The Wisdom Age - Issue 57

The Wisdom Age Newsletter of Drogmi Buddhist Institute A Tibetan Buddhist Centre in the Sakya Tradition Issue 57 May 2021 Dear Dharma friends, Wishing All a Very Happy Saga Dawa Month 2021 12 May – 10 June in the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar Greetings to all for this most auspicious and powerful month of Saga Dawa. Please find the programs included in both Sydney and Tilba led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe in celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha in the upcoming week(s). So many projects have progressed at our Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre in Tilba in just these last few months, seemingly gaining quite a speed in manifesting some of Khenpo la’s visions for the centre. The sangha is growing in leaps and bounds with the local south coast area as well as nationally and internationally. We so hope you enjoy Issue 57 of The Wisdom Age, wishing you all continued safety and ultimate happiness, yet mostly encourage you to continue including all mother sentient beings in your daily prayers, practices and everyday tasks who are suffering unbearable sufferings around the world and beyond, to wish them to find ultimate happiness as swiftly as possible. Please enjoy the read. Yours in the Dharma UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS Saga Dawa/Saga Dawa Duchen 2021 Saga Dawa (Vesak) marks the month of Buddha Shakyamuni’s birth, enlightenment and His Mahaparinirvana, the 1st day of the 4th lunar calendar month commences Saga Dawa, this year falling on Wednesday 12 May 2021 (2148 in the Tibetan Calendar). Read More CELEBRATIONS DURING SAGA DAWA Program at Drogmi Buddhist Institute, Sydney “ In Praise of the Twelve Great Deeds of the Buddha” Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will lead us in this practice to celebrate the most auspicious date in the Buddhist Calendar – marking the Enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. The text of “In Praise of the Twelve Great Deeds of the Buddha” is composed by the great master Ārya Nāgārjuna. When: Wednesday 26 May, 7.30pm to 9.00pm Where: Croydon. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential by emailing [email protected] By donation Program at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, Tilba “ The Sixteen Arhat Puja” Khenpo la will lead us in the Sixteen Arhat Puja – the brief meaning being when Buddha Shakyamuni personally selected the Sixteen Arhats from amongst His disciples, they were requested to remain in the world, protecting the Dharma for as long as beings are capable of benefitting from the teachings. They vowed at the time of the His Parinirvana to remain in the world and maintain the Dharma until the time of the future Buddha Maitreya . To visualise the Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by the Sixteen Arhats and an assembly of bodhisattvas generates great merit and quickly develops insight into the teachings of the Buddha. When: Sunday 30 May, 10.00am to 12.00 midday / Lunch – bring a plate to share together. Where: Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, 9000 Princes Highway, Tilba By donation SHRI VAJRAPANI BHUTADAMARA RETREAT Friday 11 to Monday 14 June 2021 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 practice together. Please Note: To attend this retreat one must have received the major empowerment and attendance is for the full retreat only. More Information KARMA YOGA GROUP RETREAT Friday 6 to Sunday 8 August 2021 A weekend where our body and mind work together to help others. The days will start with a meditation session led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, concluding with a campfire yarn. Come and join us with work in the garden, building maintenance, cleaning and painting. There is a job for everyone! “For the sake of creating a beautiful home for the Dharma” ~Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe Meals and accommodation are offered free of charge! More Information RECENT EVENTS Goings on at KTBC – Around the Grounds Since early April, much work has been done by our enthusiastic sangha members around the grounds: preparing retreat huts, grass cutting, moving into our new office adjoining the newly upgraded bush kitchen (also ready), along with a shed/flower station for retreats, and installing fireplaces in the two newer retreat huts – all amidst celebrations and with thanks to many people. Read More Mentor Training for the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course Khenpo la has been leading a group of sangha members in training to be mentors for “The Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course”, which will commence in May 2022. He has been assisted wonderfully by Carole, as students are learning the fundamentals of mentoring, and how to do this based on the Buddhist principles and philosophy. It is so interesting, as the course format is a mix of Buddhist philosophical teachings on the Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana given so generously by Khenpo la. Read More Visit by U3A Bermagui Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre recently hosted a visit by the local U3A Bermagui. This group of senior locals attended the centre for a tour of the centre, Q&A time, and a guided meditation session with Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. Many interesting questions were asked with equally interesting answers from Khenpo la. Read More Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat Khenpo la began by leading the retreatants with teachings on the Shamatha/Peaceful-Abiding practice. He taught on the four foundational points for establishing a good Shamatha practice, of the need: to reduce desire; to be grateful; to lessen activities; and to live an ethical life. Khenpo la also stressed how important it was to find a suitable location for one’s practice and that being away from the busyness of everyday life and close to nature was the ideal setting. Read More Gyri We marked the five incredibly special years that Gyri has spent at our Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, since she first made her way up the road from the neighbour’s property. We tried to return her many times, but she just kept coming back and it would seem she had found the place where she was meant to be. Read More Losar 2148 There was a wonderful celebration at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. Firstly, Khenpo la gave a prayer flag blessing as many attending hung numerous chains of flags, lung ta, through the trees. We raised the tall Darchog, flagstaffs, with some joyous chanting to raise the spirit as the new flags stood tall in the wind. Read More Ngöndro Retreat Over the three full days of this retreat Khenpo la gave the attendees clear insights into the practices of refuge, bodhicitta, Vajrasattva and the Mandala Offering through his truly inspirational teachings. Khenpo la taught much about how we can use these methods of the Ngöndro practice in our own search for the Ultimate Truth. Khenpo la incorporated many prostrations throughout the day’s practices whilst reciting the refuge prayer, along with the physical aspect of the Mandala offerings with the mandala plate, precious gems and/or rice. Read More FROM OUR MASTERS “Obstacles can arise from good as well as bad circumstances, but they should never deter or overpower you. Be like the earth, which supports all living creatures indiscriminately, without distinguishing good from bad. The earth is simply there. Your practice should be strengthened by the difficult situations you encounter, just as a bonfire in a strong wind is not blown out, but blazes even brighter.” ~His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche “Simply the mind itself – when looking into the nature of mind, do not expect to gain some exceptionally high or profound realisation, or to see anything new. Nor should you hesitate or doubt your ability to meditate. Just trust that the nature of mind is simply the mind itself left in an unaltered state, and do all that you can to sustain this, without distraction, at all times, during and between the meditation sessions. Don’t expect to gain realisation in just a few months, or even years. Whether you develop any of the qualities that come from the practice or not, remain steadfastly determined and resolve to continue the practise with diligence, day and night, throughout this life, future lives and the bardo state.” ~His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Images credit Instagram @ karma_lodro_gyatso_yip 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. To unsubscribe from general mailings from Drogmi Buddhist Institute, please email [email protected]. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

The Wisdom Age

Newsletter of Drogmi Buddhist Institute

A Tibetan Buddhist Centre in the Sakya Tradition

Issue 57 May 2021

Dear Dharma friends,

Wishing All a Very Happy Saga Dawa Month 2021
12 May – 10 June in the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar

Greetings to all for this most auspicious and powerful month of Saga Dawa. Please find the programs included in both Sydney and Tilba led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe in celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha in the upcoming week(s). So many projects have progressed at our Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre in Tilba in just these last few months, seemingly gaining quite a speed in manifesting some of Khenpo la’s visions for the centre. The sangha is growing in leaps and bounds with the local south coast area as well as nationally and internationally. We so hope you enjoy Issue 57 of The Wisdom Age, wishing you all continued safety and ultimate happiness, yet mostly encourage you to continue including all mother sentient beings in your daily prayers, practices and everyday tasks who are suffering unbearable sufferings around the world and beyond, to wish them to find ultimate happiness as swiftly as possible.

Please enjoy the read.
Yours in the Dharma

UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS

Saga Dawa/Saga Dawa Duchen 2021

Saga Dawa (Vesak) marks the month of Buddha Shakyamuni’s birth, enlightenment and His Mahaparinirvana, the 1st day of the 4th lunar calendar month commences Saga Dawa, this year falling on Wednesday 12 May 2021 (2148 in the Tibetan Calendar).

CELEBRATIONS DURING SAGA DAWA

Program at Drogmi Buddhist Institute, Sydney
“In Praise of the Twelve Great Deeds of the Buddha”

Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will lead us in this practice to celebrate the most auspicious date in the Buddhist Calendar – marking the Enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. The text of “In Praise of the Twelve Great Deeds of the Buddha” is composed by the great master Ārya Nāgārjuna.

When: Wednesday 26 May, 7.30pm to 9.00pm
Where: Croydon. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential by emailing [email protected]
By donation

Program at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, Tilba
“The Sixteen Arhat Puja”

Khenpo la will lead us in the Sixteen Arhat Puja – the brief meaning being when Buddha Shakyamuni personally selected the Sixteen Arhats from amongst His disciples, they were requested to remain in the world, protecting the Dharma for as long as beings are capable of benefitting from the teachings. They vowed at the time of the His Parinirvana to remain in the world and maintain the Dharma until the time of the future Buddha Maitreya. To visualise the Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by the Sixteen Arhats and an assembly of bodhisattvas generates great merit and quickly develops insight into the teachings of the Buddha.

When: Sunday 30 May, 10.00am to 12.00 midday / Lunch – bring a plate to share together.
Where: Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, 9000 Princes Highway, Tilba
By donation

SHRI VAJRAPANI BHUTADAMARA RETREAT

Friday 11 to Monday 14 June 2021

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 practice together.

Please Note: To attend this retreat one must have received the major empowerment and attendance is for the full retreat only.

More Information

KARMA YOGA GROUP RETREAT

Friday 6 to Sunday 8 August 2021

A weekend where our body and mind work together to help others. The days will start with a meditation session led by Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, concluding with a campfire yarn. Come and join us with work in the garden, building maintenance, cleaning and painting. There is a job for everyone!

“For the sake of creating a beautiful home for the Dharma”
~Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe

Meals and accommodation are offered free of charge!

More Information

RECENT EVENTS

Goings on at KTBC – Around the Grounds

Since early April, much work has been done by our enthusiastic sangha members around the grounds: preparing retreat huts, grass cutting, moving into our new office adjoining the newly upgraded bush kitchen (also ready), along with a shed/flower station for retreats, and installing fireplaces in the two newer retreat huts – all amidst celebrations and with thanks to many people.

Mentor Training for the Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course

Khenpo la has been leading a group of sangha members in training to be mentors for “The Autumn Buddhist Philosophy Course”, which will commence in May 2022. He has been assisted wonderfully by Carole, as students are learning the fundamentals of mentoring, and how to do this based on the Buddhist principles and philosophy. It is so interesting, as the course format is a mix of Buddhist philosophical teachings on the Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana given so generously by Khenpo la.

Visit by U3A Bermagui

Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre recently hosted a visit by the local U3A Bermagui. This group of senior locals attended the centre for a tour of the centre, Q&A time, and a guided meditation session with Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe. Many interesting questions were asked with equally interesting answers from Khenpo la.

Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat

Khenpo la began by leading the retreatants with teachings on the Shamatha/Peaceful-Abiding practice. He taught on the four foundational points for establishing a good Shamatha practice, of the need: to reduce desire; to be grateful; to lessen activities; and to live an ethical life. Khenpo la also stressed how important it was to find a suitable location for one’s practice and that being away from the busyness of everyday life and close to nature was the ideal setting.

Gyri

We marked the five incredibly special years that Gyri has spent at our Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre, since she first made her way up the road from the neighbour’s property. We tried to return her many times, but she just kept coming back and it would seem she had found the place where she was meant to be.

Losar 2148

There was a wonderful celebration at Kamalashila Tibetan Buddhist Centre. Firstly, Khenpo la gave a prayer flag blessing as many attending hung numerous chains of flags, lung ta, through the trees. We raised the tall Darchog, flagstaffs, with some joyous chanting to raise the spirit as the new flags stood tall in the wind.

Ngöndro Retreat

Over the three full days of this retreat Khenpo la gave the attendees clear insights into the practices of refuge, bodhicitta, Vajrasattva and the Mandala Offering through his truly inspirational teachings. Khenpo la taught much about how we can use these methods of the Ngöndro practice in our own search for the Ultimate Truth. Khenpo la incorporated many prostrations throughout the day’s practices whilst reciting the refuge prayer, along with the physical aspect of the Mandala offerings with the mandala plate, precious gems and/or rice.

FROM OUR MASTERS

“Obstacles can arise from good as well as bad circumstances, but they should never deter or overpower you. Be like the earth, which supports all living creatures indiscriminately, without distinguishing good from bad. The earth is simply there. Your practice should be strengthened by the difficult situations you encounter, just as a bonfire in a strong wind is not blown out, but blazes even brighter.”

~His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

“Simply the mind itself – when looking into the nature of mind, do not expect to gain some exceptionally high or profound realisation, or to see anything new. Nor should you hesitate or doubt your ability to meditate. Just trust that the nature of mind is simply the mind itself left in an unaltered state, and do all that you can to sustain this, without distraction, at all times, during and between the meditation sessions. Don’t expect to gain realisation in just a few months, or even years. Whether you develop any of the qualities that come from the practice or not, remain steadfastly determined and resolve to continue the practise with diligence, day and night, throughout this life, future lives and the bardo state.”

~His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Images credit Instagram @karma_lodro_gyatso_yip

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].