Khenpo la led a beautiful Shamatha practice this morning at Kamalashila, reminding us how fortunate we are, to live in a place where we can come and practise together, and have the right conditions to practise and live at the same time as many Great Teachers. We are so fortunate to live at the same time as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

After practice we celebrated, with a delicious cake. Happy Birthday your Holiness! May you have a long and healthy life, and much happiness, may you continue to benefit so many beings and be a shining light for Tibet.
​
Happy Birthday Your Holiness the 14th Dali lama. We are so fortunate to share this day with you, may you continue to live a long, happy and healthy life.

The Ananda Buddhist Meditation Centre in Rockhampton were extremely fortunate to be able to host Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe for a weekend of teachings and a Public Talk this July. Buddhist practitioners throughout Central Queensland travelled long distances to attend his Public Talk on that Friday evening and also to Khenpo la’s weekend teachings. Although it was cold in our normally hot Central Queensland town, Khenpo provided warmth in his teachings to fire up the enthusiasm of those who attended.

The first day of teachings included the importance of taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha as well as The Four Common Foundational Meditations: a precious human rebirth, impermanence, the law of cause and effect, and the suffering of samsara. It was inspirational for the students to understand that these Buddhist teachings, which are over 2,500 years old, brought an up-to-date scientific approach to overcoming all of the current mental health problems of the world. Khenpo impressed on the students that the method of application of the Buddhist teachings was about 10% study of the scriptures/sutras, around 30% contemplation and analytical meditations of the teachings, and 60% is the application of meditation on those teachings. The clear message was that we do not have to experience problems of suffering if the mind does not consider it to be a problem or suffering, the answer lies in the continuous mind training on the Buddha’s teachings.

The Sunday’s teachings then explored more closely some of the scientific approaches to overcoming the problems of the world. That is comprised of two main topics: Renunciation of being “definitely free”, and then teachings on Bodhicitta. The easier to relate to is Conventional Bodhicitta, whereas the much more complex teachings were on Ultimate Bodhicitta, dealing with the interrelationship of all phenomena – emptiness.

Certainly, there is a practical wisdom in considering the suffering of others and doing all one can to help them rather than just looking at your own difficulties and concerns. Whilst looking outwards there is no time for depression or melancholy. This outward-looking perspective brings an enthusiasm and purpose for life. It seems the character of a Buddhist practitioner requires an eagerness to work within oneself each and every day in the transforming of our negative habitual patterns into positive habitual patterns.

Through study, contemplation, and meditation we can go from chasing fake happiness to understanding and appreciating true and everlasting happiness. 
​
~Allan G.

At the conclusion of a very successful Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara Retreat, Khenpo la led the Fire Puja. It was an incredibly beautiful ritual, with very elaborate preparations by Khenpo la. May all beings everywhere benefit and rejoice. Thank you Khenpo la for providing this opportunity for us and to all the sangha.

A last-minute decision and encouragement from Ann found me at KTBC for this retreat. The community was inviting, open, warm, inclusive and inspiring. Having a room to myself allowed me to embrace and continue my solitude and minimise my delusions. The food was super yummy, substantial and Ani la made sure we were all full and taken care of. Khenpo held the space safe, whilst I flitted around in my crazy mind to settle and experience a place of expansion and contemplation alongside his inspiring teachings. I found the Fire Puja extraordinary.

Sheltered amongst the trees, the mirage and smoke, water reflections, purifications and blessings, all consolidated my retreat – and ongoing practices. Khenpo gave my rescue puppy in Melbourne a long-distance blessing, and I was on my way home. To all, thank you. 

~Emma

Khenpo la joined many ordained sangha across all Buddhist traditions to attend the inaugural Vesak Celebration at the NSW Parliament kindly hosted by Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper MP and shadow minister Mark Coure MP and supported by the Buddhist Connection – Buddhist Council of NSW. Opposition leader Marl Speakman gave an insightful address capturing the key elements of Buddhist practice. Chanting took place from the three traditions including a light offering and bathing of the Lord Buddha ceremony. We rejoice that this will now become an annual event at the NSW Parliament to mark the commencement of Saga Dawa.

One hundred light offerings were made every single day during this most holy month of Saga Dawa. During retreats these offerings were made twice daily! We would like to thank the 67 families, individuals, friends and members who sponsored these offerings. May all the Gurus and Bodhisattvas enjoy good health, live long lives and through their teachings ensure the flourishing of the precious Buddhadharma. We invite all sponsors to dedicate your merit for peace in the world and the benefit of all sentient beings.

A few special days stand out, shared by Khenpo la.

Saga Dawa Day 5

Lamp Offering Prayer
(Marimei monlam choden gya tso zhug so)

Visualise and recite as follows:

Rin chen dang po’i kong po ni 
Firstly, the butter lamp base is made out of many precious jewels.
Tong sum khyun tang nyam pi nang / tsi mar chod kyi yong kang wa’i 
Inside it is as vast as the three thousand realms, filled with butter of the most exquisite quality.
Kyil du dong bu ri rab tsam 
Place a wick in the middle of the butter as large as Mount Sumeru.
Tsug la bar we me che yi / ngo wo ye shi nga den la 
The flame of this butter lamp is in the nature of the five wisdoms.
Nam pa nyi ma dung chur gyi 
The form of this flame is as bright as a billion suns.
Zi kig bar wi mar me dhee / chok chu nam khe kham kun khyub 
A powerful light radiates from this lamp that pervades space in all the ten directions.
Oe kyi long ne kun zang gi / choe trin gya tsoe trin trho wa / si thi bar du tak choed pe 
Through this immeasurable light, unsurpassable objects of offering arise like vast cloud banks, which I offer until samsara ends.
Dag dang dag la drel thog kyi / mig yul shin son chi chee pa’i / tsog nyi dzog shing drib nye jang 
Through this, may all beings and myself, whether they are living or have passed on, purify the two obscurations and accomplish the two accumulations (of merit and wisdom).
La med chang chub nyur thob shog 
May we swiftly attain the highest enlightenment (Buddhahood).

Saga Dawa Day 24 

The Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Retreat commenced during this holy month. 

This very day marked the Anniversary of Mahasiddhi Virupa’s attaining realisations. May we all aspire to reach that same state for the benefit of sentient beings.

Saga Dawa Day 25

Such an auspicious month with the final day of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course 1st Semester retreat, and many students making the light offerings on behalf of the sponsors.

On day 18 of Saga Dawa, the Sunday practice was held in our new little Gompa, when Khenpo la led all attending in the Sixteen Arhat Puja. This was followed by a delicious community luncheon. A beautiful day of joyful celebration. 
​
The photos are showing the end results of its construction inside with Khenpo la’s blessings and the first gathering to commemorate this precious building built by so many generous hands, a great credit to the sangha community, thank you to all who helped in any way with this treasured little Gompa

The Annual Ngondro Retreat was held during this most auspicious time of Saga Dawa. Thank you Khenpo la and to all who attended, to all who volunteered cooking and serving the dharma.

Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara led a beautiful Mindfulness Day-long retreat yesterday at the centre. A large gathering in person and online really appreciated the Ayyas’ depth of knowledge and kindness. Thank you to everyone involved.
​
I attended the Mindfulness Day on Saturday sitting in quietness together meditating, listening to gentle guidance and encouragement. It was delightful and for me so wonderful to see my friends from different traditions coming together to enjoy the connections, to be surrounded by beauty of that land that has witnessed and held practices from many Masters and many traditions all welcomed. An experience of the generosity of a Dharma home, and the dedications of the teachers to be there and available for us all. 
~ With appreciation, Glenda

Khenpo la’s visit to Rongton Buddhist Centre this year was a greatly anticipated and joyful occasion, with all members of the sangha relishing face to face connection with one another here in Brisbane.

The teaching program in 2024 consisted of two topics: an introductory one-day teaching on The Fundamental Verses of the Middle Way (Prajna Nama Mulamadhyamakakarika), followed by a one-day teaching on the 21 Taras.

The Mulamadhyamakakarika is part of the Perfection of Wisdom teachings according to the common history of the Three Turnings of the Wheel by Shakyamuni Buddha. It is a Mahayana text composed out of great compassion by Nagarjuna, illuminating the Middle Way, free from the extremes of nihilism and eternalism.

Khenpo la explained that the Buddha gave many teachings, but with only one purpose: for sentient beings to become free from our ignorance mind. Individual mind comes from individual perception, which constitutes conventional reality – that is, the way that each of us thinks. However, absolute reality or truth is of one flavour, and is far more profound than conventional truth.

As Dharma practitioners, we need to first understand interdependent origination in order to overcome nihilism, which will then help us to understand and realise ultimate truth. Clinging to our ordinary perceptions of who we think we are, needs to be remedied by re-identifying ourselves, and this is achieved by studying teachings on the clarity of the mind (conventional truth) as well as by studying teachings on the emptiness of the mind (absolute truth). When we realise the union of these two, we realise no-self, which is nirvana. As Khenpo la said, wisdom mind will never deceive you, and therefore we need to work with our mind to see and understand reality correctly. 

Candrakirti (a disciple of Nagarjuna’s) taught that we should accept conventional reality, otherwise it’s confusing; however, when mind is caught up in negativities, we then need to investigate the mind and find out whether conventional reality is valid in an ultimate sense, in order to free ourselves from attachment and aversion. If we’re really caught up with something, it is best at that time to remember emptiness, and then we won’t blame something or someone for a situation that we find ourselves in. 

Khenpo la then outlined the eight conceptualisations that keep ordinary beings in samsara: the concepts of going and coming, cessation and arising, nihilism and eternalism, and separation and one (or oneness). The main topic of Nagarjuna’s text therefore deals with the refutation of phenomena arising. So, for example, when something appears (e.g., a rice plant), if this truly exists separate from our mind, there are only four possibilities as to how it arises: from self, from other, from both self and other, and from neither self nor other.

The text then goes on to explain the philosophical views of different schools in relation to the above, and then shows from a logical point of view, that these four possibilities can all be refuted. As it’s beyond the scope of this article to go into any more depth here, and as it’s also beyond my own understanding to elaborate much further on Khenpo la’s teaching, I will now briefly outline his teaching on the 21 Taras.

Sunday’s session began with Khenpo la giving a transmission of the 21 Praises to Tara, in order to connect our mindstream to the blessed lineage of Tara. Khenpo la then gave three brief historical accounts of Tara, including how she came to be an enlightened Buddha many aeons before Buddha Shakyamuni. He also explained how in Vajrayana there are four main classes of tantra (Kriya, Charya, Yoga, and Anuttarayoga), and while Tara practice can be done at all four levels, it is usually practised at the Kriya level. In Kriya, the emphasis is on cleanliness and diet (practice is most effective when one is vegetarian); the practice can be done at any time of the day, and it’s important to have a consecrated image of Tara.

Following transmission of the Tara mantra, Khenpo la went through each of the verses of the Praises to 21 Taras (composed by Buddha Vairocana), explaining that her 21 primary emanations perform different activities, of which there are four main types: pacifying, increasing, overpowering/magnetising, and wrathful. Each of these four activities are symbolised by the colours of white, yellow, red and black, respectively. They all come from Green Tara, as green is the colour of the Buddha’s enlightened activities (symbolised by Amoghasiddhi). 

Tara is often referred to as the mother of all the Buddhas as she embodies wisdom and all enlightened activities; praying to Tara is the same as praying to all the Buddhas. Just as a mother who hears her child crying, drops everything immediately to rescue her child, so too when we call on Tara, she swiftly appears like lightning, in order to help suffering sentient beings. The Sanskrit name “Tara” therefore means Protectress or Saviour. In the Mantrayana tradition, one needs countless skills to help sentient beings due to their different dispositions and levels of intelligence, hence the need for Tara’s different emanations and activities as described above.
​
On behalf of Rongton Buddhist Centre, I would like to thank Khenpo la for his great kindness in teaching these topics, and for the meticulous detail he gave for each. By dedicating the merits of these teachings, may all beings be blessed by realising the ultimate truth of existence! 
~ Robin M

Thank you Khenpo la and the two Venerables, as well as the volunteers who assisted in making this retreat a time of reflection and connection for all who attended. The understanding of commitment to practice and the sharing of wisdom and insights continues to assist us in our everyday lives. 
~ Jacqueline

I really enjoyed the Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat. The meditation part of the retreat was very relaxing and calming, as we listened to Khenpo la guide us through with his words of wisdom. I did find the session after lunch extremely hard, it felt very long, and I couldn’t help my mind to focus, it was just wandering around. Noble silence for half of each day was quite enjoyable with not having to think about what people are saying or feel like I had to start a conversation with someone. The lunch break was very nice though, because people were able to speak again and have a conversation. I really liked how everything was very open and you could ask questions about anything. My favourite part of the retreat was on the last evening, the sun was setting over the hills making the sky dance with colours of pinks and reds, as everyone sat around the fire and did a meditation session together. I had a great time and will definitely do it again. 
~ Lauren H.

Realising that I have no need to continue to look back at my past, due to learning that the past is essentially dead and by not projecting and looking into the future because it is unborn; I can remain in the present. By practising Shamatha and being grateful for what I have I will be more peaceful and thus more joyful. In this way, my life will be easier to navigate, especially in this ever fast and changing world. To be calm, happy, and clear minded, I will have a far better chance of remaining sovereign to my own mind, not being pulled in every direction. By understanding my own mind better, I will have a much better chance of understanding others. 
~ Andrew M.

At the Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat, Easter Long Weekend, Khenpo la began by explaining how we can apply these teachings in our lives to help ease difficulties in coping with this ever-changing world. We can develop gratefulness in realising and to constantly contemplate, to learn in having awareness of this precious opportunity we all have in being in a human form, for this likened to having a unique power to potentially help countless sentient beings to create an undisturbed and peaceful mind through Shamatha meditation.

Khenpo la explained the meaning of the Triple Gem of course in such a beautiful way. The Buddha was able to diagnose any problem in order to offer a Dharmic treatment. In reality we don’t actually know ourselves, so in knowing our limitations this will bring one happiness. The Buddha is not just to worship, for the teachings offer us a way to study so we can understand ourselves.

The Dharma is of wisdom and having a compassionate mind, for the task of wisdom is to free us from our negative mind. The ultimate object of refuge is residing in wisdom and compassion.

The Sangha is a friend that helps us in virtuous ways, in positive ways. To stay in this state no matter where you are in the world whether in your home on your meditation cushion or even in an unsafe place.

Khenpo la went through the nine stages of Shamatha meditation, going through the important Vairocana posture and its crucial importance of how our veins and oxygen work so we know why to practise this posture, what are the common objects of meditation and the sacred objects of our Shamatha meditation.

On the final day, Khenpo la offered all retreatants a most exquisite teaching on Mindfulness carrying on from the Shamatha meditation teachings, incorporating the three vows, protecting the mind (tenpa) through remembering the instructions and antidotes, to remember with a wisdom aspect. Explaining the Four Wrong Views, combined with the Four Noble Truths, including wonderful teachings on the Eightfold Noble Path.

It was a glorious retreat, also enjoying some walking meditations led by Venerable Tsultim and Ayya Jayasara. Such a special weekend of the precious teachings seeing new and returning students. Once more a most heart-felt gratitude to our most precious teacher, Khenpo la for an absolutely inspiring and moving three days of learning and hearing the treasured Buddhadharma. And to all involved with organising, delicious cooking and to all attendees. 
~ Lael

Another hugely successful Karma Yoga Group Retreat concluded today at Kamalashila. Twice a year we get together as a large group and work on various projects to upgrade the centre’s facilities. Everyone came with such a strong motivation to work in joyful effort for the centre, which in turn has the potential to help so many sentient beings.
​
After a day of hard work, we all relaxed around our new campfire place that Khenpo la built, enjoying the beautiful sunset.

A big thank you to everyone who made this wonderful weekend come to fruition, in particular our inspirational Teacher Khenpo la who leads from the front every time, and Peter who so skilfully puts all the work projects together.

Over the weekend of 9-10 March 2024, Khenpo la led a two-day teaching on Mind Training to a full house of students at Croydon in Sydney along with Zoom-ers joining us from right around Australia. Saturday’s teaching commenced with Khenpo taking us through the importance of the preliminary practices in the training of the mind: the Four Common Foundations, Taking Refuge and Generating Bodhicitta which is the main cleansing of our minds. He then taught the Four Reasons we recognise the Lord Buddha as perfect. In the main practice of mind training, Khenpo la taught that if we are to turn our mind into the Dharma we cannot be attached to this life. It is important that we don’t undertake our practice to achieve material success or fame in this life. If we have attachment to self-purpose, then we cannot be a Mahayana practitioner and if we have grasping, we do not have the view.
 
Khenpo then spoke about the four ways we can turn unwanted experiences into the path – how to respond when (1) someone takes advantage of our material possessions by appreciating the opportunity to practice generosity; (2) when people do things that create misery for us by developing Great Compassion; (3) when someone speaks negatively of us by welcoming the mirror and responding in a way that helps transforms the other person’s mind; and (4) when people point out our faults to view them as our teachers.

​Sakya Pandita told us that to learn from others they don’t have to be Great Masters or Enlightened Beings, that any person can be our teacher. Khenpo spoke to the importance of generating loving-kindness and compassion so that we can come to appreciate that any difficult circumstances we find ourselves in provide a special opportunity to transform our mind. He explained the Tong Len practice of exchanging self with others and led meditations for the students. 

On Sunday Khenpo taught on how our suffering is generated through the Three Poison Minds and how they can be transformed through abandoning clinging to self through the wisdom mind. Khenpo spoke of the importance of keeping our mind in a safe place including through Shamatha practice. Khenpo urged us to be conscientious 24/7 in training our mind and appreciate that with the wisdom mind all obstacles and hindrances become an opportunity to deepen our practice and ultimately achieve Buddhahood. At the conclusion of the weekend, students offered khatas and expressed their deep appreciation for Khenpo’s wonderful teachings.

A huge thank you to Linda McKeone for all the arrangements over the weekend kindly supported by Ann with the registrations and everyone who brought food and took care of Khenpo la on this visit to Sydney. 

​Khenpo la made a return to teach at the Blue Mountains at the community hall in Wentworth Falls, for the first time in almost 10 years! There were lots of old friends and new ones who came to hear Khenpo la’s practical guidance on how to live a meaningful life. Starting with giving to others, even mentally giving if you can’t physically, is a helpful technique to change our minds to have a more meaningful use of this life. Thank you Khenpo la for travelling here and sharing your great wisdom with us. Thank you to all the local organisers Suzi, Peter, Sue, and Pam. We look forward to seeing Khenpo la back again here very soon.

We were delighted with the joyous occasion of Khenpo la’s recent return to the Hawkesbury region. On 5th March, Khenpo presented a teaching entitled, “How to Create Happiness in Troubled Times: A Buddhist Perspective” at Windsor Library. It was the first time Khenpo had graced the Hawkesbury community with his wisdom since 2017, and it was truly a momentous occasion. Despite the passage of time, the enthusiasm for the Dharma was palpable.

From the moment Khenpo began to speak, it was evident that his words resonated deeply with the audience. His profound insights into the human condition and practical advice on how to navigate life’s challenges left a lasting impression on all who were present. What made the evening even more remarkable was the overwhelming turnout. Initially prepared with 72 chairs, we soon found ourselves with standing room only as more and more people flocked to hear Khenpo la’s teachings. The sense of community and shared purpose was truly heartwarming.

Looking ahead, we are filled with hope and optimism for the future. With Khenpo’s continued guidance and the unwavering support of our Dharma friends, we are confident that we can continue to spread the light of wisdom and compassion throughout the Hawkesbury region and beyond.

Our 3rd Annual student-led Vajrayogini Retreat was extremely beautiful. Sangha attended in person and online via Zoom. Khenpo la very kindly accepted our request to lead the final session with a tsog and answered questions. Khenpo la then gave a spontaneous teaching on the absolute essential aspect of all our practice which is to work towards freeing ourselves from suffering with the sole purpose of having the capacity to help all sentient beings to be free from suffering. 

It was a very special time together in this very sacred place, practising and studying together. The students online felt very much a part of the retreat, the energy of this magical place resonates through the Zoom waves. 

Thank you Khenpo la from the depths of our hearts for encouraging us to carry out this retreat each year, so when the masters do return to Kamalashila in the future, we will hopefully understand these teachings on a deeper level.

Wishing you all a very happy Tibetan and Chinese New Year! May your 2151 Wood Dragon Year be filled with Dharma, love, happiness, and world peace, from Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe and Drogmi Buddhist Institute’s family to yours!

On 11 February Khenpo la led the sangha in the celebrations for Losar. We began with writing all dedications on the sponsored new prayer flags and hung them. The old flags were burnt, and smoke cleansed us all of negative thoughts and actions. We offered barley flour to the local spirits as a way to clear obstacles for the year ahead and create positive conditions. We all then ate kupsey, a delicious Tibetan biscuit to help our speech be sweet throughout the year. In the gompa Khenpo led prayers and Tara recitations. Tara is very positive in every aspect so a great way for us all to start the year in reciting Tara’s mantra. Auspicious rice and tea were offered to the shrine and sangha and a delicious luncheon completed what was a beautiful day and start to the New Year. 

The Tibetan tradition in hanging prayer flags at the beginning of the Tibetan New Year, benefits all beings when the wind touches the holy words of the Buddha that are written on the flags, carrying them to every direction. Hanging prayer flags creates the right cause to benefit all beings and the environment, and in particular the person and family who are raising the flag has enormous benefit.

The Annual Six Dome White Tara Retreat began Thursday 1 February 2024, on the Anniversary of the great Sakya master Zangtsa Sonam Gyaltsen, who had a very close connection to the White Tara practice. The retreat concluded with a Tsog offering practice. Over the four days Khenpo la gave very detailed teachings on the sadhana and led practice sessions. Those attending felt very fortunate to have had this wonderful opportunity to really learn about this profound practice in such detail. Thank you Khenpo la.

If we meditate on equanimity just because we Buddhists believe every being is equal, that is not good enough. We need to understand the reason that every being is equal. This can be explained: first, from the relationship point of view; second, the sentient beings’ interest point of view; third, the dharmic point of view.

Equanimity: from the relationship point of view

First, the relationship point of view. In our normal life, we do not see everyone as equal because someone is our partner, some you dislike and there are others who are strangers to you. In meditation, you consider these relationships as only temporary – in your past lives, these people had different relationships with you, and in your future lives they will have different relationships with you. Your loved ones, your enemies and strangers are always in flux – always changing. In one life, your loved one may become your enemy. In this sense, there is no real, fixed differences.

One of the sutras describes a mother, holding a baby, eating meat, and beating a dog. The point is that the meat she is eating has been her father in a previous life, the dog she is beating has been her mother, the baby she is holding has been her enemy. Now, her enemy becomes her child, her mother becomes her enemy who she beats up, and her father becomes her food. Dharma opens our eyes, so we are able to see the past, present and future. When we understand this, we will not be caught up with small things. So, from the relationship point of view, we are all equal. This is logical.

Equanimity: from the sentient beings’ interest point of view

From the viewpoint of sentient beings’ interest, every one of them wants to be happy; none of them wants unhappiness. So, you and all sentient beings are the same in this regard. Think, then, what is the difference – between me and others, between enemies, strangers, friends? They all want the same thing – happiness. Once you accept this logic, implement it in your mind and change your view of others, you will be able to see everyone as equal. This will help you achieve equanimity. Ask yourself if you have the right reasons to love someone, to dislike someone and so on; do you like or dislike someone for the right reasons?

Buddha did not tell people to just believe what he said: Buddha spoke truth with reason. The reason is right in front of us, so let us use the reason to prove what we think is true. We realise that we do not have right reasons for liking some and disliking others. We just feel close to someone, label those who we do not know as strangers, and label those who do not like as enemies. But the moment an enemy does good things to us, we change our mind, and the person becomes our friend. From the sentient beings’ interest, we are equal.

Equanimity: from the dharmic point of view

From the dharmic point of view, there is no reason that your loved ones give you an opportunity to gain enlightenment and your enemy does not. They equally give you opportunities to gain enlightenment. A beggar gives you an opportunity to practise the Perfection of Generosity; enemies give us opportunities to practise the Perfection of Wisdom. Without them, we cannot practise the Six Paramitas. From that point of view, how can we think they are different? In terms of our practise of loving kindness and compassion, they are also equally as important. If we miss one sentient being, then our loving kindness is not complete. All these reasons are so important to implement in our mind. They change our view of sentient beings. They contribute to our equanimity.

Once we see, or feel, that everyone is equal, then our practise of loving kindness becomes much easier. We will not have divisive thoughts, because we understand that we are all the same. Then, why not think about all sentient beings? When we say, ‘may all beings have happiness,’ what we mean is ‘may all beings have truly virtuous minds’ because the happiness that comes from having a virtuous mind is the true happiness. Other happiness is false happiness that brings desire, disappointment, anger, and other negative things. Virtues do not bring negative things. We wish all beings to not just dwell in the virtuous state but also accumulate virtues consistently. The more virtues they get, the happier they become. This is what we call loving kindness. Wishing them to have a good holiday on the beach is not loving kindness. They may enjoy their holiday today, and tomorrow they want to go again but then worry about losing their job if they stay at the beach. That is not real happiness; the real happiness is a virtuous mind and virtuous activities.

Then, we wish sentient beings to be free from suffering. Suffering does not mean poverty; even if they are free from poverty, they still have suffering. How many people do we know who are rich and suffering? Suffering comes from non-virtues. This is how we wish them to be free from suffering and the cause of suffering.

Thirdly, all of us, no matter how bad, have some kind of virtues in our life. These virtues, no matter how small, bring some kind of joy. We wish that they never part from that joy. To never part from any joy they have. 
​
These are the four immeasurables. These create a solid foundation for the mind path. They establish a very healthy seed for bodhicitta. For this reason, if you want to have healthy bodhicitta, you must train yourself in the four immeasurable first. Once you have solidly established these four immeasurables, you will be able to cultivate real bodhicitta mind.

Losar preparation and celebration

Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days. A month before the New Year a special kind of barley is planted in little flowerpots so that by the time New Year rolls around three-inch-high seedlings can be offered to Buddha. Families then prepare for Losar some days in advance by thoroughly cleaning their homes; decorating with fragrant flowers; painting their walls in flour with auspicious signs such as the sun, moon, or a reversed swastika; and preparing cedar, rhododendron, and juniper branches as incense for burning. Debts are settled, quarrels are resolved, and new clothes are acquired. 

Guthor – the last two days of the year

In English guthor means “banishing the evil spirits festival”. The day before New Year’s Eve, the kitchen is thoroughly cleaned because it is where the family prepares food and is considered the most important part of a house. Here, special foods are made such as kapse (fried twists) and guthuk (a form of the traditional Tibetan soup, thukpa).

On this night, families and friends gather to eat guthuk and perform the rituals for driving out all negative forces of the old year. Guthuk is made from meat, rice, sweet potatoes, wheat, yak cheese, peas, green peppers, vermicelli, and radishes, and is served with small dumplings akin to fortune cookies that contain hidden ingredients, some in the form of words on paper, all of which symbolise human qualities or the diner’s New Year fortune. 

The dumplings are not eaten but discarded after their contents are revealed. When eating guthuk, Tibetan families discuss their luck for the New Year. The atmosphere is bright and very lively.

After eating guthuk (ensuring some is left over), leftover dough is formed into an effigy representing an evil entity called lue. One member of the family carrying a lighted torch goes from room to room demanding that the spirits of the old year dwelling in nooks and corners to leave. Another person follows with a broom and sweeps the rooms, emptying the dust into a container with the leftover guthuk and the lue. In this way, our body, spirit and living spaces are cleansed of the negativities of the old year and the lue is taken outside. As the lue leaves the house, firecrackers are set off after it and the lue is commanded to take away all the obstacles and negativities of the year. 

In the Potala palace of Lhasa and other places, a grand sorcerer’s dance is held to keep away evil spirits. Monks and people in all places put on masks and clothes, imitating demons and spirits, singing, dancing, lighting firecrackers and shouting to bid farewell to the outgoing year and welcome the coming New Year.

On the second day of guthor, New Year’s Eve, religious ceremonies are performed, people visit the monastery to worship and donate money and gifts to the monks. 

Losar – first day of the New Year
​
The New Year begins on the day of a new moon that marks the first day of the first month on the Tibetan calendar. It is called Gyalpo Losar in Tibetan means “King’s New Year”. People dress up in their best clothes, greet each other and go to the monasteries to receive blessings, as the festivities last from the 1st day of the New Year until the 15th day. 

Over the holiday season, after the conclusion of the Healing & Purification Retreat one our sangha members, Rob planned a bit of an impromptu working bee. Together with Peter T., Tony, Oli, Phil, Kate and Milhara, they all worked very hard on finishing the repairs to the stairs and pathway leading to the dining room, as well as creating a new pebble pathway in a rough and hilly section nearby. 
​
A big thank you to everyone who helped make this happen and thank you Kate for all the images. When you visit DBI’s Facebook page, you’ll see Kate’s fabulous little film clip recording the working venture! Well done All.

Photographs captured by The Private Office of The Dalai Lama during the private audience between His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama and Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Dorjichang, the 42nd Sakya Trizin, the 43rd Sakya Trizin, Dungsey Akasha Vajra Rinpoche, Jetsunma Kunga Trinley Palter, Jetsunma Kunga Chimey Wangmo, Gyalyum Tashi Lhakee, Dagmo Kalden Sakya, and attendants of Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Rinpoche recently in early 2024 in Bodhgaya.

​While the empowerments and transmissions at the Bodhgaya Sakya Monastery Triyana Dharma Chakra Vihar continue, on this day, the 4th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, we also commemorate the Parinirvana of one of the greatest Sakya masters of our time, His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, the 25th throne holder of the Tsarpa branch of the Sakya school. Images by Jamyang Dorje la.

Some more exquisite images, adorning with a set of Heruka bone ornaments during the Vajramala Empowerments currently bestowed by The 42nd Sakya Trizin Bodhgaya. Amazing photographs from Jamyang Choesang la and Jamyang Dorji la.

Day 1 of the Annual Healing and Purification retreat commenced with Khenpo la giving the Vajrasattva transmission and providing brief yet detailed teachings to explain the history of the ancient practice and unbroken lineage. Khenpo la explained the benefit and meaning of the visualisation practice ‘to use the mind to heal the mind’ and reminded us that our minds have the same potential as all the previous Buddhas and great masters: we practise polishing the mind and eliminate the negative states, but the nature of mind is always pure and perfect. 
​
On this first afternoon, we all marked the first anniversary of His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche passing into Mahaparinirvana (according to the western calendar). Khenpo la led the sangha in prayers and light offerings.

Day 2 of this retreat involved Khenpo la giving more detailed instructions about how to do the Vajrasattva practice (the visualisation and the mantra), the benefits (all actions of body, speech and mind can be purified) and the disadvantages/consequences of not doing the practice (accumulation of negativities like a snowball). Khenpo la emphasised that dharma teachings are practical ways for us to understand our minds, that we must be humble and accept the current unfocused and distracted nature of our beginner minds, and to use our emotions to magnify (turbo boost) our practice. We concluded the day by doing a Vajrasattva group practice to purify our negative actions of 2023 in preparation for the New Year.

Day 3 commenced with Khenpo la giving the Sutrayana transmission of the Medicine Buddha practice. Khenpo la explained the ancient lineage (aeons) of the practice from previous Buddhas to Shakyamuni Buddha and that it led to the flourishing and establishment of the Buddhadharma in Tibet because it was one of the first meditation ritual practices established in Tibet by Shantarakshita in the 8th century. One of the repeated instructions from Khenpo la throughout the retreat has been to focus on the essence of the practice (the meaning and raw feeling), to bring our genuine and ordinary (samsaric) minds to our practice because we have to start with our troubled messy minds to heal, purify and transform our minds with our wisdom mind.

Day 4 involved Khenpo la providing more detailed teachings about the wishes and healing properties of the eight Medicine Buddhas (seven Medicine Buddhas and Shakyamuni Buddha). Khenpo la explained that the Medicine Buddha practice was stronger during degenerative times (our current times) because the suffering of sentient beings was much greater. Throughout the teachings, Khenpo la emphasised that the Buddhadharma provides us with the tools to understand our minds and see ourselves and potential; this is more beneficial than approaching Buddhism as a religion or a cultural ritual. 

Following the teachings and practice sessions, the sangha enjoyed New Year’s Eve celebrations with each other by sharing much laughter, songs, chants, dance, incredible food and the unique (trademark pending) Ani Nyidon’s Fortune Cookies experience!
​
The Healing & Purification Retreat concluded 1 January 2024 after four days of teachings, group practices and Q&A sessions with Khenpo la. Retreat participants were a diverse group encompassing practitioners with many years’ experience to those coming to their very first Buddhadharma retreat. 

Some reflections shared by participants about their experiences

“It was a wonderful oasis of time to stop, reflect and reset. I gained clarity, energy, and insight about what to let go to create a more joyful, loving and compassionate way forward in life.”

“This blind person has been given the glimpses of beauty that lies ahead if I continue to follow this path with its sacred teachings.”

“Wonderful times.”

“The retreat has given me the tools for a strong heart in hard times, and the tools to find clarity in unbearable confusion. We are incredibly fortunate to have a teacher such as Khenpo la.” 

“As the universes that we occupy dawn in the new year, our awareness of so many multitudes of these bubbles that exist also dawns. Very grateful to be smiling.”

“Like a baby bird safe in the comfort of its nest, taking food from the mother, I feel the same. Safe and held in the space of Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre at the base of the mother mountain (Gulaga). I’m taking what I am being fed with immense gratitude to all involved and all that led me here. Grateful to conclude 2023 and welcome 2024 in awareness, awake, feeling alive, and connected. Leaving this nest, I will take with me the food I have been fed, the teachings and continue to keep the practice alive, to keep planting and spreading seeds. Thank you from my whole heart.” 

“A blessing doing this end of year retreat and so valuable doing this retreat a second time to take my practice deeper. This is an opportunity for me to reset my practice and it was beautiful seeing everyone’s transformation and how much we all received. Thank you in gratitude, Khenpo la.”

“Strange old, new world near the mountain. Old ways meet new questions. New ways search old mysteries. Worn paths can merge with fresh streams.” 

“Is it a mirror?” 

“I feel transformed from this retreat, as well as deep love that has infiltrated my sad being. The power of Kamalashila gives me so much appreciation and gratitude, feeling a new joy lightening my heart and trust that my journey is OK. Our precious teacher Khenpo la, whom I feel is a reincarnation of a Buddha, for his full presence shines love, sweet genuine kindness, embodied in equanimity. The way he responds and treats every being is so powerful, bringing alive the teachings in such a way that is so useful and accessible, this skill is incredible to witness. The sacred setting held by the mother Gulaga Mountain, along with the respect, creativity, and richness of the sangha and the divine food – grown, picked prepared and served with love, my gratitude is shining! Thank you so very much.”

“The beautiful timing of this Healing & Purification retreat was so special. The calm, gentle and knowledgeable way Khenpo la teaches is truly wonderful. Thanking you for letting go of 2023 and welcoming 2024.”

We were pleased to host at KTBC the visiting Tibetan Doctor Amchi Dolma. There was strong interest in her visit within the community, with the public talk and private consultations well-attended. Amchi la gave a talk on the role of Tibetan Medicine in this modern world, describing just how profoundly deep and holistic this ancient, yet so relevant, method of health care is. 

Amchi la talked about stress being the biggest issue in terms of creating disease in our bodies and mind and talked about methods to decrease stress in our lives. Amchi la then conducted a full two days of consultations. She has kindly agreed to return next year.

Please see our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/reel/705586974882160, for the part of the public talk and more information on Tibetan Medicine in our modern world.

After a three-year hiatus due to Covid, we have finally been able to hold our regular Family Day once more at Kamalashila. As Khenpo la shared a little about his own childhood in India, it was interesting to note that although that was a very different time and place, childhood has not changed so much - the children today cited their favourite things too as in soccer and friends!

The children painted prayer flags, a way of sending their good wishes to others on the back of the Lung-Ta or Windhorse who will carry those wishes to all beings every time the breeze blows through their flags.

Meanwhile the parents spent time with Khenpo la, discussing the rich and complex job of parenting our children. Khenpo la’s key advice: to enjoy our children, to enjoy this time with them, realising that this is the best time of our lives.

Then it was time for soccer! All together we played – with laughter, encouragement, and teamwork.
​
Thank you to all who attended. As one participant noted today, it is wonderful for our family to know that we are in this special community, raising our children in the Dharma.

The 2nd Shamatha & Vipassana Retreat led by Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara commenced at Kamalashila in mid-November with participants from many locations – from the USA, NZ, WA, Brisbane, Melbourne to name a few. 

Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara guided attendees in person and online, through the methods of Shamatha meditation leading to insight awareness. They instructed how to truly watch our minds and work with the defilements. Their teachings were practical to our everyday lives, at the same time bringing authenticity to the delivery. 

Everyone felt very fortunate to be part of such a wonderful gathering of sangha, many new to KTBC. To be in amongst the peaceful and conducive environment for contemplation and meditation at the centre. We all felt thankful to Khenpo la who had invited the Ayyas to lead this retreat.

I recently attended the Shamantha & Vipasana Retreat with the Ayyas Jitindryia and Jayasāra. Even attending via Zoom the whole experience was profound, seemingly helpful for everyone in our quiet personal ways. The Ayyas’ teachings come straight from the heart, very pure, availing silence to us all. I am grateful to receive the teachings and support and look forward to next year. 
Love and peace to all,
~Gwynne

The whole experience was so nourishing and strengthening. The gentle, kind, funny and wise experiential guidance from the Ayyas, being back in the peaceful setting of the bush and this retreat centre itself, and the rest I had staying in one of the huts (which if you haven’t done yet, I thoroughly recommend) – so wonderful! My deep gratitude to the Ayyas, and to Khenpo la and everyone at DBI for supporting this opportunity for us. 
~Brigitte