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)

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.