The Wisdom Age - Issue 66

The Wisdom Age Newsletter of Drogmi Buddhist Institute A Tibetan Buddhist Centre in the Sakya Tradition Issue 66 May 2023 Dear Dharma friends, SAGA DAWA the MOST HOLY MONTH 2150/2023 On this 15th day of the 3rd lunar month, we mark Düekhor Düchen (5 May 2023), the Commemoration of Shakyamuni’s Teaching of the Kalachakra Tantra. Khenpo la has reiterated to try to be vegetarian and/or vegan especially during the first 15 days of this holy month; to also try and take The Eight Mahayana Precepts as often as possible – each day during this time, or on the auspicious days during this holy month; to take them as often as one can manage, being as virtuous as one can be capable of. Saga Dawa commences on 20 May 2023 according to the Tibetan calendar. Tampei Düchen , the Anniversary of Buddha’s birth falls on 26 May 2023. Saga Dawa Düchen commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of our perfect and most supreme teacher, Buddha Shakyamuni. This year of 2150 in the Tibetan Calendar and 2023 in the Western Calendar, Saga Dawa Düchen falls on Sunday 4 June. Please read more here on this most holy month and Khenpo la’s message to us all for Saga Dawa… Enjoy the read and catching up with Khenpo la’s most recent meritorious Dharmic activities, Yours in the dharma Events for Saga Dawa Düchen The Sixteen Arhat Puja At Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre Khenpo la would like all that are able to attend physically on Sunday 4 June to carry out The Sixteen Arhat Puja , joining in on the last day of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Retreat. Please come and join us on this most auspicious day, a Full Moon Day from 10:30am to 12:30pm - followed by a community lunch. Read More RSVP is essential for catering purposes: by Wednesday 31 May to [email protected] CANDLE OFFERING SPONSORSHIP During this most auspicious and holy month candles can be sponsored and lit each day at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre for $1 per candle, $40 for 50 candles or $75 for 100 candles, lit on your behalf. Please follow the link below to make an offering during this time – on one day, all month, on certain dates of your choice, if you wish any specific names of loved ones to be included or for any particular reason for making the offering please contact us at [email protected] . Make a candle offering for Saga Dawa Buddhist NEWS The passing of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS Ngöndro Retreat Thursday 18 May, 1.00pm – Sunday 21 May, 1.00pm Khenpo la will give the required transmissions. This retreat is open to everyone who has received the Hevajra Empowerment. Ngöndro refers to the preliminary or ‘foundation’ practices of Vajrayana Buddhism. The Ngöndro practices are profound and powerful means for effecting a deep purification and transformation, at every level of our being. Not only do they prepare the practitioner for the profound path of Vajrayana, but they also lead us gradually towards the experience of Enlightenment. More details and bookings MEDITATION FOR WELLBEING 6-week course Tuesdays, 23 – 27 June, 10.00-11.30am Learn and practise the basics of meditation in a beautiful and peaceful bush setting from experienced instructors. Meditation is proven to increase alertness and energy whilst decreasing anxiety and stress. $10 per class / $50 full course (includes morning tea) More details and bookings Shri Vajrapani Bhutadharma Retreat Friday 9 June, 7.00pm – Monday 12 June, 1.00pm (June long weekend) Led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. Vajrapani Bhutadamara Empowerment – Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara is the Master of Unfathomable Mysteries who upholds the truth of darkness and ignorance. In general, Vajrapani Bhutadamara is the remover of all sorts of obstacles, in particular to overcome difficulties for serious Vajrayana practitioners. Traditionally in the Sakyapa, practitioners complete this retreat before conducting a major retreat. Khenpo la will be giving detailed teachings and practise together. Attendance at this retreat is full time from beginning to the end. Prerequisite: Shri Vajapani Bhutadamara empowerment More details and bookings The Heart Sutra Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 August, 10.00am-4.00pm, Croydon, Sydney It has been called the most frequently used and recited text in the entire Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The Heart Sutra teaches emptiness through the epitome of compassion. It is often said that, in a sense, emptiness is the heart of the Mahayana, but the heart of emptiness is compassion. The scriptures even use the phrase “emptiness with a heart of compassion”. Bookings will be available soon EVENTS FOR THE REST OF 2023 The rest of this year’s Drogmi Buddhist Institute programme is listed below. Full details to come in our September newsletter. Karma Yoga September Group Retreat – 15-17 September Annual Shamatha Retreat – October Long Weekend, 29 September to 8 October The 2nd Three Visions Festival – 28 October The Venerables’ Shamatha & Vipassana Retreat – 17-19 November A Family Day – 25 November Healing & Purification End of Year Retreat – 2 7 December to 1 January 2024 RECENT EVENTS Rongton Buddhist Centre, Queensland It was a joyous occasion from the moment that Khenpo la flew into Brisbane on 21 April to give a weekend of teachings on The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas – his first visit to our Brisbane centre since 2019 due to the pandemic. Many of those who attended the teachings had not seen Khenpo la or one another since before the start of the pandemic, so the atmosphere was one of great happiness, excitement, and gratitude to be able to finally meet face to face once again, and to deepen the sacred connection with our teacher and the rest of our Dharma family. Read More Easter Long Weekend Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat The first full day’s program at the Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat was led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe which began with a light offerings and recitation of the Buddha of Wisdom Manjushri Prayer. Khenpo la commenced teachings on Shamatha meditation and the benefits, obstacles, and their antidotes. Read More Venerables’ Day-Long Mindfulness Retreat On March 11th Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara led us in our second Day-Long Mindfulness Retreat at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. The group were led in sitting, standing, and walking meditation, and given foundational teachings on the technique of mindfulness in meditation. Read More Karma Yoga March Group Retreat The Karma Yoga Group Retreat 24-26 March was a wonderful success. The group of committed workers accomplished so much together, everyone commenting on how we all worked as one. Some came for a few hours, others for the whole 3 days. The centre was sparkling for the return of our precious teacher Khenpo la in late March. Read More The Inaugural Wellbeing Retreat There was a very warm welcome and beginning to the Inaugural Wellbeing Retreat led by Doug and Tara Skipper – a lovely group settling into this very special place and looking forward to the weekend ahead of learning and sharing. Tara and Doug accepted Khenpo la’s invitation to run an event at the centre. Read More The Cabin on the Hill A poem composed during Penny’s 5-week Vajrayogini Retreat by her life partner, dear man Jean Read More A Sunday Meditation with Offerings On a recent Sunday Shamatha Practice during His Eminence’s 49 Days, the group made Light Offering to His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche. After everyone in attendance lit the candles for his Eminence, Ayya Jayasara led us in a beautiful meditation. Read More FROM OUR MASTERS “You are never alone: everywhere, all the time there are numberless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas surrounding you, loving you, guiding you – that is what they do.” ~Lama Zopa Rinpoche Instagram credit @karma_lodro_gyatso_yip “Impermanence and death don’t wait for us ~ Every moment, we are so close to death. Every moment of this life is to prepare for death. Every moment of this life is to free ourselves from suffering. Every moment of this life is to achieve peerless happiness. Every moment of this life is to make the greatest purification. Every moment of this life is to accumulate extensive merit, With the thought of impermanence and bodhicitta, And with the practice of guru yoga, Seeing our own mind as one with the holy mind of the guru and deity, Which is the wisdom of non-dual bliss and voidness.” ~Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice for students, friends – forever until enlightenment. The first images of Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing a mother and child as Lama Yeshe looks on at Thangme. Photo credit from the first trek to Lawudo Retreat Centre in Nepal, Spring 1969. Lawudo was the hermitage of the Lawudo Lama, the former incarnation of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Photo by George Luneau. Find out more by visiting our website. Home Courses & events Venue hire Support us Contact Home Courses & events Venue hire Support us Contact We only use this list for The Wisdom Age newsletter. You can unsubscribe from this mailing list below. 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The Wisdom Age

Newsletter of Drogmi Buddhist Institute

A Tibetan Buddhist Centre in the Sakya Tradition

Issue 66 May 2023

Dear Dharma friends,

SAGA DAWA the MOST HOLY MONTH 2150/2023

On this 15th day of the 3rd lunar month, we mark Düekhor Düchen (5 May 2023), the Commemoration of Shakyamuni’s Teaching of the Kalachakra Tantra.

Khenpo la has reiterated to try to be vegetarian and/or vegan especially during the first 15 days of this holy month; to also try and take The Eight Mahayana Precepts as often as possible – each day during this time, or on the auspicious days during this holy month; to take them as often as one can manage, being as virtuous as one can be capable of. Saga Dawa commences on 20 May 2023 according to the Tibetan calendar. Tampei Düchen, the Anniversary of Buddha’s birth falls on 26 May 2023. Saga Dawa Düchen commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of our perfect and most supreme teacher, Buddha Shakyamuni. This year of 2150 in the Tibetan Calendar and 2023 in the Western Calendar, Saga Dawa Düchen falls on Sunday 4 June.

Enjoy the read and catching up with Khenpo la’s most recent meritorious Dharmic activities,

Yours in the dharma

Events for Saga Dawa Düchen

The Sixteen Arhat Puja

At Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre Khenpo la would like all that are able to attend physically on Sunday 4 June to carry out The Sixteen Arhat Puja, joining in on the last day of the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Retreat. Please come and join us on this most auspicious day, a Full Moon Day from 10:30am to 12:30pm - followed by a community lunch.
Read More

RSVP is essential for catering purposes: by Wednesday 31 May to [email protected]

CANDLE OFFERING SPONSORSHIP

During this most auspicious and holy month candles can be sponsored and lit each day at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre for $1 per candle, $40 for 50 candles or $75 for 100 candles, lit on your behalf. Please follow the link below to make an offering during this time – on one day, all month, on certain dates of your choice, if you wish any specific names of loved ones to be included or for any particular reason for making the offering please contact us at [email protected].

Make a candle offering for Saga Dawa

Buddhist NEWS

The passing of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche

UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS

Ngöndro Retreat

Thursday 18 May, 1.00pm – Sunday 21 May, 1.00pm

Khenpo la will give the required transmissions. This retreat is open to everyone who has received the Hevajra Empowerment. Ngöndro refers to the preliminary or ‘foundation’ practices of Vajrayana Buddhism. The Ngöndro practices are profound and powerful means for effecting a deep purification and transformation, at every level of our being. Not only do they prepare the practitioner for the profound path of Vajrayana, but they also lead us gradually towards the experience of Enlightenment.

More details and bookings

MEDITATION FOR WELLBEING

6-week course
Tuesdays, 23 – 27 June, 10.00-11.30am

Learn and practise the basics of meditation in a beautiful and peaceful bush setting from experienced instructors. Meditation is proven to increase alertness and energy whilst decreasing anxiety and stress.

$10 per class / $50 full course (includes morning tea)

More details and bookings

Shri Vajrapani Bhutadharma Retreat

Friday 9 June, 7.00pm – Monday 12 June, 1.00pm (June long weekend)

Led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe.

Vajrapani Bhutadamara Empowerment – Shri Vajrapani Bhutadamara is the Master of Unfathomable Mysteries who upholds the truth of darkness and ignorance. In general, Vajrapani Bhutadamara is the remover of all sorts of obstacles, in particular to overcome difficulties for serious Vajrayana practitioners. Traditionally in the Sakyapa, practitioners complete this retreat before conducting a major retreat. Khenpo la will be giving detailed teachings and practise together.

Attendance at this retreat is full time from beginning to the end.
Prerequisite: Shri Vajapani Bhutadamara empowerment

More details and bookings

The Heart Sutra

Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 August, 10.00am-4.00pm, Croydon, Sydney

It has been called the most frequently used and recited text in the entire Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The Heart Sutra teaches emptiness through the epitome of compassion. It is often said that, in a sense, emptiness is the heart of the Mahayana, but the heart of emptiness is compassion. The scriptures even use the phrase “emptiness with a heart of compassion”.

Bookings will be available soon

EVENTS FOR THE REST OF 2023

The rest of this year’s Drogmi Buddhist Institute programme is listed below. Full details to come in our September newsletter.

Karma Yoga September Group Retreat – 15-17 September
Annual Shamatha Retreat – October Long Weekend, 29 September to 8 October
The 2nd Three Visions Festival – 28 October
The Venerables’ Shamatha & Vipassana Retreat – 17-19 November
A Family Day – 25 November
Healing & Purification End of Year Retreat – 27 December to 1 January 2024

RECENT EVENTS

Rongton Buddhist Centre, Queensland

It was a joyous occasion from the moment that Khenpo la flew into Brisbane on 21 April to give a weekend of teachings on The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas – his first visit to our Brisbane centre since 2019 due to the pandemic. Many of those who attended the teachings had not seen Khenpo la or one another since before the start of the pandemic, so the atmosphere was one of great happiness, excitement, and gratitude to be able to finally meet face to face once again, and to deepen the sacred connection with our teacher and the rest of our Dharma family.

Easter Long Weekend Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat

The first full day’s program at the Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat was led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe which began with a light offerings and recitation of the Buddha of Wisdom Manjushri Prayer. Khenpo la commenced teachings on Shamatha meditation and the benefits, obstacles, and their antidotes.

Venerables’ Day-Long Mindfulness Retreat

On March 11th Ayyas Jitindriya and Jayasara led us in our second Day-Long Mindfulness Retreat at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. The group were led in sitting, standing, and walking meditation, and given foundational teachings on the technique of mindfulness in meditation.

Karma Yoga March Group Retreat

The Karma Yoga Group Retreat 24-26 March was a wonderful success. The group of committed workers accomplished so much together, everyone commenting on how we all worked as one. Some came for a few hours, others for the whole 3 days. The centre was sparkling for the return of our precious teacher Khenpo la in late March.

The Inaugural Wellbeing Retreat

There was a very warm welcome and beginning to the Inaugural Wellbeing Retreat led by Doug and Tara Skipper – a lovely group settling into this very special place and looking forward to the weekend ahead of learning and sharing. Tara and Doug accepted Khenpo la’s invitation to run an event at the centre.

The Cabin on the Hill

A poem composed during Penny’s 5-week Vajrayogini Retreat by her life partner, dear man Jean

A Sunday Meditation with Offerings

On a recent Sunday Shamatha Practice during His Eminence’s 49 Days, the group made Light Offering to His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche. After everyone in attendance lit the candles for his Eminence, Ayya Jayasara led us in a beautiful meditation.

FROM OUR MASTERS

“You are never alone: everywhere, all the time there are numberless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas surrounding you, loving you, guiding you – that is what they do.”
~Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Instagram credit @karma_lodro_gyatso_yip

“Impermanence and death don’t wait for us ~
Every moment, we are so close to death.
Every moment of this life is to prepare for death.
Every moment of this life is to free ourselves from suffering.
Every moment of this life is to achieve peerless happiness.
Every moment of this life is to make the greatest purification.
Every moment of this life is to accumulate extensive merit,
With the thought of impermanence and bodhicitta,
And with the practice of guru yoga,
Seeing our own mind as one with the holy mind of the guru and deity,
Which is the wisdom of non-dual bliss and voidness.”
~Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice for students, friends – forever until enlightenment.

The first images of Lama Zopa Rinpoche blessing a mother and child as Lama Yeshe looks on at Thangme. Photo credit from the first trek to Lawudo Retreat Centre in Nepal, Spring 1969. Lawudo was the hermitage of the Lawudo Lama, the former incarnation of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Photo by George Luneau.

Find out more by visiting our website.

We only use this list for The Wisdom Age newsletter. You can unsubscribe from this mailing list below. To unsubscribe from general mailings from Drogmi Buddhist Institute, please email [email protected].