It was a wonderful blessing for us that Khenpo la came to Canberra to teach new and old students.

Through his infinite knowledge and generosity, Khenpo's public talk on “The Benefits of Meditation” covered the entire Lam Dre! 

Then the Saturday workshop on “Parting From the Four Attachments” was full of tender and practical guidance to help us in our quest to tame and transform these minds of ours.

I never cease to marvel that Khenpo speaks in ways so relevant to my life.  Likening the ego to Santa Claus (as children we all believe in Santa, but he doesn't exist) was a very helpful and relevant pith instruction.  

Just being in Khenpo's presence is a teaching. It makes me want to try and turn away from samsara: not just say this. To be a tiny bit more like him.

After the teachings we visited the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens and a "stupa" at the Australian National Gallery called "Skyspace" by the American artist James Turrell. More about reality and illusion this time in sculpture.

It seems that a Canberra visit by Khenpo la may become an annual event.  That would be truly wonderful!

Thank you, Ann, for bringing Khenpo up to Canberra in your car. None of these teachings could happen without a team effort.

Emilia

The 3rd Family Retreat was held so beautifully by Khenpo la and the spectacular environment was a wonderful experience for young and old.

This year saw an expanse in the ages with our youngest just 18 months old right up to grandmothers who came in support of their families.

We all merged from far and wide with old friends re-united and new friends welcomed.

Khenpo la shared his wisdom with us all, skilfully guiding us according to our needs with a younger children’s session followed by the teens session, then the late afternoon saw a parent session which was eagerly attended with many take home gems for us all.

The children enjoyed an inspiring art and craft session in the Pizza Hut and of course one of our favourites a trip to the beach with Khenpo la, an evening bonfire with marshmallows and a singalong was our last activity before we all retired to bed.

Sunday was a day to remember with chanting and meditation in the gompa with Khenpo la and the parents vs kids soccer match on the saddle (score undisclosed).

It is hard to imagine our family life without this special weekend, Khenpo’s presence is a gift to us all with an atmosphere really beyond words.

Thank you to Aylar, Martin and Tjenka for nourishing us all wholeheartedly and to Ann for her amazing work and ease to be around.

So much gratitude to our teacher Khenpo la, the love you share with the children will be with them forever and as for us parents and grandparents thank you so much for being our guide to become better carers and whole human beings.

Karynne

Our beloved Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe was again warmly welcomed by the Warragul sangha for his annual teachings here.  As some readers may know, Penny Moody, who has been the director of Melbourne Sakya for many years, decided to up-sticks and move to be close to Kamalashila Retreat Centre.  With a small and determined group of members here, Khenpo la’s arrival was doubly celebrated with our new director, Clem Jarvis, driving to Tullamarine airport for the first time in decades (yes, true!), to bring Khenpo la safely to us.

The teachings were held in the nearby Yarragon hall, a small town close to Warragul, on the Twenty-One Emanations of Tara. Some of us were quite familiar with both Green Tara and White Tara practice, and others were quite newly introduced.  Khenpo la’s teachings were invaluable to all, as always, and he gave us details on each of her Twenty-One emanations, as well as giving some history on the origins of Green Tara practice and commentary in answer to our questions.  Khenpo la also gave the lineage transmission to recite the Praises to the 21 Taras, and copies of the prayers for us to practice for ourselves.

On Saturday evening after the day’s teaching, several of us dined with Khenpo la at a local Thai restaurant, amid much laughter and happiness.  We so much enjoy his company as well as being exceedingly thankful for such precious opportunities to be close to a truly great teacher.  After conclusion of the teachings on Sunday morning, Clem drove to Tullamarine for the second time in three decades, with Khenpo la safely at his side.

We would like to thank Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe again for his time in coming all this way for a small group of passionate students and will sow the seeds for another visit in 2019. You may see some of us at Kamalashila in the meantime, and all the best for Penny Moody in her new life there.

Yours in the Dharma, Geraldine