Our Annual Family Retreat proved a real treat for the families as we dropped our ordinary life to get a glimpse into what is truly possible. Khenpo la gifted us space, harmony, fun, warmth, a feeling of connectedness and freedom from our habits, a real breath of fresh air in the context of our busy family lives. We have taken home so much in our hearts and minds and as if this wasn’t enough of a blessing, he sent us off with a prayer he plucked from his mind stream to keep us from losing our way. With so much love and gratitude we say thanks to Khenpo and Kamalashila for holding our families with so much care.

When Khenpo asked a first-time child to the retreat what did he like about the retreat, he said “really loved having fun and laughing with his family”.

Daily Reminder Prayer
(Composed by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe at the 4th Annual Family Retreat at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre 2019)
When I am angry may I remember patience,
When I am greedy may I remember gratitude,
When I am jealous may I remember to rejoice,
When people criticise, me may I remember my teacher,
When I am stressed may I remember the meditation,
When I am confused may I remember the wisdom,
When I am scared may I remember the Triple Gem,
When I am uncertain may I remember my precious human rebirth,
When things don’t turn out may I remember cause and effect,
When things change unexpectedly may I remember impermanence,
When I am sad may I remember the liberation.
May all beings be free, and may all beings be happy.

The Inaugural Three Visions Festival at Kamalashila was a wonderful success. Khenpo la’s extraordinary vision in bringing the three cultures together: Tibetan, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous at the base of Gulaga Mountain for a day of joy and sharing came to reality.  Many people came to the festival to participate in a grand display of culture through music, dance, food and drinks.  A very warm thank you to the Indigenous Community from Wallaga Lake, the Tibetan Community members from Nowra NSW and Canberra ACT, to the musicians from the ‘Chill Set’, ‘Tangent’ and Matt. 

To all those who attended and made this most special festival, may there be many more. The day ended with a beautiful traditional Circle Dance lead by the Tibetan Communities.

Photo gallery

At the Annual Shamatha Retreat Khenpo la taught on the methods of how to meditate, including a detailed explanation of the sitting posture. Khenpo la led the retreat attendees on a walking meditation around the centre, and then a sitting meditation in the open-air environment, facing Gulaga Mountain. This was a very special experience and demonstrated that there are no limitations to our point of focus in single pointed meditation. When we returned to the Gompa, Khenpo la continued teachings on the Five Obstacles to meditation and the Eight Antidotes. Khenpo la gave incredible teachings on the Nine Stages of Meditation, from the beginner level of Stage 1: Placement of the Mind to the very advanced 9th level Equanimous Placement of the Mind. Khenpo emphasised the importance of enjoying meditation, if we train our minds to really enjoy it, we can overcome all the obstacles and challenges that may present themselves.

Reflections at the conclusion of the Shamatha Retreat 
The gift of the week and journeys through Khenpo la offering us the teachings on Shamatha and “The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva”, have shone through and I am sure have opened all of us to a deeper level of inspirational wisdom, to polish our hearts with loving-kindness and compassion. The gentle rain soaking the earth and filling the empty tanks, the cosy beautiful gompa with golden embers of log fire warming us in this cold spell and gourmet clean divine food cooked and served with love by various members of the sangha (mainly Karma) have been the perfect place for meditation and learning. It is hard to capture in words the beauty and lucidity of Khenpo la reading the purity of the Tibetan verse and embellished with perfect present life stories to make each verse relevant and practical. The essence that I intend to carry from this precious time, is the source and solution of all happiness and suffering - is within my mind. Any difficulty I may suffer can be perceived as a perfect opportunity to practice patience with more loving-kindness and compassion, to live each moment with gratitude and joy.

Thank you to Khenpo la for embodying the essence of the Buddha and bringing these teachings with such grace, ease and inspiration to us.
Pippa

For me, every moment on Pilgrimage was extraordinary.

We were cared for in every way possible and protected for the entire journey by our most precious teacher, Khenpo-la.  He was always there, yet we had to have our own experiences and some times witnessing the relentless suffering of others from our own perception and somehow bring this into our lives and practice and understand our own suffering to be able to help others and to continue along the precious Dharma path.

There are three instances of Khenpo-la’s wisdom that I would like to share, which still six years later resonate within me.  The first being at the Mahabodhi Stupa, Bodhgaya.  Whilst sitting only metres away from the actual Seat of Buddha Shakyamuni’s place of enlightenment, Khenpo-la reminded us: This very place is the most holy Buddhist site in the whole world, no other is more important and to place our minds here and nowhere else; that nothing else matters right now except this very moment of being there.  Everyone in your world, all your tasks and problems are safe, let them be at this time and practice loving-kindness.

Secondly, along the way we asked Khenpo-la, how can we help these tragically suffering people as it is clear that offering money, clothing, and food to the begging children, some with polio and/or lying on the filthy ground disfigured and disabled to say the least, is not necessarily helping.  One of Khenpo-la’s responses was: Some of our offerings may help them a little bit, yet the best way to help them is to include them in every aspect of your practice, to include them in ‘all sentient beings’, include them in developing Bodhicitta Mind, so you and they can achieve perfect Buddhahood and find everlasting true happiness.

Tara was with us every place we travelled, for Khenpo-la and Lama would chant the Twenty-one praises to Tara at the beginning of each day on our bus trips, long or short, then we all chanted Her mantra together. Her exquisite statue is within the structure of the Mahabodhi Stupa and is said to be the “Talking Tara”. As it is said that She spoke to a genuinely devoted pilgrim!  At a later part of pilgrimage in Kathmandu, I found myself sitting within arm’s length of the “Arising Tara”, which rested on a rock within a very small temple encasing it, only able to squeeze in around 20 monks and another 40 lay people sitting on the ground.  Somehow, I found myself nestled and gently pushed forward in our group towards the very front of this temple staring face to face with this miracle/phenomena presented to me.  This leads to the third instance, as Khenpo-la had just expressed to me prior to this experience with the Arising Tara, as we climbed the hill to Padmasambhava’s Cave, as I was extremely ill, I nearly didn’t make it up there (karma): that whatever conditions arise from our own causes, we must fully except this.  Not to punish oneself, or to judge, yet to learn and experience the condition, to transform it to a positive and then continue along the path.

Thugs rje che Thugs rje che (thank you thank you), to our most precious teacher, Khenpo-la.  We are completely blessed with such a pure spiritual guide and teacher. To all of Khenpo-la’s beautiful family, we are forever grateful!  And thank you to Vanessa most wholeheartedly for your great kindness and devotion in helping Khenpo-la organise and run a most beautiful and successful pilgrimage.
Lael

The Complete Path group gathered for the opening of the last term of the three-year program in Australia at Kamalashila, with Khenpo-la leading Sixteen Arhat Puja. It was lovely to see everyone again. Khenpo-la described this as the Spring Term of TCP – sowing seeds in Australia over the last three years, with the opportunity for those seeds to flourish for students continuing the seven-year program in Kathmandu in 2020. He gave an overview of the last term, outlining the key points and commenced teachings on the Mandala Offering and the reasons why to do this practice, being the accumulation of merit, which then leads to the accumulation wisdom.

Upon Khenpo-la concluding the teachings on the Uncommon Guru Yoga, individual presentations to the whole class were given. Khenpo-la asked each of us to present in no more than 2 minutes what our overall view was of the past three years of The Complete Path and how it has affected our everyday lives.

Following this Khenpo-la presented Certificates for 2019 to those completing all the necessary assessments. We then concluded with Mandala and Guru Yoga practice together, followed by concluding prayers and a Thanksgiving Mandala Offering, Dedication and Long-Life Prayers. 

The course has been a great success, and we thank His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, for through His great wisdom in providing this course for us here in Australia, and to Khenpo-la for teaching the course and in making these profound teachings, so much more accessible. We then held a celebratory dinner, which was lots of fun with delicious food and entertainments. Thank you to Karma-la for heading the catering team for the week and for all who contributed.

Many are continuing their studies for the remaining four years of this wonderful course with His Holiness 42nd Sakya Trizin in Kathmandu, Nepal (solely offered at IBA).

We wish each of them every success in their studies and Dharma activities. Thank you, Dean for the lovely group photo.

Khenpo-la conducted the special Naga Puja and Naga Sang with several sangha members in attendance. These ancient Tibetan rituals can assist with bringing rain. The ceremony was very elaborate with many offerings being made. Afterwards everyone shared in a delicious lunch. Thank you Khenpo-la for conducting this for all beings and the environment. Thank you as well to Al and Annie for hosting this very special morning. That afternoon some gentle rain fell around the Eden and Bega areas.

Khenpo-la made His annual teaching visit to the NSW mid north coast last weekend, visiting Tuncurry. All who attended were so happy to be able to listen to Khenpo-la’s wise words. Thank you, Jule, for organising a lovely program.

“We are very grateful to Khenpo-la for taking the time to come and give us so much of his time. All who attended send their heartfelt thank you to Khenpo and to ask can he please make the journey back here in the not too distant future. 
Yours in gratitude, Jule and all at TBIS”

The Men-Tsee-Khang Medical and Astro-science team arrived at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre late August this year from Dharmsala India. Doctor Dolma and Ms Tsundue gave very informative talks on their specialties and conducted consultations for two days. 

Then visiting Dr Dolma and Ms Tsundue and the administrative team visited Bega, NSW to run a program, a Public Talk and more consultations with the local community. It was a lovely day for everyone in attendance.

Khenpo-la joined Dr Dolma-la and Astrologer Tsundue-la, and support team for a lovely lunch overlooking the beautiful ocean and Gulaga Mountain. Dolphins played in the water below. This was the final day on the South Coast for the team after a very successful program. The visiting Medical and Astro team travelled up to Sydney, sharing a very delicious breakfast with Khenpo-la before departing Tilba. 

There was a stop at Nowra to see some patients organised by the local Tibetan Community. The community’s President Phurbu Tsering and family hosted a wonderful luncheon for everyone. Finally, onto Sydney, with a quick stop at the harbour to complete a very full yet wonderful day.

The Men-Tsee-Khang team were based at the Vajrayana Institute, giving consultations and a Public Talk. The event was very well received and attended, with many requests for a return visit soon. The knowledge and expertise of these practitioners is very gratefully received. Thank you to Geshe-la, the committee at Vajrayana Institute and all the sangha there for being so hospitable and welcoming for Drogmi Buddhist Institute to run this Sydney part of the Men-Tsee-Khang tour from their beautiful centre.

“Prior to the weekend retreat, I had been looking forward to listening to Khenpo Ngawang Damchoe teach due to his excellent reputation as a dharma teacher and am thankful to everyone involved in organising his visit to Rockhampton. I found the teachings we received were as expected concise, but I appreciate the time taken by Khenpo to explain the teachings in a way that was intended to be applied in our day to day lives. We also received good advice on working through the difficulties we are likely to encounter when practicing the meditation techniques and applying them in life off the cushion. The teachings drew a large number of long-time practitioners to the centre as well as a number of people new to the dharma.”
I hope to see Khenpo visiting Rockhampton next year. Alex M.

“Tashi Delek! Dear Khenpo-la, I was very happy to see you again and would like to thank you Khenpo-la for arranging this trip to Kuching. I would like to share some of my feelings over these few days of your teachings and although it was a last-minute programme, the result was great. I had a wonderful time and have enjoyed every moment of your teachings. It was a surprise for me that I have had this opportunity to experience from the Vajrayana way of doing the Vipassana meditation, a teaching of which I have been waiting for a long time ago. Again, thank you, Khenpo-la for your great compassion to brief us on the importance of the fundamentals of Vajrayana Buddhism, and to remind us on how important it is to understand our mind and how to carefully use our minds for the right actions and activities. My best wishes to you, Khenpo-la that you always stay healthy and happy. Thank you.”
Linda T.

“It has been decades ago since we (my wife, myself, and Khenpo-la) met. The nature of our relationship is like that of a very profound friend and dear precious guru which is reviving as ever through the years. We are extremely fortunate and grateful for Khenpo-la’s guidance and teachings in Dharma. Thank you, Khenpo-la.”
Mr. & Mrs. Peter S.

“Tashi Delek, to all dharma brothers and sisters in Australia. I am so humbled to be asked and given an opportunity to pen down a few words about our Tibetan Buddhism spiritual teacher, Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe-la. I first came to know about Khenpo-la more than 16 years ago. It was in one of the Dharma centres here in Kuching. My daughter, who was studying for her PhD in robotics at Sydney Uni then, wanted to give up her scholarship. She was very depressed as she found it difficult to cope. Our whole family was affected and felt sad about it. Someone then told me about this spiritual teacher and asked me to see him and talk to him about our trouble. Khenpo la is so full of compassion. He even asked for our family photos, and yes, he said that he would pray for my daughter and my family. Due to Khenpo-la’s blessings, my daughter is now a research fellow and is married with one son.”
Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.

“Khenpo-la’s teachings touch on our daily life encounter and experiences. His words of wisdom and explanations are something we want and need to hear, to gain insight, to understand, and to contemplate. Last month when he came over to Kuching, I spoke to Khenpo-la over the phone. He still remembers me and has been keeping all my family photos through all these years. I felt so much of joy and happiness from my heart to hear that. I also enjoyed reading Khenpo-la’s first book on the Four Noble Truth and the also the second book, ‘Creating Happiness in Troubled Times’. Thank you, Khenpo-la. My respect, compassion and loving kindness to you.”
Mrs. Ong Chey Hiang

“It was again an inspiring experience being able to attend Khenpo-la’s meditation sessions. I humbly admit that, so far, I haven’t been engaging myself diligently in meditation. However, having attended Khenpo-la’s meditation sessions in the 3-day Retreat (3rd - 5th Aug), I am feeling much inspired to do more meditation. Many thanks to Khenpo-la for taking time and putting in effort to guide us.”
Liew Jee Lim

“I felt very fortunate to attend Khenpo-la’s Meditation Retreat and Pujas. Khenpo-la gave teachings on and explanations in a very simple way, yet in-depth in order to make us understand what we are doing during the program. I highly recommend everyone to attend Khenpo-la’s programs. Thank you Khenpo-la and hope to see you soon. Namaste.”
Tracy Y.
 
“I joined Khenpo’s guided meditation and teachings on meditation retreat recently in Kuching. Being a newcomer on meditation, I found them easy and clear with gentle guidance. There were fun and laughs occasionally too!!! His voice was so soothing and calming to listen to with wise words. Thank you Khenpo-la”
Bong J.H.

“Under the guidance and blessings of the most compassionate, respected, and learned Venerable Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, I feel abundantly fortunate to be able to listen and receive all the precious teachings by Khenpo-la and since then, my perspective on the four domains or aspects under Sattipathana, has been enhanced and shifted. I understood the domain of mindfulness of the body (kaya) wherein it is extremely difficult to obtain this precious human life and body; the domain of mindfulness of feeling or sensation (vedana) wherein this whole life is full of suffering; the domain of mindfulness of mind or consciousness (atta) which shows the impermanent nature of our minds; and the domain on the mindfulness of dhammas wherein there is a focus on non-self-grasping. On a deeper level of practice, under Khenpo la’s guidance, I was also able to learn how to generate bodhicitta and understand that with the presence of our worldly experiences, we can utilise these experiences and transform them into our spiritual and Buddhist path of practice. I was further able to gain better understanding on the nature of emptiness and gain valuable insights and that all sentient beings are inseparable; thus, transforming my mind to be more awakened and joyful always. Kind regards.”
Mdm. Sim

“The two weeks spent with Khenpo-la was, still is and certainly shall continue to be one of the most valuable, precious, and extremely blessed experiences gained in my personal life, not only in terms of my spiritual path but also in this mundane, samsaric life. I have had the greatest honour of being in Khenpo-la’s presence since 2015 and within these very short 4 years, it feels that we have met since countless aeons ago; as greatly testified and agreed upon by all members of the Dharma family who have had the pleasure of meeting Khenpo-la. Khenpo-la exudes the most beautiful and calm aura and energy which permeates the space between everyone present; putting everyone around him instantly at ease with greatest feeling of immense of instant gratitude and peace. 

“The programmes that ran throughout with Khenpo-la were intensely profound. Khenpo-la has the distinctive and innate ability to link and merge ancient Dharma teachings with the practicalities of modern day life of this 21st century and fostering them into what could only be said to be genuinely the most compelling, practical approach to deal with our everyday lives without segregating Dharma practice to merely sitting on the cushion in a silent meditation hall. 

“A short walk at the beach with Khenpo-la is as great and illuminating as years of reading Dharma texts infused with great personal insights, as from his every single speech or action, no matter how subtle, is a graceful form of teaching. 
“Khenpo-la’s teachings are filled with great clarity and simplicity, and he offers nothing other than the purest form of kindness and compassion in terms of his teachings as well as on a personal level to all that he meets. He skilfully demonstrates how our mental activities affect our daily lives and with his gentle and encouraging tone along with his rich, comforting voice, Khenpo-la effortlessly leads any novice and non-sectarian meditators or practitioners on a successful personal inward journey each time. Khenpo-la demystifies and decodes Buddhism beautifully, scraping away much cultural misconceptions and replacing with them with modern and practical approaches to practice for our lives. 

“Thank you, Khenpo-la, for all that you have done for us, and may we meet very soon in the nearest future. Till then, take care, and may all your Dharma activities flourish to all the continents of the Universe. With respect.”
Chime Dolma

“In Kuching, Malaysia, Venerable Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe has concluded his two weeks’ teaching programme which coincides with the auspicious Chökör Düchen month, during which the Buddha first turned the wheel of Dharma. It was an amazing learning experience for all of Khenpo la’s students and everyone expressed their wishes to see Khenpo la in Kuching 2020.”
Words from a student

Khenpo-la arrived in Milton on the South Coast of NSW on a very crisp and chilly Friday evening, yet he was so warmly received by over 30 people at the local CWA Hall. To start off the weekend of teachings at the Manjushri Buddhist Centre, Khenpo-la offered a Public Talk on “How to Welcome Change in our Lives”. Khenpo-la paid respect to the Indigenous people of the land past, present and future, then proceeded to talk of the different aspects of the mind that we all have as in the Anger Mind, the Jealous Mind etc. The negative mind has the strong habitual tendencies to blame others for our unhappiness and getting what we want. We all perceive the world externally in different ways, this is due to our own deluded mind, that within the truth of nature and a positive mind there are no differences, and this can create true lasting happiness. Changing our own mind from negative to positive has the power to affect millions of people and the world. It is a choice to be negative as in blaming others, yet the basic problem is within ourselves. Having a clear and positive mind can bring happiness, joy and peace. We all know what good and bad is innately, although externally there is so much distraction, we need constant reminding of this simple aspect. The Renunciation Mind is accepting that our delusional mind is what gives us so much trouble, and to renounce that is what we need to aim for, not to renounce our family, wealth, and fame... This is what the Buddha did and taught. 

The weekend teachings were exquisitely full of grace, humour and wisdom from Khenpo-la. Saturday was jam packed with three different sessions: Firstly “Nurturing the Bodhicitta Mind”, for which Khenpo-la spoke in great depth in a limited amount of three hours on the meaning of Bodhicitta, which is exclusive to Mahayana Buddhism of the View, Meditation and the Buddhist way of life. The benefit of the Greatest Compassion is that it brings joy to oneself by giving to others. The second session was a Teaching on Mind Training – Lojong: The main point of this teaching is Conventional Truth, with meditations on loving-kindness and compassion, where the object is all sentient beings. Tonglen is based on the exchanging of breath with all beings, demolishing the root cause of all suffering, our self-cherishing mind, so that misfortune turns into enlightenment. Lastly, Khenpo la sat with an intimate group of children and their families and spoke of how we can be compassionate towards others that are suffering but to take good care of ourselves too. He expressed strongly to limit time on phones, laptops and any type of social media, to be outside as much as possible in the fresh air to exercise and to be happy. 
​
Sunday was a most wonderful day once more with teachings on The Heart Sutra – Prajnaparamita. Emptiness makes everything changeable, that awareness does not exist in the Absolute State, there is no cause, it is unborn, un-dwelling, no cessation... That we must accept Conventional Perception, mere awareness is created by the Four Aspects where Absolute Truth is beyond mind, beyond word, emptiness is beyond thought likened to the limitless vastness of the clear blue sky, space beyond directions no east, south, west or north, etc... Once more our deepest of gratitude for your spiritual friendship and guidance Khenpo-la and in sharing your knowledge and deep wisdom of the dharma with us here in Milton at the Manjushri Buddhist Centre. We thank you for your continual turning the wheel of dharma and visiting our small country village.

Around 60 people attended the Annual Family Day at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre this past July. The day’s theme was all about Compassion, to oneself and others.

​This was a very special and unique day, where Khenpo la spent time with families, all sharing in how to have fun together and at the same time learning about Loving-Kindness and Compassion to oneself, family and others, reaching out to the wider community. Then all shared in the annual soccer match... the kids won again!! A spectacular day all round, thank you Khenpo la!

Photo credit Dean Dampney (Cloudface Photography and dharma dad)

“We had a wonderful weekend of teachings with Khenpo la at Khacho Yulo Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre under Ani Rinchen la, Cairns QLD. Fortunately, as well on this weekend fell His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations. Also, two of our centre’s students took refuge with Khenpo la, Dearne L. and Heather H.  Thank you Khenpo la for continually travelling to our centres nationally bringing the teachings.” 

Celebrating Saga Dawa Düchen at Tilba Tilba and at Croydon, Sydney – sangha members came together to celebrate the very special time of Saga Dawa, in particular Saga Dawa Düchen. 

At Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre at Tilba Tilba, Khenpo la gave a talk about the meaning and significance of this very holy month, and then lead sangha members in a beautiful Sixteen Arhat Puja. With everyone participating, 100 candle offerings were made. We then all shared in a delicious lunch. 

At Croydon chanting of prayers and light offerings were made to mark this most auspicious of occasions in the Tibetan Calendar.

​We wished and prayed for everyone to increase their positive thoughts, speech and actions during this time.

Both His Holiness the 41st and 42nd Sakya Trizins gave teachings on Lam Dre at the New York Centre in Walden this past June 2019.  Some of our sangha members were fortunate enough to attend!

Penny M. made a Mandala Offering to His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin on behalf of Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe and all at Drogmi Buddhist Institute.

​May His Holiness continue to remain in this world and turn the Wheel of Dharma for the sake of all sentient beings.

“Brilliant – amazing teacher with wonderful explanations especially on emptiness which has really helped me with these teachings. Only regret is that I couldn’t attend the second day due to other commitments. Thank you Khenpo!!”
​Beverley H.

“The way Khenpo was able to simply and clearly explain this teaching was wonderful and appreciated. His emphasis on beginning with close one’s was very helpful as were his examples for post-meditation – gives us a greater chance for ‘actually doing it’. Thank you Khenpo.”
Anonymous

“Thank you so much Khenpo. To be in your presence is so beautiful and encouraging, I am so blessed.  I truly appreciate your teachings. Thank you and bless you.”
Jules

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.

Saga Dawa within the Tibetan Calendar falls this year on 4 June to 2 July 2019.

The most important month in the Tibetan lunar calendar is Saga Dawa, the 4th month and the 15th day of the lunar month, the full moon day is called Saga Dawa Düchen which falls on Monday 17 June 2019. Düchen means “Great Occasion” and this day is the single most holy day of the year for Tibetan Buddhists. Saga Dawa Düchen commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni marked on the same day of the Full Moon within this month. 

Although, there is a specific separate day in which Buddha Shakyamuni’s birth is celebrated. This is referred to as Tampei Düchen, this year falling on Sunday 9 June. 

In other Buddhist traditions this occasion is known as Vesak or is sometimes called Buddha Day and may fall within a different month, yet around the same time of the year.

Saga Dawa is known as the month of merits. Tibetan Buddhists make extra efforts to practice more generosity, virtue, and compassion in order to accumulate greater merit. Tibetans believe that during this month, the merits of one’s actions are multiplied. On the 15th day of the month the merits of one’s actions are hugely increased. Accumulating this merit is understood in many ways, it could be seen as the fruits of good karma, especially when it brings us closer enlightenment. The three grounds of meritorious actions are generosity and mental culture or meditation. 

Traditionally, the holy day of Saga Dawa Düchen is observed through practice, generosity, and the performance of meritorious deeds, such as the practice of Life Release. This is commonly performed by purchasing animals that are destined to be killed (like worms, crickets, or fish), and releasing them into their natural habitats with prayers and positive aspirations. One must be mindful though that this release does not cause them more suffering. The act of giving life in this way is believed to extend the practitioner or benefactor’s lifespan and create positive circumstances. Another excellent way to make offering of life on this special day is to observe a vegetarian or vegan diet, a common tradition during this month. You can also take an extended vow or vegetarianism, creating vast merit through your noble aspiration to reduce suffering. 

“Behold, O monks, this is my last advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation”. The Buddha

A special day of practice will be held for Saga Dawa Düchen at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, 9000 Princes Highway – programme to be announced shortly.

In the very first gathering in the gompa for the 1st term of year three of The Complete Path (TCP), we offered the Sixteen Arhat Puja. Praying for the long life of all the great masters, may they remain teaching the Dharma and may the Dharma flourish. To dedicate all this merit to all beings for their happiness, liberation and enlightenment.

This concluding year of TCP in Australia is on the vast and foundational teachings on Ngöndro. Here are some excerpts from the eight-day study program.

How to reflect about Refuge: 
Khenpo-la explained the benefits of taking Refuge.

• It's the foundation of all virtues.
• Taking refuge plants seeds for our ultimate Buddha Vajradhara state.
• It helps distance us from wrong views.
• Increases our virtuous activities. 
• Taking refuge is the foundation of our Pratimoksha Vows, Bodhisattva Vows and the Mantrayana Vows. (Anyone can make vows, but without taking refuge one cannot receive vows.)
• We will be protected from human and non-humans causing us suffering both physically and mentally.
• Once we receive Refuge Vows, we can redefine ourselves and even have a new Buddhist family name. 
• Only after taking refuge one can be a holy person.
• If vows are not broken, we will never be parted from the Triple Gem.
• Ultimately, we can be on the path to be all that we want to be and have the methods to help others to be all that they can be.

Teachings on taking vows:
Khenpo-la gave refuge and bodhicitta transmissions to participants and explained in detail the importance of cultivating bodhicitta mind - the genuine, heartfelt and driving motivation to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings - for Mahyahana (and Vajrayana) practitioners. Put simply, without bodhicitta, Buddhahood is not achievable, and you’ve got to feel it - it can’t be dry and intellectual, it must be juicy, warm and real. The heart must be engaged. All sentient beings - including those really challenging ones - are needed to develop, refine and beautify our mind and heart by practising loving-kindness and Great compassion to generate conventional bodhicitta (both wishing and engaging) and eventually realise Absolute bodhicitta (from the first bhumi onwards). It’s tough, yes, but the samsaric mind is tougher and harder because it’s endless. Bodhicitta is needed at the beginning (to enter the path), in the middle (to stay on the path) and at the end (to share the path by benefiting others).

Motivation excerpts on taking refuge during the teachings:

• When we think about the confusion and obstructions we have that cover over our minds, and the struggles, we have to progress in our chosen practice or gain realisations, ask ourselves what kind of phenomenon causes them?
• It is clear, one thing that stops our progress on this spiritual path, is ignorance.  The ignorance of the way we view ourselves as truly existent, and the way we observe phenomena as truly existent.

The remedy for this is Wisdom.

• The closer our understanding of the Absolute Truth we develop, the clearer and more joyous our hearts naturally become.
• Remember our purpose for this journey of discovering the Absolute Truth is not to merely become a learned person, but to discover the truths and the causes to discover the truths for all sentient beings.
• When we come to the Dharma, we are not necessarily looking to change our physical appearance, nor do we look to change our vocal expressions but to look at transforming/changing our minds.
• Change can happen when we accept our old mentality, that our mental culture does not help us cultivate true happiness.

Vajrasattva teachings:
We focused on the reasons, practices and benefits of performing Vajrasattva practice as part of uncommon Ngöndro practice.  Khenpo-la explained the symbolism of the father and mother Vajrasattva (clarity and empty aspect) and the common and uncommon visualisations to perform. Khenpo-la recommended students to say the mantra daily (minimum of 21 times) in order to gradually cleanse our mind streams which have been accumulating all manners of habits since beginningless time.  Khenpo-la also explained the meaning of the 100-syllable mantra which is extraordinarily beautiful, profound and heartfelt.

Suzi’s farewell in service to Khenpo-la:
We all gathered to celebrated Suzi Walker who has overseen looking after food for all Dharma retreats for 17 years with Khenpo-la. She has been like a Dharma mum to all of us and has worked tirelessly to make sure we get fed both nourishing food mentally and physically!

A group of us after the exam prepared and performed a live recording of a song dedicated to Suzi called “An Ode to Suzi” to celebrate the love we all share for her. It was written by Russell to the tune of the Australian folk song called “old man emu”, so much fun was had by all.
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The group photo of the Complete Path students from Year 3 at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre was positioned under the glorious presence of Mount Gulaga.  Thank you to Dean for his beautiful photos during the entire week, as well as some additional images from Khenpo-la, and other students.

Message from Khenpo la: 
“The eight days of the Complete Path program were filled with richness and warmth. I encourage all students to share what you learnt with others and embody the knowledge and practise we did together. See you all in September. Thank you everyone.”

His Holiness then spoke about the significance of the namesake of the centre – Kamalashila, the renowned 8th century Buddhist master from Nalanda University, India – who journeyed to Tibet and the future seat of the Sakya order.

The teaching program commenced with an early Green Tara puja led by Khenpo-la, followed by a tremendous day of two Empowerments bestowed by His Holiness. The King Tradition Avalokiteshvara Empowerment was conducted in the morning and the Six Dome Uncommon White Tara Empowerment in the late afternoon.

His Holiness proceeded to give two teaching sessions for two days on the Uncommon White Tara. He explained the importance of the practice being an unbroken direct lineage traced back to the historical Shakyamuni Buddha in terms of authenticity. The Uncommon White Tara sadhana belongs to the Kriya class of tantra but sealed by higher tantra to perform different practices. His Holiness outlined the three parts of the sadhana practice (preliminaries, main practice and conclusion) and gave detailed guidance on the common and uncommon aspects.

At the end of the last teaching session, His Holiness bestowed the Vajrakilaya Torma Empowerment that has been in the Khon family lineage since around the 10th century, when directly received from Padmasambhava in Tibet!  

In addition to the sadhana teachings and empowerments over the three days, His Holiness shared many pithy and practical teachings for new and old practitioners alike. This included reminding us that we cannot hide any action of body, speech and mind from the Law of Karma (cause and effect), that our mindfulness and vigilance need to act as our teacher.

Over 60 people attended the complete teaching program in Tilba, as all the practitioners look forward to receiving teachings from His Holiness in the future.  

​We wished His Holiness the safest of travels back to India, and thanked Him for turning the Wheel of Dharma for all of us at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre.

Zara Kaye of Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre (a primary school teacher and senior student of Khenpo-la’s), presented a seven-week workshop/course under Khenpo-la’s guidance on meditation.

Families of the local south coast area came each week with great enthusiasm and energy to learn about meditation and the bringing of these new tools into their everyday lives. They carried out lots of different craftwork based on mantra themes, songs about loving kindness, weekly family picnics to finish the morning time together and so much more.

​On the last day, the children wrote thank you’s to Khenpo-la, Zara and to the centre through their creative artwork.

Khenpo-la gave his inaugural dharma talk in Bega NSW, far south coast recently.
He spoke on the topic of “Facing Difficulties with Optimism”. The talk was very well attended, with around 70 people, who listened intently and asked some wonderful questions. 

​Thank you Khenpo-la and thank you Tjenka for your superb organising of this event.

Khenpo-la gave the second in a series of Public Talks on the far south coast of NSW, at Merimbula.

This topic was “How to Give with a Warm Heart”. Around 30 people attended, listening to Khenpo-la speak on the basic human desire, which is to be happy, though this needs to be trained and nurtured. An honest kindness and generosity to others, requires honesty and truthfulness to, and about, oneself.  We potentially can attain happiness and good thoughts, speech and actions as Buddha did, with persistent effort.  
Reflections by Jan

Thank you Khenpo-la, thank you to Chris and to Ingrid at Yoga Humm for facilitating this event.

It was a very special day at the centre, Khenpo la and sangha members commemorated Chotrul Düchen, also known as the ‘Festival of Miracles’. This auspicious day coincided with Khenpo la’s birthday and all of us wish and pray for Khenpo la’s long healthy life. Many flower offerings were made and lamp offerings were lit to mark the occasion. Khenpo la lead meditation and prayers. Lael offered a delicious Birthday cake for Khenpo la, which all enjoyed afterwards at morning tea. It is wonderful to be sharing these very special spiritual days together.

It is one of the four major Buddhist holy days and occurs on the fifteenth day of the Tibetan New Year. During the first fifteen days of the Tibetan New Year, in order to increase the merit and the devotion of future disciples, Buddha displayed a different miracle each day at Shravasti in India.

During this time, it is believed that the effects of both positive and negative actions are multiplied ten million times.

To commemorate the occasion, Tibetans make lamps, traditionally of yak butter, called butter lamps in the shapes of flowers, trees, birds, and other auspicious symbols. They also create elaborate displays for the lamps in their homes and in public spaces, sometimes erecting structures as large as a building. All the lanterns are lit in celebration on the fifteenth day of the month.

Khenpo la completed a very successful visit to The Bau Sen Buddha Ru Yi Temple at Kinglake, Victoria in mid-February, 2019. Over the weekend Khenpo la gave a dharma talk on “Transforming Difficulty to Positive”, conducted a tour of the temple and led a guided meditation session “Meditation - Bringing Calm and Peace to our Life”. 

This talk and temple tour was enthusiastically received by the community with many people attending, travelling from as far as Melbourne. There was extremely positive feedback from the attendees, who appreciated being able to attend such events close to home and are keen to have Khenpo la visit again next year.

This past Sunday 3rd February at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, sangha members gathered for Medicine Buddha meditation, then cleaned the gompa, worked in the garden together, and then shared lunch of traditional barley soup and fortune dumplings that Khenpo la and Ani la had prepared. Thank you Khenpo la and Ani la for sharing this very special Losar family tradition with us all. The soup was delicious and the fortune dumplings a lot of fun.

We look forward to sharing Losar together on Tuesday 10-11am at the centre.