharma to us all. 

Thank you, Carole and Robert, for the countless hours of conceptualising, planning, refining, editing, facilitating and honouring Khenpo la’s vision which is the ABPC. Thank you for your intellectual rigour, heart-based understanding, technical dexterity, kindness and compassion in supporting all of us…

Through the merit of our collective study and practice in the ABPC, may all beings be free from suffering. 
~ Zara

Other students’ words

I never imagined that the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course would transform me as profoundly as it has. It’s difficult to capture just how deeply it has impacted my life, but one of the most significant lessons came through Khenpo’s teachings on the Heart Sutra. This teaching didn’t just change my understanding; it changed how I see reality itself.

I once thought of myself as logical, grounded, certain of what was “real.” But Khenpo’s wisdom revealed that my perceptions were clouded by afflictions and defilements. A beginner’s grasp of emptiness showed me that the beliefs and “truths” I clung to shift from moment to moment. This realisation has unshackled me from the rigid hold of my own mind, making me less attached, less stubborn, and less defensive.

Khenpo’s teachings have challenged me to question long-held labels and habits, allowing me to see beyond the surface and embrace the pure nature within myself and others. This shift has transformed my relationships – helping me approach each person without preconceived labels, without the weight of past stories or judgments. I strive now to see the Buddha Nature in those around me, extending compassion even when it is difficult. It’s a practice of giving the benefit of the doubt on a deeper level, opening a path to connection and joy.

I am deeply grateful to Khenpo for his unwavering wisdom and kindness. This journey has taught me patience, humility, and the courage to begin again, no matter how many times I falter. For that, and for all the wisdom that has woven Buddhism into the fabric of my everyday life, I am profoundly thankful. 
~ Sally

Mind change
​
So I’m watching my mind race through endless possibilities 
That range from semi-rational – to far flung fantasies 
Depending on my attitude – I can laugh and I can cry 
At all of this insanity that just keeps passing by 
 
See this world that we live in – it’s a world we co-create 
And through our thoughts and feelings – we learn to love and hate 
I know it sounds ironic – that we self-direct our fate 
Yet it means everybody has the power to be great 
 
By great I mean that everyone is blessed with certain gifts 
It’s up to us to nurture these – to give humanity a lift 
In any way that feels right – however they’re expressed 
As long as the commitment’s there – to be and do our best 
 
And it ain’t a revelation there’s problems all around 
It ain’t a revelation that suffering abounds 
But it ain’t a revelation solutions do exist 
To balance the equation – you know we must persist 
 
So we’ll keep searching through ourselves – keep our goals close at hand 
Embrace the times of struggle – they helps us understand 
We’ll learn to see the positive in any situation 
We’ll recognise the beauty of our imagination 
 
In time we’ll come to realise the mind’s the lock and key 
It locks us up in ignorance – and it sets us free 
When we can observe it – watch the games it plays 
Then we can direct it in more constructive ways 
 
And slowly and so steadily – in time we’ll come to find 
If we want to change the world then we change our mind.                  
 
~ Doug S., dedicated to Peter Tooth

Please listen to Doug S. original chant in honour of our dear Dharma brother Peter Tooth​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vteBrXvYGG0 

Words and acknowledgements from Carole Kayrooz, Convener

The Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course has been a serious and sustained endeavour over three years of your life. I hope you can acknowledge the stability of mind needed to reach the end of the Course. We hope you realise the profound significance of all you have learnt for the rest of your life and the lives to come. Congratulations and all of us rejoice with you at your achievement. Whether you feel it is enough for now or you wish to go on, Khenpo and indeed all of us really wish you well and hope what you have learnt ripples out in ever increasing positive waves to those around you. 

I would like to thank all of our wonderful mentors who so generously deepened and enriched the Course with their guidance. Most were not teachers or trainers but faced their own fears about teaching because they are so dedicated to Khenpo la and his vision in the Course. Thanks for their hard work with helping the students along the path. Thank you to Ann and Lael who have unfailingly provided the support needed to conduct the Course. 

Most importantly, thanks go to Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. His vision was to introduce you to the three main traditions of the Buddhadharma such that you could choose for yourself what path you wanted to pursue, if at all. This was in the best of ‘rime’ or the non-sectarian approach. What an inspired and selfless motive. How patiently Khenpo la has taken us through the philosophy of Buddhism, covering all the main teachings so that, if you wished, you could take this most important step in your life to pursue the tradition that called to you. Finally, he kindly delivered us to the door of his own lineage and once again it is your choosing. What incredible dedication, perseverance, patience and compassion to do this for us. What equanimity and nobility! 

Our connection with Khenpo will continue through the Dharma. Simply seeing our teacher does not necessarily create the spiritual bond. Taking the teachings, we have received and bringing them into our own experience creates an unshakeable connection. The more we practise, the stronger the bond with our teacher becomes. For this reason and for those who are interested there will be an ongoing continuing program in 2026 to 2028, with Shedra program, and the next iteration of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course. More details will be presented in 2025. With best wishes for your future development, 
~ Carole

Some additional comments from students

The overarching theme for me throughout the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course has been that of a gradual shift from intellectual understanding to experiential understanding. From conceptualisation to embodiment. A move from head to heart. It has allowed me to put my chronic introspection and overthinking to good use, to switch it from negative to positive. So much of the course seems to have been encouraging us to flip the two sides of the same coin – The Two Truths. 

Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Such profound wisdom leads to compassion. Firstly, self-compassion, then maybe these negative stories about myself I play on repeat in my mind have no substance. What I thought of as reality is just a dream. When there are infinite possibilities – the mind as clear and spacious as the sky. How wondrous and liberating! I now have this methodology that enables me to sit back and observe where these stories, these clouds, are coming from and their impermanence. A lightness of just being has germinated, a shift in how I move through the world. With this shift, I have found loving-kindness and compassion can come more easily. The course has sparked understanding on a heart level and how to respond at this heart level, rather than just on an intellectual level. It has inspired me to be more comfortable in expressing love to others, in whatever myriad forms love takes. 

The Four Common Foundations have been so grounding. This core wisdom has recently helped me guide a friend through a difficult loss and helped me deal with my own losses. A softening effect, switching up longing and clinging to transform into gratitude and contentment. I continue to plant the seeds of peace with each footstep I take wandering the earth.

I am so deeply grateful to Khenpo la for his extraordinary generosity, profound wisdom, his humility and good humour – in guiding me onto the path of the Dharma. May I be even a fraction of the benefit he has been to so many beings. I am also so grateful to our special little sangha that has blossomed under Khenpo la’s guidance for helping to cultivate joy, diligence and understanding. 
~Matthew D.

We were asked to present our greatest learning from the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy 3-year Course to our large group. We were also asked to consider the impact the course has had on those around us. Using the knowledge and skills I had learnt in the Course, I needed to address the anxiety that arises around presenting for me, my greatest learnings! Applying the steps and practices around transforming the mind from the uncomfortable to the comfortable, has definitely had the biggest impact on those around me, I feel. This has helped me significantly in lessening my anxiety.

Firstly, I had to totally accept that everything comes from my own mind. That within the teachings of The Six Paramitas, I discovered that when my intention is coming from a place of pure awareness, there is no room for grasping, therefore no room for suffering, just pure compassion and wisdom. However, I must admit that even with a growing awareness within my daily life and with continual practices of self-compassion, my understanding of emptiness at this time, the Four Kayas, Conventional and Absolute Truth, I find myself in my habitual pattern of uncomfortableness. Yet I must remind myself continually, this will be a lifetime practice, there are no instant results.

Anxiety for myself lurks there revealing itself as the biggest roadblock to practising pure and/or perfect loving-kindness and compassion. Through meditation, I am discovering that deep down, I am still not investigating the mind with total honesty, blaming conditions outside of myself. With the help of a Dharma brother, I began to specifically investigate my self-cherishing when the anxiety arises. I began to recognise that behind or in front of any uncomfortableness there was still the attachment to ‘I’, hiding in plain sight. Even when I was 95% sure my motivation or intention was coming from compassion, again I witnessed just how tricky the mind can be. By truly identifying the grasping of self, the frequency and severity of my anxiety has lessened, which then allows the opportunity to set intention with pure compassion within any moment of the mind. If I keep practising to replace the ‘I’ with pure bodhicitta intention, eventually compassion may be the first thing to automatically arise, from a state of pure awareness, in order to benefit all sentient beings. 
~ Leanne