Mindfulness and Compassion Retreat

HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
7-9 JUNE 2019 

Khenpo la commenced this retreat in a full day of teachings on Compassion. Participants came from as far away as Melbourne in the south and Richmond, NSW in the north, all sharing with each other in this beautiful place. Khenpo la taught on the real enemy for us is self-cherishing and the mind that does this is called ‘ignorant’. This is the base of our discrimination mind which causes us so many difficulties. Khenpo la stressed that when we really look at this type of mind, it is very insecure. Khenpo talked about compassion having two aspects: 1, a good heart and 2, wisdom. We need the good heart of loving kindness, and the wisdom to know actually know how to help others. A quote from Khenpo la, “Wisdom makes meditation authentic”.

Khenpo la concluded the final day of the Mindfulness and Compassion Retreat with a summary of teachings on Compassion which included insightful instructions on the ‘Four Dharma Seals’. And how this can really help us maintain a positive mind. It is not the size of our problems that decide our negative mind, it is what methods we use to deal with the problem. Khenpo then gave concise and profound teachings on Mindfulness, which He explained to use to protect our mind. Having a strong, positive and focused mind is enough to lighten up our negative mind. Thank you Khenpo la for your great patience and guidance. Thank you to lovely Taylor who cooked us delicious food, and to the retreat group who were wonderful.

“I was very pleased when my wife Annie agreed to come to the recent Compassion & Mindfulness retreat. It was a wonderful experience to share with her and all the great people assembled at the beautiful Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. Annie has been delivering social services and therapeutic programs to offenders in NSW prisons for the last 19 years. The retreat has helped her to relieve the burnout and compassion fatigue which comes with such a career.

“Khenpo’s fearlessness and compassion is undeniable and we received precious teachings and wisdom. It is as if we now have a bigger perspective on life and our own problems have grown smaller in comparison. We are better able to choose how we react to life’s challenges. Acting with more compassion and more mindfulness makes everyone happier.
 
“We offer our heartfelt thanks to many people who worked towards the success of this retreat and a special thank you to our kind teacher, Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe.” 
Anthony G.