Her Eminence Dagmo Kalden La took Her children on a twelve-hour day trip in Kathmandu, Nepal, along with Their teachers. We share a few images from this journey.

“Travel with us on our Choekar Düchen pilgrimage with the (Royal) children and their teachers to Swayambhunath Stupa, Namo Buddha, and Boudhanath Stupa!” Her Eminence continues to say, “We set out at 8am and returned at 8pm, a slightly long, slightly wet, but very happy day”. Her Eminence offers thanks to Khenpo Jordhen la for the car, and Kusho Tsering Norbu la for driving them everywhere! 

Thank you so very much Your Eminence for sharing on @dagmokalden

To read more on Choekar Düchen please go to an earlier Wisdom Age article, Choekar Düchen, the Buddha’s First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

Since the beginning of the very auspicious month of Saga Dawa (Wesak), the centre offered butter lamps (candles), daily on behalf of many sponsors. We rejoiced in these great meritorious acts, especially during the most holy month in the Buddhist Calendar. May all beings benefit. The centre continued these offerings throughout this precious and auspicious month. 

On the date of Saga Dawa Düchen (the Full Moon date), marking the anniversaries of the Buddha’s enlightenment and His passing into Mahaparinirvana, we gathered in the gompa physically at Kamalashila in Tilba, in Croydon (Sydney) and online, whilst Khenpo la led sangha in a beautiful ceremony of light offerings, practices, and auspicious prayers. It was a very special evening.
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As we entered the final week of Saga Dawa the centre continued light offerings on behalf of sponsors each and every day. We dedicated these to their wellbeing and for the benefit of all mother sentient beings, that these light offerings may help to awaken their Buddha Nature mind and for all to be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.

At Sunday meditation mid-June during Saga Dawa Month, Khenpo la led us in prayers and chanting to commemorate the 49th day of the passing of our beloved gompa dog Gyri Dolma. Khenpo la led prayers in the gompa dedicated to Gyri and all beings recently deceased, then we recited more prayers at her gravesite. The Three Traditions of Buddhism were represented, the Venerable’s Jitindriya and Jayasara led prayers in the Theravadin, followed by Venerable Tsultim in the Mahayana, then Khenpo la in the Vajrayana. We then enjoyed a delicious morning tea sponsored by members whilst reflecting on Gyri’s remarkable life.

The Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara Retreat was held in the middle of the Saga Dawa Month. Khenpo la was joined by Lama Konchok Choephel, the Spiritual Director of the Melbourne Sakya Centre in leading a Fire Puja near the end of retreat, along with sangha members. Those in retreat and those joining outside of retreat attending, felt so fortunate to have had this opportunity. As Khenpo la and Lama la commenced the puja, the weather varied throughout with gentle rain for a short time, wild winds, and then again gentle rain at the end of the puja, Khenpo commented on how auspicious this was of a very successful puja.
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At the conclusion of the Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara Retreat the next day, Khenpo la expressed once more how this was a very successful retreat, conducted in the most complete and authentic manner, with all the practice instructions and rituals including the Fire Puja assisted by Lama la. 
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From all of the retreat sangha and locals joining in on the fire puja day we offer our heartfelt gratitude to Khenpo la and Lama la, who took such care for us all throughout. Thank you to Ani Nyidon la for cooking us such delicious and nutritious meals. Thank you to all the lovely sangha and volunteers. May any hindrance or obstacles to practice for dharma practitioners everywhere, be extinguished.

On 3 June the opening evening of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Retreat commenced, students having travelled from as far away as Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. There was a large group of online students attending too who could not be at the centre in person, as well as all of our mentors as part of this program. Khenpo la discussed the intention of the course to help foster and nurture the students’ potential, to sprout fully in the coming of spring. It was a wonderful first weekend retreat of this particular three-year course.

Reflections from Tjenka

The Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Inaugural Retreat was held at Kamalashila. This retreat was the culmination of the first Semester of the course and the first big get together of all the students, mentors, course convener, Carole Kayrooz, her husband/assistant/tech guy, Robert Garran, and our precious Teacher Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. 

The Gompa was full of 43 students and 14 mentors, there were also 13 students on Zoom – that’s 73 altogether! It was a lovely atmosphere of keen investigation and discussion of the Dharma and how we try to apply it in our lives, there were interesting question times and of course great mealtime conversations.

Students have been meeting with their mentors on Zoom and listening to Khenpo la online during this first semester, so it was a buoyant feeling by meeting everyone and Khenpo la, in person. 

This semester Khenpo la has been teaching on the Foundations of the Buddhist path from the Hinayana perspective, beginning with the Four Common Foundations – having a precious human rebirth, the law of karma, the truth of impermanence, and the sufferings of samsara. Then continuing on to learn about The Four Noble Truths – suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path that leads to the cessation of suffering.

Lastly Khenpo la wove it all together explaining how following a teacher, leading a virtuous life, and understanding how to live ethically supports our entire Dharma path.
There were many smiles and a strong feeling of sangha as people said farewells till the next retreat at the end of Semester two, as we continue on our three-year journey together. 

Finally, as one student said, drawing our attention to Ann’s words of wisdom in her orientation talk: “stay on the path!” (meaning the path through the bush), though as Dharma students we knew it really meant “the path that leads to the cessation of all suffering!!!”.