Thank you to all who attended the Autumn Family Retreat at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre this weekend. 

Together we learnt rich lessons from Khenpo la about:

Kindness to body
Kindness to speech; and
Kindness to mind.

“I am grateful for my family and friends”, Ocea (5 years)

“I like coming here with all these joyful hearts in beautiful nature”, Obie (8 years)

“Thank you for the kindness of the teachers”, Aggie

“I will take away this beautiful feeling in my heart”, Emmi

The Mindfulness Retreat was led by Ayya Jayasara over the Anzac Day Long weekend at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. The weekend included teachings and instructions on the techniques of meditation. Participants came from far and wide to attend this retreat.

It provided an abundance of favourable circumstances for all attending, such as a highly qualified teacher, like-minded attendees, perfect natural and peaceful environment and beautiful weather. All conducive to contemplation, deep reflection and meditation. 

We thank Ayya Jayasara from all of our hearts for such a beautiful weekend of dharma. Ayya is so caring of us during these retreats, walking us through step by step how to rest the mind, and see what happens from there. 
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Thank you to all the participants who attended, and to our wonderful team of volunteers who made this event run smoothly. We hope everyone can come again next time.

His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche arrived At Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre on the afternoon of 31 March for his inaugural visit to our Centre. He was received by an extended gathering of sangha with a warm traditional Tibetan welcome ceremony. 

Upon arrival His Holiness blessed the shrine, an auspicious rice and tea offering was made to His Holiness and the gathered sangha. Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe made a mandala offering to His Holiness, followed by a speech by our Centre’s President Jack Heath welcoming His Holiness and entourage.

His Holiness was then invited to speak and talked about how pleased he was to be at Kamalashila in such a peaceful place to share the week of dharma together. He spoke warmly about Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, and his respect for him as a teacher. 

The ceremony concluded with long-life prayers and dedications. We all felt so blessed to be in attendance. We all looked forward to the week ahead of precious teachings.

“Of course, faith is very important but having faith with understanding will be much stronger and more stable. In these kinds of programs with empowerments and teachings, with this understanding, you will be able to change your point of view, and one may be able to say one can ‘see’ another point of view. To have that curiosity and build your curiosity, to explore this curiosity. To be able to think out of the box. These teachings will show you a different path, a different method and a whole new way of approaching our lives. The Buddha’s teachings always have many benefits, with short-term benefits, long-term benefits and ultimate benefits. The short-term benefits are that one will have a calmer life, a life without stress and anxiety, without daily suffering, for then you will understand that there is not much point in going through all these sufferings because we realise it is just made up in one’s mind.

“The long-term benefit through these understandings and practices, you can gain merit, meaning the more merit one has in this life it will be better and in future lives, for we believe in future lives, we will be born in a better place, where there is food, good weather, like Australia [everyone laughs], although not much water, but still everything is much better here. Now, physically it is important to have a good physical body to hold your mind, basically. If one is physically unwell, for example, having a terminal illness one cannot work with the mind properly.”

“We think, oh, Khenpo is teaching, I don’t have time, one needs to have time, one basically needs to make time. Then Khenpo needs to have time, Khenpo is not in retreat, Khenpo is not travelling, there are many, many areas that need to come together, to see as a precious human life. To recognise, Khenpo is not going through any physical problems, Khenpo is also physically well, Khenpo is mentally stable [laughter from His Holiness and all in the gompa]. So, one must be healthy, stable, physically well, and then Khenpo must be as well. So, all of these factors must come together and meet at the right time. 

“Then to be able to concentrate, but not just to concentrate but also to understand, not just to understand but also to digest, for no matter how long one sits in the classroom or sits in the teaching, if one is not accepting all these things there is no point. Oh yes, Khenpo is saying all these things, but I don’t believe this or not really trust in this, then the power of the teachings will not be felt and will not gain any benefit, basically. So many things must come together. Then we consider ourselves as very lucky and value our precious life. 

“Again, in this type of situation of everything coming together, if one does not have the awareness, one needs wisdom to be able to digest Khenpo’s teachings. Relating to all students in the Himalayan Region, to gain wisdom they all practice Manjushri. For Manjushri is the combination of all the Buddha’s wisdom in all forms and shapes, this is the Manjushri practice. Almost all the children in most of the monasteries first thing in the morning, especially the younger children, they practise Manjushri’s practices. So, for then whatever practice they choose to do, it will make it easier for them to understand.

“So many things must come together, so here right now – it is coming together, for this is no less than a miracle that we are all here together. We all have jobs, families, but you have made the time, we have all come together, you are mentally stable, you are physically okay, you have come here to receive the teachings as well as Khenpo giving teachings, this is almost like one in a billion, basically. This is no less than a miracle to me, this is how I see it! 

“I think it is very important for you to see it, for the more precious you think it is the more you will be ready to accept these teachings, the more concentration you will have. If you take it all lightly and don’t care, one will not get much from it, even though you are sitting right in front. One person may think, ‘oh yes, Khenpo is giving a very precious teaching’ – then that person will gain all of the benefit. Yet a person sitting in the same class, the same room, but taking it all so lightly, will only gain so much, it is according to one’s own understanding and belief that you will gain benefit. As I said, these teachings are seen from not just solving your daily problems but giving you the ultimate – the key to the end of your suffering! Nowadays, everything is put in how much value does something have, so basically this is a multi-million dollar course, you are getting it for a very good deal [laughter]. 

“One time, I was in India speaking with some Indian Officials about so many of their most beautiful and most precious museums, it is impossible to put a price on any of these most precious artefacts. Nobody has heard of the Indian museums, yet we have heard of the French museum, the English museum, this region and other regions, because they have all put money into them. Oh this is a $50 million dollar painting – whereas I always find it quite strange that when those paintings were made, for example Picasso, when he was painting it, it was worthless, then I am told maybe 10 years or 100 years on – ‘oh Picasso is so great, his paintings worth millions’ – beyond such numbers I do not understand.”

“With the youth of today, having a million dollar this and that, flying all over the world to see a particular museum to see some painting, people are in awe. Yet because no one has put a value on any of the artifacts in Indian museums, nobody is going there, these artifacts are just sitting behind glass, considered as low value. So, it needs to have importance. 

“Similarly, you must give importance to these teachings. Because it is not just a teaching, it can solve your immediate problem, your ultimate problem, basically giving you more than putting a number on this, it is impossible to put a number on this. How can you put a number on one’s peace, on one’s happiness? No amount of money can give you peace. It is only when you receive these teachings and when one accepts, then one digests it only then can you see the beauty of this, it is so simple. 

“I think this is a great opportunity that we are all experiencing and that Khenpo is starting these courses (The 2nd Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course and the Advanced Shedra Course), as I am very happy and appreciate Khenpo’s hard work. 

“Khenpo is one of the great masters, and I believe that when he teaches, he teaches from his experience, not from just reading. He experiences everything, for experience is what makes it valuable. If it is just a matter of reading it and then teaching it, there is little value, but with the experience, it is the best. Khenpo’s master was Khenchen Appey Rinpoche, one of THE greatest masters, not just for the Sakyas but for all Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He is considered one of the best masters, and Khenpo is a student of his. So, we must remember this. Khenchen Appey Rinpoche is right here [His Holiness is looking up at the photograph of Khenchen Appey Rinpoche], for when I was little, I used to see him quite often, when we would go to the Sakya College, on special occasions. 

“Again, this is a very good opportunity for everyone to receive the teachings and to really make a difference in one’s life, for receiving initiations is one thing but receiving teachings is another great method of practising.”

A wonderful weekend at our 10th Karma Yoga Retreat at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. Many sangha turned up to prepare the Centre for the upcoming special visit of His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche. 
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Thank you to everyone who came and put so much effort into the days, with Khenpo la leading by such a shining example. And to Steve who lead the work groups for his first time. So much was accomplished!

Public Talk

Khenpo la gave a wonderful public talk on “Compassion as a Universal Healer” in Sydney. 
He said that compassion is such a big topic and is at the heart of every Buddhist teaching. Without compassion there is no Buddha. Thinking of all beings in the universe as the same as ourselves is extremely important as it is our self-cherishing mind that causes all the problems/sicknesses. Once we can see everyone as the same as ourselves, we then can start to experience true happiness. 

The healing is from stinginess, non-ethical living, having a short temper/anger mind, laziness, and distraction, to name a few. When we get upset with someone who harms us, we tend to give them more weapons, and then they can harm us more. So if we think of others with compassion, it is a win-win situation, as it helps others as well as ourselves, then we are able to see all sentient beings in a way to develop a more positive mind. 

Weekend Teachings

Drogmi Buddhist Institute’s Sydney students were so fortunate to have Khenpo la teach on “The Parting from the Four Attachments”. 

Khenpo la taught how the four lines of this ancient text are related to The Four Noble Truths and have a preliminary antidote and main antidote for each state. So many teachings were covered within these four lines: precious human rebirth, impermanence, the law of karma, renunciation, the suffering of samsara, loving-kindness, compassion and bodhicitta as well as many other aspects.

Khenpo la instructed on how to meditate in the proper sequence to make it a complete practice in order to obtain a complete result. 

There were many interesting questions from the sangha, trying to get our minds around these profound topics. Khenpo la managed to fit so much into just two days and offered us all inspiration to take these teachings into our daily lives and meditation practice. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this incredible opportunity, Khenpo la.

As many are aware, Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre is truly growing and glowing now. In the lead up to His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche’s visit, many of our sangha volunteered time, energy, materials as well as financial sponsorship to make it so.

The ‘Path to the Dharma’ (our new driveway) is safe and stable; terracing, pathways and structures give thoughtful form to the grounds, and the garden beds are glorious. Everything looks tended, cared for and loved, so thanks so much to everyone who contributed to the Centre’s beauty.

In addition, a new dharma shop has been neatly installed into the old library, and a new library is arising to line the walls of our beloved Tara Gompa.

Khenpo la’s vision for the library is that it supports the study of Dharma and offers extra resources to those who are undertaking courses at Kamalashila. To that end, our small Library Team (Maija Ringis, Tjenka Murray, Penny Moody and Zara Kaye) have been busy ferrying books from the old library to the magnificent, hand-crafted shelves (thanks again, Rob Assink!) of the new library. 

There has been an initial sorting of the texts into Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana and general categories and Maija, with initial much-appreciated support from Natasha and Tjenka, has taken on the mammoth task of uploading publication details of each text into our new online catalogue. 

Ultimately, the catalogue will mean that all visitors to the library, and especially those undertaking the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course and Shedra, will be able to search the collection by subject and easily source the materials available on that topic to deepen their study.

In addition, each course will have pertinent texts set aside on the reference shelves for students to study onsite. Anticipating the commencement of Shedra in May, we already have available three different translations of the core text, the Bodhicaryavatara, as well as three important commentaries.

Earlier this month Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara supported the team with the Theravadan collection so that our library contains valid sources and texts that students can rely on while studying this foundational school of Dharma.

There has been wonderful progress with the library and there is still much to do. The Library Team will announce the official completion of all their tasks, when we can celebrate the opening of the library for use by all. We look forward to seeing you there.

It truly was yet another lovely Open Day at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, on 28 February. It’s a day that we open up the Centre for the wider community to enjoy. 

Khenpo la gave a dharma talk and Venerable Tsultim offered a session on how to meditate. We had a delicious lunch, chai and cakes, a fun kids’ corner of mani stone painting, an information stall and shop with lots of beautiful things. 
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Thank you to everyone who came through the gates, it was a peaceful and sweet day.

It was a special day at Kamalashila, Sunday 22 February, full of dharma activities. Amongst these activities was the completion of our 5th Annual Vajrayogini Retreat led by students. It was three days of wonderful learning and practice together with a final day Tsog offering practice. 

Thank you, Penny, for leading this retreat, and to all the sangha who came in person, joined online and each one contributing by leading a session or their engagement in discussions. Thank you, Zara, for your delicious and healthy meals that you also sponsored, so generously. 
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A big thank you to Khenpo la, for your wonderful support to the students in this event each year. We can’t wait for next year’s retreat!

Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding Rinpoche is one of the greatest living Tibetan female teachers, and the elder sister of His Holiness the 41st Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, our root guru and Vajradhara.

Her Eminence sent her sincere greetings and blessings to all members and friends of Drogmi Buddhist Institute. She also kindly sent this precious and holy photograph, taken on the morning of 19th February, to Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. 
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Tashi Delek! Happy Losar to ALL. The Centre welcomed a large group of sangha friends to celebrate this New Year, the Year of the Fire Horse. Khenpo la led us in The Sixteen Arhat Puja, Long Life and auspicious prayers. We then held a bodhi tree planting ceremony in the garden near the gompa. Khenpo la invited us all to touch the tree as a gesture as a connection to our own enlightenment. We then all took part in auspicious rice and tea offering in the main dining room, along with morning tea and a delightful catch up with everyone. 

On the Sunday the Centre continued Losar Celebrations when Khenpo la led sangha in the prayer flag hanging ceremony at Kamalashila. Khenpo la led us in a smoke offering puja (Lhasang) and traditional barley offerings to all the celestial beings for a positive start to the New Year. 

We started with the burning of the old prayer flags and prayers to dispel and purify the negative forces of the old year and usher in the New Year with positivity and good will to all beings. New flags were hung, all sponsored by sangha who had written messages of love and peace in this world, and family and friends names for their wellbeing. We then all gathered in the meditation hall where Khenpo la led us in meditation and prayers. Sangha were then offered auspicious rice and tea, and Khenpo la had made the traditional Kupsey (Tibetan biscuit) eaten at New Year. 

We thank Khenpo la for his constant Dharma Activities for the benefit of us all, and we wish Him and everyone a truly happy and joyful New Year and may the Centre continue to flourish in the Dharma so as to help countless sentient beings.

Thank you to everyone who came to share and enjoy over the two days of celebrations.

Over the Mentor Training Retreat Weekend, Khenpo la revised teachings for the group and our course convenor Carole led group workshops. We thank the mentors for taking on this very important role for all the students who have enrolled for this wonderful course. 
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During the last day of this gathering, our Sunday practice restarted the Centre’s year program for 2026.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of many DBI friends and supporters, the roadworks are completed for the ‘Path to the Dharma’ (our new driveway).

Craig de Sommerville and team spent a week preparing and pouring the new concrete road. Paul McGrath spent a further week rebuilding the roads up to the carpark and then up the saddle and behind the retreat huts, including putting in new drains. 

We rejoice in the merit of all who have contributed – thanks to your kind generosity, for this all was part of our huge preparations in welcoming His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche this past March/April!

Thank you all so much, especially Khenpo la for kicking off the fundraising appeal in the first place.