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. 
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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
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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. 
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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. 
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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!
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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.
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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

Although His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin was in South America during his birthday recently, long life pujas were held at the Sakya Centre in Dehradun on that day. We all take this opportunity to yet again wish His Holiness a long and healthy life.

“A genuine kind heart cares for all beings, irrespective of their culture, race, religion, language, or other differences. It has no boundaries; it extends to all without any discrimination or exception”
~  The 42nd Sakya Trizin

The 42nd Sakya Trizin is currently in Peru, after having visited and taught in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Bolivia earlier in the month. Following Peru, Sakya Gongma Trizin Rinpoche will continue to Colombia and Costa Rica.

Photo credits @42nd_sakya_trizin (Instagram)

In the Dharma slipstream and out of the Dharma slipstream

Out of the Dharma slipstream – samsara. Likened to being in a wild stormy sea that has been whipped up by crazy strong winds.

Being in meditation and contemplation for a few years now, is my refuge. A place of peace away from the hardships of life or as the Buddha might have said ‘all the sufferings’. Suffering of suffering, suffering of change and the all-pervasive suffering.

During times of regular meditation and contemplation on the mind and life, I felt like I was in a port safe from the wild seas of life. During times of longer interaction with the public, not regularly practising, contemplating, and meditating, I felt swept away as if my anchor were ripped up and broken away, and my mind was at the mercy of the wild seas far from the safety of the port of refuge.

Swept far out to sea in the mind of samsara I would do and say wrong things, feel completely sick with suffering but not really understanding why. Just suffering like all the people around me. Due to my sensitive mind, I would suffer and suffer, then in turn others would suffer from my wrong ways too it seemed.

So once the pain was too much to bear, I would steer the mind back to my port of refuge. Safe waters of contemplation and meditation. My karma was not ripe enough to have a great teacher to guide and help me. I would minimalise my contact from outside influences. Stabilise the mind/ship in the safer water of meditation and contemplation. 

Because I would mostly go with the flow, this would get me into a lot of trouble from my troublemaker afflicted mind. Refuge in the harbour of the Buddhadharma was the only safe place to be.

This pattern has gone on in my life for three decades I know it well. Trying to be in this world but not of this world is tricky. This was still an external viewpoint to an ignorant person like me. Thinking the outside world was part of the problem, although not realising that my mind didn’t have the medicine to deal with these problems. Deep in samsara. In the port of the Buddhadharma, refuge was peace and out of the port was the wild wind and seas of the afflicted mind of suffering.

The Dharma slipstream

In the Dharma/The Triple Gem is like being carried along peacefully and effortlessly through life’s ups and downs. Not getting caught up in them just observing them. Just like watching a cloud or a bird fly across the mind’s sky leaving without a trace. 

A dear friend, a Dharma practitioner and now a great Dharma friend, gave me/lent me authentic Mahayana books around seven years ago. Straightaway I could feel the refuge of these books and teachings. My first love of the Mahayana teachings, exchanging oneself for others. 

But as before when I distance this mind just a bit, I could feel the anchor lift and out to sea I would go where the afflicted mind’s winds could whip up the ocean of suffering yet again and again. 

So, for the last seven years I have been wanting to understand why this mind is so much trouble when too much exposure to outside influences would create big negative effects on this mind. 

Attending the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course, I found the anchor of the boat/the mind in the safe harbour of the precious Buddhadharma. Peacefully away from the wild seas of emotions and the wild winds of affliction. Yes, the affliction comes up but the Buddhadharma teachings give us prescriptions/medicine/antidotes, the teachings to practise using in the heat of the battle  – our afflictions.

After just finishing the end of our 2nd year of the Course, loving the cool calm water of the precious Buddhadharma teachings, I offer massive thanks to the team of this Course and to Khenpo la’s skilful means of teaching the precious Buddhadharma.

I went to an old friend’s party recently, I did not drink, it was good night. I also watched a powerful documentary called ‘Seaspiracy’. Still doing my formal practice yet this little amount of exposure I felt the anchor ever so slightly lifting and the mind/ boat slowly moving out to sea again. To be exposed to the afflicted mind’s torment, the wild winds that whip up the ocean turbulent waves of suffering is ever present, so it is very clear to keep on this precious path of the Buddhadharma. 

Shortly after this whilst driving my car to the shop, I was contemplating why could I feel this mind moving off its mooring in the safe harbour of the Mahayana. As I was driving, there it was, the realisation of what Khenpo la’s been saying for as long I have listened to this great master. I was around so much self-clinging, that self-clinging started to rub off a bit, and my own self-clinging mind lifted the anchor up, as my mind started to drift out to the samsaric seas once again. Wow, I see this as clear as day, self-clinging is the poison that takes one’s mind out of the safe harbour of the Triple Gem’s refuge.

This realisation is the insight I have been looking for, for many years. Possibly a lot longer for sure. In the Dharma slipstream is the realisation of exchanging oneself for others – mind is peacefulness, awareness with clarity. This mind is of great benefit to all sentient beings. Out of the Dharma slipstream is self-clinging, the disease – this mind is full of poison, wildness and is dangerous to oneself and to all sentient beings.

One needs to keep turning the mind inwards as much as possible for the service of others. To stay on the path. To stay in the safety of the harbour of the Triple Gem. Exchanging oneself for others is the Triple Gem’s safe harbour the refuge for all sentient beings.

I know this is simple and basic for some, as we have heard this countless times from Khenpo la, but I never realised this tied up with the experience of witnessing these types of events play out, at once to be aware and having clarity to observe this process.

My dearest thanks go to Carole, Robert and all involved in manifesting the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course, the mentors and any others I may have missed mentioning.

This of course would not have been possible without our master Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe – for his skilful means of cherry-picking the juice or nectar out of the precious Buddhadharma teachings is amazing to be around, witness and experience!

My wish is that: May all sentient beings meet and study the precious Buddhadharma with such a great master as in Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe la.

Students in the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Court have completed Year 2, the Mahayana year. The insights, thoughtfulness and respect that emerged in the retreats, mentor groups and assignments has been inspirational. Thank you all so much for your dedication and commitment to your own and others’ development! What a special group this is! We don’t know the causes and conditions that have brought us all together, but we do know how grateful we are to have met. We experience the joy it brings to be able to help each other. 

This Christmas New Year break is when the Course really gets going as we apply the dharmic principles to our everyday lives. What better application than the wind down to Christmas and New Year. It might be useful to keep a journal on your reflections as you apply the teachings.
 
Year 3, the Vajrayana year will be quite wonderful with teachings on the Heart Sutra, Seven Point Mind Training, an introduction to the four Tantric Schools, the Triple Vision and the Ngondro. Although this has not been confirmed, Khenpo mentioned that the year may hopefully culminate in November with a visit by His Holiness the 43rd Sakya and also a pilgrimage to the holy sites in India with Khenpo December 2024. 

In the dharma,
~ Carole (Convenor)

Bodhicitta is like a mango tree: each season it grows even more fruit. Khenpo la began on this particular day with teachings on Bodhicitta, the most powerful antidote to our negative mind. He reminded us that each present moment is the time to implement it: ‘Past mind is already finished. Future mind is imaginary. Only present mind has the power to make change. This is the moment!’

These were very inspiring teachings which extended the study we have been doing this semester on The Six Paramitas, Bodhicitta, The Two Truths and the Perfection of Wisdom. 

To receive even a single teaching on just one of these profound topics would be a great blessing but to receive all of these from such a skilful a master as Khenpo la, and then to be supported to deepen our understandings through group study as directed by Dr Carole, we feel truly, and deeply grateful.

This retreat is the culmination of the second year of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course. In year one, we examined the Hinayana. This year we studied the Mahayana. We are already looking forward to the upcoming third and final year where we will explore the Vajrayana. Thank you once again to Khenpo la, Dr Carole, all of the mentors and students for creating such a wonderful atmosphere of learning, care and sincere investigation. 

~ Zara

Thank you for putting together and running such a wonderful program, I feel truly privileged and grateful to be taking it. I started late, having begun the course in November 2022, I missed the first year. I spent most of the past summer catching up on the material and it started transforming the way I saw the world and my place in it. It further deepened this year with concepts of Buddha Nature, Bodhicitta, the Six Paramitas, the Perfection of Wisdom, and the Two Truths – giving me such hope for the world, a better way of viewing and navigating the world, how to see others and bring a perspective of loving-kindness to interactions. 

Having been born into Buddhism and turning away from it very early on (at the age of 7), I never thought it would then become my refuge in adulthood. What draws me to this course and what compels me to traverse it, is the wisdom it offers through ancient knowledge in a modernist structure of reflective assignments, interactive and engaging practical retreats, compassionate teachers, mentors and facilitators with such patience and kindness. What I am learning over and over again is, it isn’t about ‘me’, the ‘I’, the self – it is about all sentient beings. It is understanding that suffering ends here, there is power in this mind to end suffering, and it is the same mind and heart that has the will and power to bring joy, healing, and happiness to the world. I am grateful to have come in contact with the teaching, and to have such a structured framework as the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course, and to help understand fundamental aspects of the insights, wisdoms, and teachings of the Buddha.  

Warm regards, 
~ Milhara

I always leave these retreats full of inspiration, hope and knowing I’m on the right path. Prior to the initial retreat, I felt like an imposter. I describe myself as a sponge absorbing the knowledge, topics and questions being asked lead to contemplation which in turn leads to personal insight. It has been nice to spend time amongst people/sangha who have similar values.

A few phrases that have stuck with me throughout these two years, either from Khenpo la, mentors and/or fellow students: 

• If you think you’ve got it, you don’t; if you think you haven’t got it, you’ve got it… felt relieved I got it (I don’t)!
• Stick to the path.
• It’s the journey not the destination.
• It is just a flip of the mind.
• There’s no pretending when there’s nothing. I so appreciated this honesty, as others may pretend by being dishonest. 

Many thanks, 
~ Diana 

Year 2 of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course has now come to a commendable close with our 4th retreat this November. After a beautifully balanced first year learning about the Hinayana Path, this year Khenpo la shared the gentle compassion and wisdom of the Mahayana Path. My experience and learnings over the first two years of this precious course has allowed me to develop a true and genuine understanding of the importance of practicing loving-kindness and compassion to all. 

Khenpo la has tenderly (and consistently) reminded us, through his teachings of the Dharma, that each and every one of us can achieve enlightenment, all our suffering and happiness lies within our own mind, and through regular study, contemplation, and meditation we can awaken this mind, uproot our defilements, and understand that the true nature of all phenomena is emptiness. While the academic teachings are incredibly clear, powerful, and profound, at this past retreat Khenpo la highlighted the importance of integrating what we are learning into our everyday lives. It’s very precious to think that what we are discovering on this path can actually have such a widespread benefit. 

Lastly, I’d just like to close with two final comments: my heartfelt thanks go to both Khenpo la for his knowledge, kindness, and humility in his teachings and to Carole for convening this incredible, well-structured Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course, and to anyone considering taking this course, just do it, it’s amazing! 

Thank you. With Metta, 
~ Natasha P.

My experience as a mentor in the ABPC 2nd year has been one full of challenges for myself and my students. Life can throw us some curve balls sometimes. What we are learning is helping us to manage and learn from these difficulties experiences. I don’t consider myself academic and do struggle to hold such complex teachings in my head. The combination of reading the manual, watching the teaching video of Khenpo la, and then discussing the teachings in the mentor Zoom sessions is very helpful and deepens my understanding. I think this is true for the students as well.
 
We have just completed the second retreat for this year. We revised what we had studied throughout the semester and worked in small groups with other students and mentors. This is a wonderful and an important part of the integration of learning and is an opportunity to get to know many of the other students and mentors which deepens our relationships and enhances our learning. 

An integral part of the course is on self-reflection and how we apply the teachings to our everyday lives. I, also, am reflecting on my life. I can only speak for myself how profound and rich the teachings have been for me. My spiritual and emotional growth has been exponential. Because of this I find myself managing very difficult situations in a much more helpful way and enjoying life so much more. It is an absolute joy to be a part of their journey. I feel privileged. 

~ Emily

On behalf of Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, Drogmi Buddhist Institute Committee and from all members and friends of DBI residing at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre and from all over the world – we continually and joyously pray for Her Eminence’s long life, to experience extraordinarily good health, so as to protect us not to fall over the cliff of samsara. 

​In honour of Lhabab Duchen and Jetsun Kushok Rinpoche’s Tibetan Birthday, both on 4 November 2023, a 16 Arhats Puja and cake offering celebration was held at Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling Centre, Canada. Lhabab Duchen commemorates Lord Buddha's return to earth at the age of 41 after teaching Dharma to his mother in the deva realm. 

We pray that Jetsun Kushok live a long and healthy life and continue to shower us with her blessings always. May all her noble aspirations be fulfilled for the sake of all sentient beings. 
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Photo credit Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling

Our 2nd Three Visions Festival truly was a wonderful day of joy and celebration of these three cultures, the local Yuin peoples, Tibetan and non-indigenous. The feedback from the performing groups, the general public and our wonderful volunteers has been resoundingly positive. To see the children playing together, in such harmony and joy was a definite highlight of the success of this event.

Thank you to the Local Yuin community led so well by Aaron. Such a beautiful sharing of your amazing culture, so inspiring!

Thank you to the Tibetan community representatives from Nowra and ACT led by Phurbu and Yeshi respectively. For cooking, dancing, singing and all the joy you brought with you!

A huge thank you of appreciation to our incredible teacher Khenpo la, who with such insightful vision, created the event and guided us all on this special journey together. 

On behalf of Khenpo la and everyone at Drogmi Buddhist Institute, we wish to sincerely thank all of you for your amazingly generous efforts in volunteering to organise and then run The Three Visions Festival. Without each and every one of you this event would not be possible. 

Some of the images below are of the Wallaga Lake community, including Kerry giving story of Gulaga. There are several beautiful film reels on our Facebook page of all of the performances, stalls, and the unravelling of a truly magnificent day at KTBC.

In October, Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe provided Sydney students, friends and zoomers with a special teaching on the Four Mandala Ritual of Arya Tara at our Croydon centre. Some made the trip from Queensland, others from the South Coast and some were travellers from the USA along with the Sydneysiders who had requested Khenpo la to give teachings earlier this year. 

At the conclusion of the weekend, Khenpo la kindly blessed students with a very precious Tara statue that had looked after Khenpo la’s father and family in many dangerous situations. 

As the crowns of the devas and asuras bow down to your lotus feet, may the auspiciousness of the Arya Tara, the liberator from all poverty, arise.

To the Deity whom I have called upon throughout all of my lives, the action principle of all the Buddhas of the three times, emerald green in colour, with one face and two hands, swift and peaceful lady, may the auspiciousness of she who holds the Utpala flower arise! 

To Arya Tara who grants attainments swiftly, the glorious Atisha, sole deity of the Land of Snows, Gyalwa Drom, an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, I supplicate, grant the supreme and common siddhis!

By the power of the supplications made according to this ritual, may the entire source of plagues, illnesses and negative spirits be pacified and may all siddhis, both supreme and common, be achieved through these blessings, swiftly and effortlessly!

At the start of the ten-day Shamatha Retreat at Kamalashila, Khenpo la noted this was our 8th Annual Shamatha Retreat held at Kamalashila, although he has led many others over the years and different locations around Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Attendees have come to this retreat from as far away as Northern NSW and Melbourne. Khenpo la invited us to meet and mingle with each other before giving an overview of the retreat, and then a profound teaching on the core reason why we need to learn Shamatha Meditation. Everyone was very happy to have arrived in this peaceful and special place. 

On day two Khenpo la taught in detail on the Four Foundation Thoughts, the Seven Vairocana Posture and refuge. With refuge, Khenpo la taught on the reason why the Triple Gem are the most suitable objects of refuge. Buddha’s every word has the answer to our sufferings; Dharma can destroy all the branches of our defilements; Sangha has the past experience that inspires and supports us until Buddhahood. 

On a different afternoon Khenpo la led students in raising wonderful new prayer flags for our centre. 
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On completion of all the Shamatha instructions and his very special teachings on Nargajuna’s ‘Letter to A Friend’ our retreat was completed. At the conclusion, students felt compelled to recite Khenpo la’s long life prayer in heartfelt appreciation for his wise, clear, and inspiring teaching. May All beings be happy!

Thank you to everyone who attended our 5th group karma yoga retreat at Kamalashila. Heaps of jobs were done and Khenpo la led impromptu dharma discussions in the evenings. Thank you for all of your wonderful contributions.

We gathered to celebrate His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche’s Birthday during our karma yoga retreat. Khenpo la led sangha members at this retreat chanting His Holiness’ Long-Life Prayer, and we all offered birthday cake and khata offerings to His Holiness. We rejoiced in the presence of such an authentic and compassionate master in this world who unceasingly turns the Wheel of Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings. We pray from the depths of our heart that His Holiness lives a long life, that He remain in good health for the benefit of all.

Kamalashila is a true refuge for humans and wildlife alike. We have a number of wombats that live at the centre and who have had significant health issues with mange, a condition that affects a lot of wombats and is an extremely uncomfortable condition. With the help of our local wise and compassionate wombat expert Danie and a team of volunteers at the centre, we have successfully treated Tashi who came out to tell us he was feeling better! We are hoping our other resident, Tsering is equally recovered. You can see the after and before pics are such a contrast. May all beings overcome their physical, mental, and karmic afflictions.

Images below show our wombats before and during treatment, as well as Tashi after treatment, growing back a good coat of hair and looking happy. Tashi now shows off his thick coat that has grown back.

Great thanks to Peter Tooth, among other things, wombat treater extraordinaire. Thanks for creeping around in the dark, Pete and seeing so many wombats some of whom are badly mange. 
~One of our wombat carers Penny M.

A very special weekend welcoming Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe back to Manjushri Buddhist Centre in Milton, NSW this last weekend of August. 

Khenpo wisely retreated and taught from his residence in Tilba at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre over the last three years while the world turned upside down with Covid, which meant there was much anticipation and joy to have his warm and wise presence return to our town.
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We joyously reflected on the nineteen years of Khenpo la visiting us in Milton, so next year we so look forward to celebrating his 20th year visiting and teaching in Milton.

Over the three days, eighty members and friends soaked in his precious teachings on understanding how as human beings we suffer, yet with strength of mind we can overcome our hardships. He reminded us that we all possess pure Buddha nature, and we should remind ourselves of this daily to remedy our feelings of depression and helplessness. From here we water our inherent seeds of loving-kindness, compassion and bodhicitta will surely flourish for us to find true peace and happiness through helping and serving others. 
~Jacky H.

Heart Sutra Weekend Teachings with Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe in Sydney and via Zoom. 

We were at the culmination of Khenpo la’s teachings on the Buddha’s Heart Sutra, our brains were buzzing and awake. I think Linda Mc. put it best: “Khenpo la has given us such a precise and profound roadmap to enlightenment this weekend by explaining such complexity with such elegant simplicity”.

Several of us were left scratching our heads in amazement: “Have we really been this lucky – to have gained a such a window into the precious Prajnaparamita?”
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Khenpo la’s warmth and humour, his care for his students and his depth of knowledge and experience meant that each of us gained valuable insights into the Buddha’s Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. We are so deeply grateful… May we all awaken and awaken each other!

Khenpo la was invited and travelled to the Central Coast of NSW at Mandalong to give a talk with a local meditation group. Khenpo la was generously hosted by Scott and Brenda at their home, and Ma Kali at the Barn Temple. Khenpo la’s talk was a strong encouragement to change our responses to upsets and grow up in order to reduce the harm done to all parties and just notice how much our heartiness and contentment can grow. 

Comments from Ma Kali at the Barn Temple:

“His presence was exquisite and the light that exhumed from his being provoked great measures of pure joy, pure peace and incredibly palpable compassion and kindness. The feedback from many, was that the teachings were in simplicity of form and easy to digest and understand. More importantly that for many of those who received the teachings, there would be immediate employment of these orientations within daily life. Inward actions of relating all experiences to the self and learning to respond from kindness, from compassion. There was so much received from those in attendance that the grounding of the teachings is still coming through the minds of the attendees. 

“There were a few different traditions visiting on the night, members of shanti mission, Sharmans, and Chinese traditions and those from Kali sangha also. The Dharma talk from Khenpo la was such that it spoke to all languages and traditions and was relatable by all in understanding principals in mastery of the mind. Deep gratitude Khenpo la.”

On August 2, 2023, His Eminence Ngor Luding Khen Rinpoche started the holy Dharma teachings of “LamDre Gyued Gsum” (tri-tantra in LamDre) at Namgyal Choedhe Thubten Darga Ling monastery in Mustang, Nepal. Please enjoy a few special images of this day.

Glimpse of images from 6 August where His Eminence Ngor Luding Khen Rinpoche, His Eminence Dhungste Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung and Semo Sonam Paldren went to Lowathang, taking a one day break from the LamDre program simply to regain the freshness and energy from nature and its beauty that allows mental peace during this busy schedule.

Mandala Offering to His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin Gongma Ratna Vajra Rinpoche on Chöekhor Düchen

During the precious teachings of The Complete Path by His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin at IBA, on the auspicious day of Chöekhor Düchen, a Mandala Offering was made to His Holiness on behalf of Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe and Drogmi Buddhist Institute by DBI students and friends attending the teachings. Alongside offerings to His Holiness and the ordained sangha, all students received a picture of the Five Race Buddhas.

The following prayer was composed to mark this occasion: 

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 the happiness of all mother sentient beings. 

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 our Vajra brothers and sisters 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 and that all beings progress swiftly towards Enlightenment. 

We pray for our Dharma sister Genevieve Ryan who passed away recently and whose funeral is taking place on this very day, for Kye and all others 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.

Completion of the Four Weeks of Teachings from Khenpo la

Thank you so much Your Holiness and congratulations to all students.

Words from a Few Students

“For myself, just being in Kathmandu, this most holy place for four weeks was challenging with all of the stairs we needed to climb each day, yet at the same time so uplifting with the special teachings from His Holiness 42nd Sakya Trizin. All being well, I hope to return next year, the year after that, again and again.”
~Brenda C.

“Firstly, I need to thank Khenpo la who is always giving teachings in every situation, and also for the formal teachings of the first three years of The Complete Path in Australia. For myself, I have not had any proper schooling or a smart mind. I must have accumulated good karma in the past in order to receive these teachings, so now I need to continue studying and doing my practices the best way I can.

“Surprisingly, I found His Holiness’ teachings easy to understand at the time of His teachings, so now I have to work on fixing my monkey mind plus plug up the holes in my leaky pot, to work really hard digesting at all.

“Our days off were on Saturdays, yet His Holiness continued to give teachings, doing pujas, and giving blessings for many to people at different places around Kathmandu on those days. His Holiness gave us teachings each morning then we had re-teachings each afternoon. The first week was from Khenpo Jordan and then after that it was Lama Ngawang Tenzin, who was the interpreter for His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre Tilba in 2019.

“As it is not appropriate to talk about the teachings that we had, I will share about some of the people I met or spent time with, starting with Bess and Pam. They kept everything at IBA running in shipshape – Bess did all of the admin, and Pam did all the housekeeping, the mind boggles!!! It was so much work, but they were always happy to help. We had our first Saturday out with Venerable Tsultrim, taking Brenda and myself to a Tibetan bookshop which was like in Aladdin’s Cave. Followed by a lovely lunch. 

“I was very fortunate to sit with Linda McKeone and Jacqui Quilty, as their kindness and support was truly wonderful, true dharma sisters. We also had a lovely day out together in the quiet countryside.

“I also had the good fortune to catch up with Dorothy. We first met in 1997, and she carried with her a group photo, she was very surprised and happy to see myself and Brenda. It felt like yesterday as we chatted together. Then there was Ashley from a few doors down from us. As well as going on a group day out, we found when chatting that we both attended the same Zoom practices for each of us in a different country on different days at different times and doing the practice together (the idea of time and place seem to have disappeared)! We can now look out for each other, being such a comforting thought. Thanks to Jack we caught up with Lama Kunga who lived in Whyalla, South Australia, many years ago, looking really well and happy. In the room opposite me was Renee who was from Townsville and doesn’t have a centre or resident teacher as yet but who knows what is around the corner for her drive and commitment seemed very strong.
 
“There were so many more people I could mention but it would take up the whole newsletter… The entire month went by so quickly as I feel so blessed to have been able to go. On a last note, I would highly recommend staying at IBA – fingers and toes crossed I will stay there next year. Love and blessings to all.”
~ Lynda W.

“This July I was lucky enough to be among the 31 Australians who travelled to the International Buddhist Academy in Kathmandu for the fourth year of The Complete Path Course. We made up the third largest national contingent behind the Chinese No.2 and the Spanish No.1. So much sangha from so many different countries, even some hardy souls who had no sangha in their home country but travelled overseas on their own as the foundation of their practice. 

“For most of us who studied the first three years in Australia it was an amazing experience. It was made all the more exciting because we had to wait out the Covid years before the fourth year of the course was finally re-scheduled, in Nepal.

“Thanks to Bess and Pam, the Aussie co-ordinators of the TCP course, the administration and organisation of the course was seamless. Six days a week for four weeks we enjoyed morning teachings and afternoon re-teachings. There were plenty of extra-curricular activities. Saturday bus trips to stupas, caves, and monasteries. Some Aussies organised Soor practices and Pujas in temples and stupas, having an Aussie audience with His Holiness, and a farewell dinner and even a meeting with the Australian High Commissioner to Nepal.

“It was a privilege to visit Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley in particular. It is such a spiritual place with so many important Buddhist sites, stupas and temples. I didn’t think I would ever stand in the cave that Padmasambhava lived and meditated in. We had the opportunity to circumambulate around the glorious Boudhanath Stupa every day. 
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“We were in Tibetan area of Kathmandu with monasteries seemingly every 50 meters. Kathmandu is a bustling city of around 5 million people (no one knows for sure), a cultural and spiritual melting pot. The cheerfulness and compassion of the local inhabitants faced with the crumbling and inadequate infrastructure was a daily inspiration. The street dogs are carefully looked after by the locals. The lucky dogs sleep all day and bark all night. The locals feed the crows and the pigeons. Potted plants bloom in ever available corner and thousands of prayer flags gently flutter atop all of the houses and buildings. Together with the humidity and monsoonal rain it was a study retreat I’ll never forget.”
~Anthony G.

​“In 2017 Khenpo la introduced us to The Complete Path teachings, expertly guiding us for three years, forming an amazing group of Dharma friends that I treasure. Some of us this year, 2023, were able to travel to Nepal to the International Buddhist Academy in Boudhanath, Kathmandu to continue year four of The Complete Path teachings from His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin. The teachings were six days a week for four weeks. I didn’t understand much of the teachings. 

“I did notice a lot of Dharma practitioners, with their kindness and their attention to others. The many years practising and the great efforts they made through the Dharma. The many amazing results of practice and effort in the Dharma, like the ancient Boudhanath stupa and the modern IBA. Both drawing in practitioners and allowing them even now at this moment to follow and practise the teachings of the Buddha. I did realise even though my practice and understanding now is very weak and confused, that with the right motivation it can build to help others on the Dharma path, and potentially much more. So, I put my leave form in at work for next year. I’ll put away savings each week. I’ll quietly try to practise and study. So then I can understand a little more thanks to my Dharma friends.”
~Dino