Welcome!
We warmly invite you to visit, learn and practise with us.
About Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe
Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, a monk for nearly 40 years, is highly respected in Australia and internationally for his profound knowledge and the clarity of his inspirational teachings. He is the most highly qualified Sakya lama living in Australia.
Khenpo has taught all over Australia and internationally in the last 15 years, and maintains a busy schedule. He regularly gives talks and conducts meditation programmes in central and western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the New South Wales south coast, Queensland and many other locations.
Our events
Khenpo conducts regular practices in Sydney and the Blue Mountains, various retreats throughout the year, as well as a teaching programme around Australia and overseas.
Please contact us at info@drogmi.org or on 0412 901716 for more information about any of these events. To make advanced bookings for all events please send a cheque or money order (payable to Drogmi Buddhist Institute) to PO Box 388, Strathfield NSW 2135.
Public talks and workshops
- Workshop -
Shamatha Meditation
Sunday 29 August, 10.00am-3.00pm
At: Sydney Inner West
Cost: $50 by donation (includes vegetarian lunch)
In this one day workshop Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will instruct participants on the foundations of this fundamental method of meditation that can help us achieve peace and happiness in our lives. This workshop is then followed by an 8 day more in-depth retreat on Shamatha Meditation in October. Prior registration for this workshop is essential for catering purposes (email info@drogmi.org).
Our next retreat
During the second half of 2010, the following retreats will be held in Sydney and the Blue Mountains:
- Retreat: Vajrayogini
Saturday 31 July, 10.00am to Sunday 1 August, 3.00pm
At: Terrace Road, North Richmond
Cost:
Full retreat $140 ($70 daily rate) includes teachings, meals and accommodation
Early bird $120 for payments made in full by 20 July 2010.
This retreat is open to anyone who has received the Vajrayogini Blessing. Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will lead a 2 day retreat with explanations on the text and guided meditations during the practice. This is a great opportunity for initiates to consolidate their knowledge of this profound practice. Please bring your own Sadhana. Pre-registration is essential (email info@drogmi.org).
- Retreat: Annual Shamatha Retreat
Saturday 2 October, 7.00pm to Sunday 10 October, 3.00pm
At: Ararat Lodge, Upper Colo, NSW (Hawkesbury - approx. 70 minute drive from Sydney)
Accommodation: Share accommodation or camping. The standard of accommodation is very comfortable, in a beautiful country setting alongside the pristine Colo River.
Cost:
Full retreat $630 includes teachings, all meals and accommodation.
Early bird $570 for payments made in full by 20 September 2010.
Daily rate $100 per day / $85 per day camping
During this retreat Khenpo will give detailed explanations on Shamatha Meditation, mixed with theory and practice sessions. Khenpo will also give complete teachings on the Tibetan Buddhist text 7 Points of Mind Training. These teachings, written by the great master Chekawa Chenpo Yeshi Dorje, are at the heart of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings. Whatever our practice is this mind training consists of advice which will deepen it. Such training is essential to develop our meditation, and more generally to assist us in our daily lives.
This is a great opportunity to spend 8 days practising meditation techniques in a peaceful setting. It is not compulsory to attend the full retreat. If you have limited time you are very welcome to register and attend on a daily basis.
Pre-registration is essential (email info@drogmi.org).
Regular Sunday practices in Sydney
Our current regular meditation practices include:
- Shamatha meditation practice
Sundays, 10.00-11.00am
At: Sydney Inner West
A blend of guided meditations and rhythmic chanting, this is a restorative and relaxing practice that increases ability to focus. Shamatha is the Tibetan term for single pointed meditation. This can involve concentrating on one thing such as one's breath, a picture of a deity, or a blue flower. The purpose is to increase our ability to concentrate and focus. Without this ability, we cannot deepen our practice or gain the deepest understanding of key Buddhist teachings. All are welcome to attend.
2010 teaching programme
Throughout 2010, Khenpo will be giving teachings on three key Buddhist texts in Sydney and the Blue Mountains:
- Sydney - Tuesdays
Course: Bodhicharyavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva)
Term 3: Tuesdays 20 July to 24 August, 7.30-9.30pm
Term 4: Tuesdays 14-28 September then 19 October to 9 November, 7.30-9.30pm
At: Sydney Inner West
Cost: $15 per night or $80 per term
Contact: Ann (0412 901716) or email info@drogmi.org
Registration is essential and details of location will be given on registration.
The Way of the Bodhisattva is one of the greatest explanations of the Mahayana teachings of Buddhism, composed by the Great Bodhisattva Shantideva. This 12 month course, gives detailed explanations of the path of the Bodhisattvas and is suitable for both beginners and advanced students of Mahayana philosophy.
This classic teaching captures the entire Mahayana teachings within 10 chapters. They are as follows:
Chapter 1: The Excellence of the Bodhichitta
Chapter 2: Purification
Chapter 3: Integrating Bodhicitta
Chapter 4: Conscienciousness
Chapter 5: Mindfulness/Vigilance
Chapter 6: Patience
Chapter 7: Diligence
Chapter 8: Meditation
Chapter 9: Wisdom
Chapter 10: Dedication
The author of this classic text, Shantideva, was a member of the great monastic university of Nalanda. This university was one of the most celebrated centres of learning in ancient India and all Tibetan Buddhism originated from the Nalanda University tradition.
Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will teach in traditional style, which will help to enrich your understanding of these vast and profound teachings. He previously taught these teachings at Sakya College, one of the great Tibetan Buddhist Universities in India.
- Sydney - Thursdays
Course: Madhyamikavatara (Middle Path)
Term 3: Thursdays 22 July to 26 August, 7.30-9.30pm
Term 4: Thursdays 16-30 September then 21 October to 11 November, 7.30-9.30pm
At: Sydney Inner West
Cost: $15 per night or $80 per term
Contact: Ann (0412 901716) or email info@drogmi.org
Registration is essential and details of location will be given on registration.
This text composed by Chandrakritti is based on the teachings given by Buddha Shakyamuni at Vultures Peak in India on the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. Nagarjuna composed a commentary on these teachings known as Shastra. It is from these teachings that Chandrakritti composed this great classical explanation on how to enter into the Middle Path.
The text comprises 10 chapters. This 12 month course gives us a unique opportunity to concentrate on the teachings given in Chapter 6. This chapter provides a comprehensive explanation on emptiness, the essential path to gain full enlightenment. Without understanding emptiness one can miss the ultimate view, the Causal Prajnaparamita and Resultant Mantrayana.
This class teaching is suitable for those who have a few years of previous study in Mahayana Buddhism.
Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will teach in traditional style, which will help to enrich your understanding of these vast and profound teachings. He previously taught these teachings at Sakya College, one of the great Tibetan Buddhist Universities in India.
- Richmond
Course: 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas
Term 3: Mondays 26 July to 23 August, 7.30-9.30pm
Term 4: Mondays 13 to 27 September then 18 October to 8 November, 7.30-9.30pm
At: Richmond Community Hall (behind Richmond Neighbourhood Centre), 20 West Market Street, Richmond
Cost: $10 per session or $40 term 3 / $60 term 4
Contact: Wendy (02 4576 1527) or email info@drogmi.org
Khenpo will conduct a course based on the classic text, 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas by Ngulchu Gyalsay Thogme Sangpo. This series of teachings will show us how to develop our compassion and wisdom to help ourselves and others. There will be time set aside in each class for questions and discussion.
You are welcome to attend, and will benefit from, one or all of the classes. If you just want to drop in to check it out - please do!
- Katoomba
Course: Bodhicharyavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva) - Chapter 5
Term 3: Wednesdays 28 July to 25 August, 7.30-9.30pm
Term 4: Wednesdays 15 to 29 September then 20 October to 10 November, 7.30-9.30pm
At: Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre, 6-10 Station Street, Katoomba
Cost: $10 per session or $40 term 3 / $60 term 4
Contact: Gowan (0414 864699) or email info@drogmi.org).
The Way of the Bodhisattva is one of the greatest explanations of the Mahayana teachings of Buddhism, composed by the Great Bodhisattva Shantideva. Chapter 5 focuses on mindfulness. There will be time set aside in each class for questions and discussion.
You are welcome to attend, and will benefit from, one or all of the classes. If you just want to drop in to check it out - please do!
2010 Pilgrimage
Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe will lead a pilgrimage to India, Bhutan and Nepal in November/December 2010. The pilgrimage will be for approximately 3 weeks.
Khenpo has previously lead a number of pilgrimages to India, Nepal and China. According to Buddhist tradition, there are three types of pilgrimage - one where you visit the holy places; one where you visit the holy sites and do practice; and the third and best type where you visit the holy places, do practice and receive teachings. In the company of a teacher such as Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe, it is possible to have the very best of pilgrimages, visiting major holy sites as well as many other worthy places, do both individual and group practice in the holy places, and receive teachings from many great masters.
For more information, please contact Vanessa Howie (email vanhowie@hotmail.com).
