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.
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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.
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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.
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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.