Drogmi Buddhist Institute

The Wisdom Age Blog

News from Drogmi Buddhist Institute
The Wisdom Age Blog includes articles from The Wisdom Age newsletter

  • Home
  • About DBI
    • History of Drogmi Buddhist Institute
    • Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe
    • Photo gallery
    • Contact
  • About Sakya
    • The Sakya lineage
    • The five Sakya founders
    • Sakya Masters
    • Throneholders of Sakya
    • Lam Dre
  • Courses & events
  • Resources
    • Past teachings
    • Meditation guides
    • Prayers
    • Shrine room etiquette
    • Dharma links and resources
    • Request for Prayers
  • Support us
  • Wisdom Age
  • Retreat Hut / Venue hire

8/8/2021

The Inaugural Karma Yoga Three Day Retreat

Read Now
 

HELD AT KAMALASHILA TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTRE
6-8 August 2021

Picture
“This Karma Yoga Group Retreat is being held for the sake of creating a beautiful home for the Dharma.”
~ Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe

Khenpo la encouraged others who were not able to attend this retreat physically to have the opportunity to provide a valuable contribution by becoming a sponsor of meals for the workers and materials for the jobs to be undertaken, so we can all feel the joy in contributing by helping the centre to flourish for all beings now and into the future…  
The term karma yoga originated in Sanskrit yet used in many different spiritual paths today. This is one of the three classical spiritual paths in yoga, Karma yoga being based on the yoga of action, the others being Jnana yoga (path of knowledge) and Bhakti yoga (path of loving devotion to what one believes in). To a karma yogi, right action is a form of prayer. 

Of the classical paths to spiritual liberation, karma yoga is the path of unselfish action. It teaches that a spiritual seeker should act according to dharma, without being attached to the fruits or personal consequences. Karma yoga is to purify one’s mind, leading one to consider dharma of work, a selfless action performed for the benefit of others. It is rightful action without being attached to fruits or being manipulated by what the results might be, a dedication to one’s duty, and trying one’s best whilst being unattached to the rewards or outcomes such as success or failure.

DAY 1: Everyone worked extremely hard today, and we had a lovely time together. The day began with a meditation lead by Khenpo la, finished with a laugh and a yarn around the warm bon fire, with lots of work for the centre in between. Khenpo la lead by great example, working on the road and then painting one of the buildings, leading the meditation sessions and the retreat. 

DAY 2: During the afternoon meditation, Khenpo la encouraged us to rest in the beautiful and positive feeling we had generated throughout this day. It was a feeling of being physically tired but mentally elated at having done something so worthwhile; a feeling of connection with others, some of whom we were meeting for the first time; a feeling of being present in this right time in this right place.  Khenpo la suggested that we rest in this loving-kindness, this positive mind, and then allow it to grow, including all beings in its radiance. As Khenpo la pointed out, when our mind is settled in such a positive state, we can perceive everything as workable. When our mind is scattered or negative, it doesn’t matter how ideal our outer circumstances are, we will still be anxious.

DAY 3: What a transformation! Three days, 30 people, an abundance of kind energy, and Kamalashila shines even brighter! With each brushstroke, planting or pothole filled, everyone participating over this weekend has woven a part of themselves into this place.  Just as if this place was busy making a lasting impression on us. Khenpo la pointed out as well, what we give is wonderful, but what we receive from this connection with the Dharma is immeasurable.

Lastly, amongst many invaluable outcomes over this time, it evolved to start a plant sponsorship opportunity – one of our sangha members can obtain wholesale native plant stock, tube stock and some hearty flowers that can withstand this bush environment. This can be a continual opportunity and invite anyone who would like to contribute in this way to either contact us by email or simply write on your very generous donation PLANT SPONSORSHIP via our website.

Thank you, Khenpo la and to everyone for contributing in making the centre even more beautiful! A special thank you to all those who couldn’t make it, to those who sponsored our food and materials for this weekend. Your contribution was very much appreciated! 

Share


Comments are closed.
Details

    Categories

    All
    Issue 44
    Issue 45
    Issue 46
    Issue 47
    Issue 48
    Issue 49
    Issue 50
    Issue 51
    Issue 52
    Issue 53
    Issue 54
    Issue 55
    Issue 56
    Issue 57
    Issue 58
    Issue 59
    Issue 60
    Issue 61
    Issue 62
    Issue 63
    Issue 64
    Issue 65
    Issue 66
    Issue 67
    Issue 68
    Issue 69
    Issue 70
    Issue 71
    Issue 72
    Issue 73
    Issue 74

    View previous newsletters here.
Vertical Divider
Home
About DBI
About Sakya
Courses & Events
Resources
Support Us
Venue Hire
Request for Prayers
Contact Us
Wisdom Age Newsletter
Find us on Facebook
Picture

Drogmi Buddhist Institute

  • Home
  • About DBI
    • History of Drogmi Buddhist Institute
    • Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe
    • Photo gallery
    • Contact
  • About Sakya
    • The Sakya lineage
    • The five Sakya founders
    • Sakya Masters
    • Throneholders of Sakya
    • Lam Dre
  • Courses & events
  • Resources
    • Past teachings
    • Meditation guides
    • Prayers
    • Shrine room etiquette
    • Dharma links and resources
    • Request for Prayers
  • Support us
  • Wisdom Age
  • Retreat Hut / Venue hire