Easter Shamatha and Mindfulness Retreat

HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
17-20 April 2025

​We express our deepest gratitude to Khenpo la for leading the Annual Shamatha and Mindfulness Retreat at Kamalashila on Easter weekend. Khenpo la gave such clear instructions on Shamatha and Mindfulness meditation, both in theory and practice, of how to correctly undertake the meditations. Ayya Jayasāra led us in walking meditation and on the final day of the retreat in teachings and guided meditation, and to Jack on our final evening leading Q&A and meditation. Such a beautiful gathering of sangha, from Melbourne, Sydney and country NSW. Khenpo la taught on mindfulness of loving-kindness “whenever we have a warm and caring mind we are never going to suffer.”

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I can’t even express how wonderful this retreat was. Amazing teachings from Khenpo and such a beautiful sangha to spend it with. Love you all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
~Hollie D.

Attending the Shamatha and Mindfulness retreat over the Easter long weekend was the first time my partner Nick and I had visited Kamalashila. The location was very peaceful, nestled in the tranquil bush of Gulaga’s foothills. Being a significant cultural site for the Yuin people added another spiritual layer to the experience. On entering the gompa I was struck by its beauty – draped in colourful thangkas and adorned with flowers and candles to honour its sacredness. Sunshine streamed in for the first half of each day making the colours even brighter and more brilliant. Khenpo la was engaging, gentle, wise, compassionate, thoughtful, kind, serious, humorous and much more. Being with him, I realised how much I had missed being in the presence of and learning from a Buddhist Master of his stature. The teachings and time spent with Khenpo la were priceless.
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The schedule was gentler than some other retreats I’ve attended which allowed me to feel fresh and fully present for each session. I’m sure that feeling alert, comfortable and at ease helped me to absorb more of the precious teachings. We also received teachings and guided meditations from Jayasāra and Jack which added to the richness of the program. The volunteers supporting the retreat were amazing. Apologies for not mentioning everyone but Ann, Emily, Suzie, and Tjenka looked after us and prepared our meals with warmth and love. Attending the retreat left me feeling really settled, like EVERTHING will be alright – I’m on the right track! 

Post-retreat Nick and I are spending more time together in silence. I’m trying to notice others’ faults less and pay more attention to my own. I’m working on having a kinder, softer, wiser, and more positive mind. Being at Kamalashila felt like coming home and I’m grateful to Khenpo la and the Sangha for building this sanctuary for us to share the precious Dharma teachings. 
~Anne J.