A few students requested a number of years ago that Khenpo la accompany them on the walk up Gulaga Mountain, a sacred mountain to the Yuin Nation. Khenpo la kindly agreed and the Centre arranged a program with Uncle Warren Foster, a local elder. 

By coincidence, the chosen day was on a Medicine Buddha Day, and mother Gulaga is known by traditional elders as a place of healing and birth. 
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It was exquisitely beautiful weather, as we had postponed from the day before due to strong winds. Such an incredible cultural education, from Uncle Warren who was so generous to give us his time and knowledge to explain some of the very sacred places on this mountain. Khenpo la led us in Medicine Buddha chanting and meditations on the mountain as well. For those who could not make it this time, Khenpo la indicated he will hold another such program in the future. Thank you Khenpo la, Uncle Warren and all who attended.

I have shared yoga and breath activities with my five-year-old granddaughter, Toby from an early age and I was keen for her to join the Family Meditation online course. Toby’s parents committed time each week to the course that is just finishing now and it has been delightful to hear about how much they all enjoyed the experience. 

Toby’s comments on the course are “I really like the meditation course. The thing I like most is the story. I liked learning about Buddha; he is a kind person. I learnt that when you keep your back straight it tells your mind that you want to be awake. We played games and I had a good time, and I want it to keep going”.

Toby’s parents also appreciated the opportunities the course provided. They commented that “This is something we have really enjoyed doing together. It’s a lovely way to end the day and calm all our minds. This has become one of our favourite moments in a busy week”. 

Participation in the course has been a great introduction to meditation and Buddhism. Importantly the course has provided an opportunity to take some time out from busy schedules to spend time together in reflection.
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 I am very grateful to Zara and to Drogmi Buddhist Institute for enabling my family to have this experience. 
~ Sue Taylor 

Khenpo la visited the White Conch Group in Brisbane, Queensland for a weekend of teachings and meditation practice in August. He very generously offered teachings on The Twenty-One Praises to Tara and The Root Verses of the Middle Way, Mūlamadhyamakakārikā, composed by the great Indian philosopher Nāgārjuna.

Dr Tony led workshops at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. He was also a very generous yet humble benefactor sponsoring many projects and buildings for Drogmi Buddhist Institute. His generosity transformed the old pizza hut into the beautiful Tara Gompa which was recently completed. The Tara Gompa will be a constant reminder of our dear Dharma brother’s support for the precious Buddhadharma. 

Tony was also renowned and respected for his leading work as a somatic therapist and psychiatrist through which he helped so many people. In his work as both a doctor and psychiatrist, he was mentor to many young doctors who will also feel his loss. 

And, it has to be stated that Tony was a big personality, often irreverent, with a cheeky smile and wicked laugh and never shy. Tony was larger than life which is why his passing has impacted so many of us so deeply. 

We pass on our sincere condolences to Tony’s partner Mark, to Tony’s family, to his many Dharma brothers and sisters and to all those who benefited from his kindness, counsel and therapy.

Leading Sakya masters, and people all around the world are already praying for Tony’s passage through the bardo so that he can swiftly take human rebirth and continue on his journey with the precious Buddhadharma. 

We would like to share some images of some of our sangha gathered in the main gompa at Kamalashila to make light offerings and recite prayers for our dear Tony. 

Tony would not want us to be sad at this time for him and would wish that we devote our energies to our practice and helping other sentient beings. 

Vale Tony and hope to see you again soon in the mandala.

Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe was invited to teach at the Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling Centre in Richmond, Canada by Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding Rinpoche la over these past few months. Khenpo la graciously led Sangha through a White Tara Retreat, as well as offering teachings on “The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life” by the great scholar Shantideva. Khenpo la also held a Shamatha Weekend Retreat during his time there.
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The Centre referred to Khenpo la as a renowned scholar and practitioner, expressing how incredibly grateful and blessed they were for his profound wisdom and presence. The teachings were offered in person and on Zoom in English and Chinese translation.

Three Teachings this Summer with Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe

In July and August, we gathered at Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling
a quiet brightening of the day, cushions like small islands shared in an island chain
As Khenpo led three teachings,
the White Tara retreat, the Shamatha Retreat,
and the Bodhisattva Way of Life teachings on patience and meditation. 

White Tara retreat
A lotus, a moon, a figure of brightness is
White Tara with seven eyes
not to scrutinize or criticize, but to witness what we hardly dare to hold.
Nectar poured through the crown; the body mended from within
We dedicated the sweetness to the long life of,
the teacher and guru, the flourishing of Dharma,
and the widening circle of beings.  
 
Shamatha retreat
We practiced building a shelter, a refuge for our attention
step by patient step with 
placement, continuous placement,
returning, close placement, taming, pacifying, fully pacifying,
to find single-pointedness, balanced ease,
a palace of steadiness in a stormy world.
When the mind scattered outward like startled birds, we softened.
When it sank like dark rainy weather, we brightened.
As the boat did not capsize or stall, our oars began working as one.   

Bodhisattva Way of Life teaching
We studied how anger destroys merit like fire in a dry field,
and how patience is strength, not surrender
We endure harm without returning it,
and accept suffering without despair,
to keep faith with the Dharma over years and decades.
From emptiness, compassion naturally appears
for the one who harms, for the one who is harmed,
Both are less solid than the story shouts.   
Then meditation is a vow to be loving and kind
With solitude not as exile but as clear space
The yoga of calm-abiding and insight
One river held in bodhicitta,
Our path is inspired to extend beyond the self.   
And when the teachings end, and when the doors closed each evening,
The evening light and the ocean scents reflect the teachings
be here, return, be kind, return,
until returning is no longer a journey but a home.
This was our summer’s practice, and its result,
a steadier presence, with sparks of awareness and insight,
and the quiet courage to keep returning, to keep opening.

In summer’s calm at Tsechen Thubten Ling,
We sat on cushions, Khenpo pointed three ways
White Tara’s seven eyes, a watchful love,
Poured nectar through the crown to heal our ways.
To life we pledged, that Dharma’s bloom increase,
And vows grew broad to all who breathe and turn
In shamatha, we built a seat of peace,
From placement into pacifying, return.
The boat held true, our oars began as one.
As Shantideva warns, anger fuels the flame
From emptiness, compassion’s rivers run,
And patience stands, a strength that will not shame.
Be here, return, be kind, return again
Then home is presence, awake once again.
 
~ Poems composed by Gordon Grant inspired by teachings that Khenpo la gave this summer

A most wonderful Karma Yoga Group Retreat was held the first weekend of August. A tremendous amount of work was completed in painting, digging for the garden makeover, moving rocks, cooking, and cleaning. It truly is amazing how everyone keeps contributing no matter the weather. Incredible generosity. 
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The mornings started with a guided meditation; hearty breakfast, then to work. In the afternoons we worked to around 4.30pm, then did yoga and stretching. Thank you so much to everyone who came, who cooked, lifted, gardened, cleaned and laughed! Thank you to our fearless Scott, you are a beautiful and gentle leader.

​Beautiful images shared at IBA in Kathmandu, Nepal at the reception of His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, at the commencement of the 6th year of The Complete Path teachings. Many of our sangha were there receiving these teachings, we rejoice in their great fortune.

On the morning of Buddha Shakyamuni Day of the new moon 24 July 2025, students attending The Complete Path Teaching by His Holiness the 42nd Kyabgon Gongma Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche at the International Buddhist Academy in Kathmandu Nepal made a Mandala Offering to His Holiness on behalf of Drogmi Buddhist Institute, our beloved and precious Teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, and all other students of Khenpo la and friends of DBI. 

The offering was made on the eve of the anniversary of the untimely passing of our dear Dharma Brother Peter Tooth, and the following prayer was read out to all those attending the ceremony:

“To the Holy Lotus Feet of the Great Assembly of the Lord of the Wheel, Master of the Ocean of mandalas and families, the Great Protector, embodying great loving kindness and compassion – His Holiness the 42nd Kyabgon Gongma Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche – along with all the venerable reincarnate lamas, abbots, spiritual friends, and the community of monks and nuns.

“On this holy Buddha Shakyamuni day of the new moon, at this very auspicious time when the Teacher, the era, the sacred place, the Dharma teachings and the fortunate disciples are all perfectly gathered together in the five favourable conditions, 

“Drogmi Buddhist Institute, on behalf of our precious founder and teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe and all his students, and all other friends of Drogmi Buddhist Institute make this offering as follows:

“We pray for the longevity of our Precious Gurus, for His Holiness the Sakya Trichen, for His Holiness Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, for His Holiness Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, for His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche, for Her Eminence Jestun Kusho la and for the wellbeing of all their Noble Families.

“We pray for the preservation of the precious Buddha Dharma and the flourishing of the Great Sakya lineage. 

“We pray for all our precious teachers – may they turn the minds of all beings towards the Dharma and lead them on the path of Ultimate Happiness. 

“We pray for the happiness of all mother sentient beings. 

“We pray for our Vajra brothers and sisters all gathered here in Kathmandu, along with all our other Dharma brothers and sisters, that we all become strong in our practice as an expression of our sincere gratitude and deep devotion to His Holiness and our other precious teachers. We pray that all obstacles are removed from our practice and that all beings progress swiftly towards Enlightenment. 

“We pray for our beloved Dharma brother Peter Tooth as tomorrow marks the first anniversary of his passing. We pray for all who have passed away recently and for all in the bardo state.

“May the precious Gurus enjoy excellent health and live long lives as we beseech them to continue to turn the Wheel of Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings.

“We humbly request your prayers and blessings for these aspirations.”

We completed our second Gardening Upgrade Group Weekend. Thank you to everyone for offering your time and energy towards this important project. A huge thank you to Vasi for leading us these past two gardening weekends, not just in the garden, but for stretching and relaxation sessions as well, and to our cooks, sponsors and everyone who has contributed.

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations at Kamalashila were held on 6 July. Such a beautiful and joyous morning was shared with our local community on this wonderful occasion. 

The morning started with 108 light offerings for His Holiness’s Long Life, followed by shamatha practice and a guided meditation from His Holiness’s teachings on equanimity and compassion. We then offered His Holiness birthday cake and khatas whilst reciting His Long-Life Prayer. We all then enjoyed cake and tea. 
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Everyone expressed how happy they were to come and celebrate His Holiness’s life. May His Holiness continue to live a long and healthy life for the benefit of all mother sentient beings. Thank you, Kathleen, for baking and offering such a delicious cake.

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.

It was a beautiful winter’s day at Moruya local markets with the Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre Dharma Shop. Being in community, selling some great dharma shop items and meeting friendly people. It truly was a wonderful morning. Thank you so much to Vasi and Ann, for running the stall a few times in Moruya during these winter months!

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.