​His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born to a farming family on 6 July 1935, in Taktser village, Amdo province of northeast Tibet. At the age of two, then named Lhamo Thondup, he was recognised as the reincarnation of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. The enthronement ceremony took place on 22 February 1940, in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. His Holiness began monastic education at the age of five. The curriculum, derived from the Nalanda Tradition, consisted of five major and five minor subjects.

In 1950, at the age of fifteen, His Holiness assumed full power as Tibet’s political leader. At twenty-three, He sat for His final examination in Lhasa’s Jokhang Temple, during the annual great prayer festival (Monlam Chenno) in 1959. He passed with honours and was awarded the Geshe Lharampa Degree, equivalent to the highest doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy. 

Since His first visit to the West in the early 1970s, His Holiness has become renowned as a scholar and a man of peace. Numerous universities and institutions, in both the East and West, have conferred peace awards and honorary doctorate degrees upon His Holiness, in recognition of His distinguished writings in Buddhist philosophy and His distinguished leadership in the service of freedom and peace. 

In 1989, He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. During His travels, His Holiness has spoken strongly for better understanding and respect among different world faiths. Towards the end, He has made numerous appearances at interfaith services, imparting His message of universal responsibility. 

He has visited more than sixty-seven countries on six continents, spreading His message of love and compassion and oneness for over eight billion human beings. Throughout His life, His Holiness has been committed to the promotion of universal responsibility, secular ethics, religious harmony, and awareness of climate change and global environmental issues.

A very meaningful and insightful weekend of teachings with Venerable Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. The weekend began with an auspicious double rainbow before Khenpo la arrived, a sign of the magnificent teachings that followed. We received the transmission of Medicine Buddha mantra and detailed teachings on the benefits of this profound practice.

Khenpo la outlined very clearly the causes and conditions that give rise to sickness of body and mind and how to remedy these afflictions. The root cause of all our problems lies in the mind being afflicted by the three poisons of ignorance, greed and anger, the main culprit being ignorance. He then outlined how to reduce and ultimately eliminate these afflictions. Simply put, cultivate a kind heart imbued with wisdom and compassion for the benefit of all beings.

On Saturday after the teachings, Khenpo la gave refuge vows for thirteen people who wished to undertake the formal refuge vows to enter the Buddhist path. We rejoice in their good fortune to meet the precious Dharma and pray they find the path secure and their practice flourish. You can see the joy on everyone’s faces both from the refuge ceremony and the weekend teachings.

Many blessings,
~ Venerable Rinchen

Photos from 13 June 2026 – Rigsum Gonpo Empowerment bestowed by His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche as well as teachings bestowed by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe.

Commencing on the weekend of 30 to 31 May, the Mantra Marathon was held in the Main Gompa, Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, Tilba. For those living too far from the Centre and unable to attend physically, there was an opportunity to attend via Zoom. Everyone was encouraged to count their mantra recitations so that they could be collected at the end of the twenty-four hours. 

Saga Dawa Duchen is the most holy day, in the most holy of months, Saga Dawa, in the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar. It is a day that commemorates Buddha Shakyamuni’s enlightenment and passing into Mahaparinirvana. At the age of thirty-five Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya, India. At the age of eighty Buddha Shakyamuni demonstrated passing into Mahaparinirvana in the town of Kushinagar India, after saying “It is the nature of all things that take form to dissolve again. Strive with your whole being to attain perfection.” (Sakya Calendar)

Traditionally, the lay community conducts this mantra (marathon) recitation for a twenty-four-hour period. Due to this auspicious time, all our meritorious efforts are multiplied a million times over. It is a very virtuous time to enrich our heart and mind by cleansing our attachment and grasping mind. It is a time not to gain but to give to oneself to all sentient beings.

Meaning of mantras: Mantras in Vajrayana Buddhism are sacred sound vibrations representing the enlightened body, speech, and mind of a Buddha, acting as tools to guard the mind from suffering and negative karma. They are used for meditation, transformation, and connecting to the essence of specific deities to gain wisdom and compassion. The mantra recitations were carried out non-stop with a rotating group. The mantras recited were those such as Buddha Shakyamuni mantra, Healing mantra, Compassion mantra, Green Tara mantra and Vajrasattva mantra. 

On the Sunday morning Khenpo la led the group in a precepts ceremony. The Eight Mahayana Precepts are a twenty-four hour set of vows taken to purify negative karma, accumulate merit, and cultivate the Mahayana motivation to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. These vows, which closely resemble monastic training for one day only, are often taken on full/new moons or holy days, including strict restrictions on eating times, sensory pleasures and sexual behaviour. 

By the Sunday afternoon we completed our inaugural mantra marathon recitations at Kamalashila. Around fifty sangha attended in person and online, many staying the full twenty-four-hours. How special. With Khenpo la, Venerable Tsultim and Ani la leading the way, the sangha recited thousands of mantras dedicating for the benefit of others. During the twenty-four hours, many offerings were made to the shrine such as beautiful flowers, many home-grown, and fruits. We offered around five hundred candles. We had so many generous sponsors for the meals and teas, and offerings to the shrine. Plus, many sponsors offering the lamps. 
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Thank you to everyone, our wonderful sponsors, cooks and volunteers. Thank you to Khenpo la for extending this opportunity to participate in this amazing event on the most holy of days.

A large crowd gathered at Tilba oval at the foothills of Gulaga Mountain to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the handback in 2006 of the Gulaga and Biamanga National Parks to the traditional owners. The land and mountains within it, including Gulaga, are sacred to the Yuin people. 
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As many know Kamalashila nestles beneath the eastern side of Gulaga, referred to locally as Mother Mountain. Khenpo la and a group of sangha attended this very historic and important day for the local Aboriginal and wider community. It was wonderful to see everyone so joyful coming together as community with one intention.

On Tuesday 26 May 2026, Khenpo la along with Jack Heath attended the NSW Parliament hosting of the Vesak Ceremony organised by the Buddhist Council of NSW. The ceremony involved a light offering and is now an annual event bringing together the many different Buddhist communities across NSW. 
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Very generously, the NSW Multicultural Minister the Hon Steve Kamper MP jointly hosted the event with shadow minister Mr Mark Coure MP. This year it was made special with an address by the Premier Chris Minns who spoke of his own connections to NSW Buddhist communities along with an address by the Opposition Leader Ms Kellie Sloane MP.

​It was also a chance for Khenpo la to catch up again with the Rev Bill Crews who was recently back to Sydney after his annual pilgrimage to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala.

The fifth Uluru Retreat with Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe took place in May. During the retreat Khenpo la gave instructions on Shamatha and Vajrasattva practices, and each day we visited Uluru. Everyone was so very happy at this sacred place.

The morning on the seventh day of the fourth lunar month, being the anniversary of the birth of the Blessed Buddha Shakyamuni, Khenpo la led a group of pilgrims to Uluru for a meditation session at sunrise. On this very auspicious day, many auspicious rainbows appeared over and around Uluru. Then as we drove back to Yulara there were rainbows over Kata Tjuṯa (formerly known as The Olgas). We also cheered Sonam la as she completed her lightning run around Uluru. Later in the morning Khenpo la gave a deep teaching and led Vajrasattva meditation.

From Uluru in the morning to Kata Tjuṯa in the afternoon, Khenpo la led the pilgrims for a second wonderful expedition. We had planned to view the sunset over Kata Tjuṯa but after Khenpo la improvised to keep the flies away, the rain clouds arrived and our picnic dinner was consumed with the rain pounding down on the Colorbond roof over the picnic tables. We concluded the day with Vajrasattva practice and chanting Buddha Shakyamuni mantra and then Buddha of Compassion mantra for dear Dharma friends who have passed and Medicine Buddha mantras for all those facing health difficulties.

The final evening, we experienced another exquisite sunset in front of Uluru bathed in beautiful pink light, while Khenpo la gave the students the transmission of Lord Amitayus mantra and a succinct teaching on The Seven Limb Prayer. 
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The next morning we returned to Uluru for sunrise before everyone departed for home. Thank you Khenpo la for such a wonderful experience of teachings and meditation at this retreat and to all our sangha for being a beautiful group to be with.

Early May 2026 saw the start of the new three-year Drogmi Shedra Advanced Buddhist Philosophy Course with the first three-day intensive study retreat held at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 May 2026. 

Khenpo la led the retreat with Semester 1 focused on the meditation chapter of Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life – Bodhicharyavatara. Each day involved two teachings from Khenpo la, self-directed study time and student-led evening sessions involving either presentations or Q&As on the daily teachings. 

Forty-four students have enrolled in the Shedra program, including some international students from Canada and New Zealand joining via Zoom. 
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Semester 1 is continuing with online monthly Zoom teachings in June, July and August to complete the meditation chapter. Semester 2 will focus on the wisdom chapter from Shantideva’s text and involves a ten-day intensive study retreat in September 2026.

Some student reflections about the Shedra course are provided below.

Late enrolments are being accepted until mid-July 2026 so please contact Giovanna via [email protected] if you would like further information. This is an incredible opportunity to participate in a structured three-year program which adopts key elements of the traditional Shedra (higher learning) program still taught in Buddhist monasteries and nunneries today. 

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of life,
Or whether there even is one?
How many times will we live a life without understanding its nature,
Preoccupied with meaninglessness and disappointment?
So… Here it is.
A Tradition, a Teacher, the right course, and a group of friends, just like you.
So, if not now, when?
Doubt is debilitating. Dharma is medicine.

Thank you Khenpo la and the Drogmi Gang for making the Shedra Course possible. It means SO much to me. Let’s Go! 
~ Lance

After completing the three-year Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course, I had always planned to do the Drogmi Shedra Course that Khenpo la was planning. When it was first advertised, I enrolled immediately. When the final daily outline for the first retreat arrived, I took one look and thought “I’m not sure I am able to do this – what have I taken on here!”

However, during the first evening Khenpo la dispelled some of those concerns in explaining the point of SHEDRA – how to view this world in a different way and how to respond to things in a different way. 

Khenpo la outlined the traditional Shedra format in monasteries:

1. Study
2. Compose 
3. Debate

Using these three methods to get the accurate point – the crystal-clear treasure of the Dharma.

Khenpo la tried to keep the tradition of Shedra as much as possible and as time would allow. With formal teaching sessions, self-study and reflection. In the evenings we presented our own interpretation of various verses of the text and answered the other students’ questions about the day’s teachings. Again, Khenpo la emphasised the importance of these presentations – that we are not competing with fellow students but getting the wisdom out of the teachings for our own minds. 

Further traditional elements were employed during the retreat. During self-study a student was chosen at random to be the Ge khu (blessings in doing the virtuous), to check that the students were in fact studying during the appointed time. 

Finally, on the last evening, students were chosen at random to explain verses of the text chosen by Khenpo la. Here the aim was not so much to explain the literal meaning, but to look at one’s own interpretation, and how it is useful in one’s own life.

So, until the next on-line teaching we rear, re-read, ponder and try to apply this Dharma to our own daily lives.

Thank you Khenpo la. 
~ Evelyn

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.”