‘The Wisdom Age’

Newsletter of Drogmi Buddhist Institute

A Tibetan Buddhist Centre in the Sakya Tradition

Issue 21
March & April 2015 ༄། །རྒྱལ་ལོ ༢༡༤༢ ཤིང་མོ་ལུག་ལོའི་ལོ་གསར་ལ་བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས།
HAPPY LOSAR TO EVERYONE!
Wood Sheep Year 2142
CONTENTS Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe and Lama
Kalsang offered auspicious rice and
other offerings to the shrine in a very
traditional ceremony for Losar. Then
conducted a Sixteen Arhat Puja for the
Pages 1,2,3,4 & 5 long and healthy life for all the
His Eminence Kyabje Gurus, and for the benefit of all sentient
Luding Khen Rinpoche’s beings. May all Dharma practitioners
Australian Tour progress along the path, and all beings
gain a state of great happiness and joy.

Rejoice!!! It truly was a wonderful

three days of teachings from His
Eminence on the Vajrayogini short
Page 6 sadhana. His Eminence also spent time
Chötrul Düchen answering many questions from
Saga Dawa Program students and giving detailed
explanations on Vajrayogini Retreat.
At the conclusion of the program, a
mandala offering was made by the joint
organisers of this part of His Eminence’s
Page 7 program, Aenpo Rinpoche from
2015 Workshops, Kyegu Buddhist Institute and Khenpo
Fundraisers and Ngawang Dhamchoe from Drogmi
Upcoming Retreats at Buddhist Institute.
DBI
How completely fortunate we are to
have such a generous and
compassionate Vajrayana master visiting
Australia.
Page 8
Shedra Program & Continued on pages 2,3,4 & 5.
International/National
Teaching Dates & Places

Page 9
Khenpo la Shares His
Time at Home in Nepal

E: info@drogmi.org
T: +61(02)8005 1757
www.drogmi.org
 H. E. continues His Tour to Sakya Losal Choe Dzong, Canberra ACT
His Eminence was invited to
various Buddhist Temples
His Eminence had a wonderful visit to Melbourne
hosted by both centres:
Nalandra - Australian International Vajrayana Buddhist Institute
& Sakya Choekhor Lhunpo Centre in South Melbourne & Warragul
bestowing empowerments.
2 Drogmi Buddhist Institute www.drogmi.org www.facebook.com/DrogmiBuddhistInstitute info@drogmi.org (02) 8005 1757
Mahakala must be happy. The mission is accomplished.
Nalandra was graced by His Eminence’s visit, blessings and
spiritual advice to everyone. He stole our hearts by his
unpretentious effort and filled the room with the incense
of His charm.
Refuge takers are fortunate for the day coincided with
double earth. Thank you to Venerable Khenpo Dhamchoe
and Drogmi Buddhist Institute for bringing and organising
the Australian tour of His Eminence.
2015 started by, standing next to a noble Man, thank you.
An excerpt from His Eminence Zimwock Tulku Rinpoche
 Pictured above after a wonderful programme at Kyegu
Buddhist Institute are His Eminence Kyabje Luding Khen
Rinpoche, His Eminence Aenpo Rinpoche, Khenpo Ngawang
Dhamchoe, Tour entourage and ordained sangha. His
Eminence commenced the program at KBI by conducting the
Refuge Vow Ceremony and bestowing the Three
Longevity Buddhas Empowerment. As well as bestowing the
Yellow Dzambala Empowerment.

Following this His Eminence had a full program at Sakya

Tharpa Ling Strathfield, Sydney (photos below).

Pictured far below Mandala Offerings made to His Eminence

and continued teachings on Vajrapani Bhutadamara at DBI.

His Eminence, Khenpo la and His Eminence Zimwock Rinpoche

enjoying a day out at Portsea surf Beach, near Melbourne.

Sakya Yigah Choeling Buddhist Centre in

Whyalla, South Australia

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 Committee Corner News Vajrayogini Short Sadhana
White Mahakala Empowerment
The Committee would like to extend a most Three Day Retreat at DBI
heartfelt thank you to His Eminence Kyabje
Luding Khen Rinpoche for visiting and leading a
very successful program of teachings and
empowerments around the country, completed
with a powerful Black Mahakala Puja at Drogmi
Buddhist Institute. The overwhelming feeling
from all who have attended the program, was
His Eminence’s great sense of warmth and
kindness, mixed with a deep responsibility to
His most precious and authentic lineage. Even
faced with a health issue, His Eminence was
driven with the strong wish to continue the Above: His Eminence preparing for the His Eminence bestowed the final
program to reach and benefit as many people Vajrayogini Blessing Empowerment on this Australian tour
as possible. Many people from around
Australia were availed of the opportunity to
take teaching and empowerments from His
Eminence, and they did so in large numbers.
His Eminence leaves Australia in very good
health.

We extend on behalf of all who attended His

Eminence’s program, a deep appreciation to
our centre spiritual director, Khenpo Ngawang
Dhamchoe, for having such a selfless and
At the end of the
generous attitude by inviting His Eminence to
empowerment His
Australia. Khenpo la managed the organising of
Eminence offered
the visit with a great sense of detail and
Khenpo la and
consideration for His Eminence’s comfort and
centre members a
well being. We also thank all those who helped
beautiful gold
around the country to host His Eminence, and
thangka of the
for those who missed this opportunity to do so,
three deities and
we anticipate with great hope that His
so kindly offered
Eminence will accept Khenpo la’s invitation to
to send 24 sets of
visit again soon.
dorje and bell.
Khenpo la is now visiting His family in Nepal and
will return to Australia in early April, to begin a
very busy year. The committee encourages all
members and friends to attend the program
events at the centre. To have a teacher of
Khenpo la’s qualities here amongst us is such a
great opportunity to learn about the precious
Dharma and deepen our positive qualities.

This year the committee has the great fortune

to be tasked with establishing a permanent
home for Khenpo la and Drogmi Buddhist
His Eminence thanked Khenpo la and all
Institute. In the coming weeks the committee
will be updating members and friends on thethe Sakya centres for hosting the visit.
Khenpo la gave a beautiful speech,
progression of this goal. We encourage all of
stressing how fortunate we have been
you to be a part of this very significant time in
to have the opportunity to even see a
supporting our teachers to continue turning the
wheel of Dharma in Australia. master such as His Eminence, and then
to receive teachings and
empowerments we are all most blessed.
Khenpo la requested His Eminence to
return to Australia as soon as possible,
to continue to turn the wheel of
Dharma, especially in Sakya Centres His
Eminence was unable to attend this visit
due to His health. A thank you also to
Lama Tsering for all he has done in
supporting His Eminence on the tour
and Lama Tsejab as the shrine master.
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 Black Mahakala All Day Puja / Tsog

Black Mahakala Puja was the final event on His Eminence’s formal
program in Australia. Many people attended, and offerings were
made from people around the world and the country. His
Eminence lead an elaborate puja, and a great feeling of abundance
of giving was experienced by everyone who attended.

His Eminence Kyabje Luding Khen Rinpoche departed

Australia on 4 March, to return home to India. He was
accompanied by Lama Tsering.

Thank you Your Eminence on behalf of Khenpo Ngawang

Dhamchoe and the committee of Drogmi Buddhist Institute for
all your tireless work in helping all sentient beings to overcome
their sufferings, and in particular in conducting such a busy and
special program of teachings and empowerments here in
Australia.

We all strongly wish to receive the precious Dharma from you

in the future. May you stay very well, continue to have great
health and have a very very long life.

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 Chötrul Düchen Saga Dawa Program at DBI IMPORTANT NOTE
5 March Wesak begins on 19 May
Room For Rent At DBI
Available Now!!!

Do you know anyone who would like

the experience of living at a
Dharma centre?
Information below to
pass the word...

Chötrul Düchen, also known as Chonga

Choepa or the Butter Lamp Festival, is one of
the four Buddhist festivals commemorating
four events in the life of the Buddha,
according to Tibetan traditions.

Chötrul Düchen closely follows Losar, the

Tibetan New Year. It takes place on the Saga Dawa: 7:30pm Tuesday 19 May
fifteenth day of the first month in the Light offerings and Vajrasattva Practice
Tibetan calendar during the full moon, which Saga Dawa Düchen: 7:30pm Monday 25
is called Bumgyur Dawa. The first fifteen May
days of the year celebrate the fifteen days Light offerings and Buddha Shakyamuni
during which the historical Buddha displayed Practice
miracles for his disciples so as to
increase their devotion. Saga Dawa: 7:30pm Monday 15 June to
Chotrul Duchen, meaning "Great Day of 7:30pm Tuesday 16 June
Miraculous Manifestations", is one of the 24 hour mantra marathon:
four great holy days observed by Tibetan Compassion, Healing and Purification
Buddhists. During this time, it is believed
that the effects of both positive and negative During Saga Dawa you can sponsor light
actions are multiplied ten million times. offerings, each day:
$20 for 100 candles at www.drogmi.org
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.

A few more photos of the most precious visit from our Guru
His Eminence Kyabe Luding Khen Rinpoche. Loppon Ngawang Lodoe from KBI
& the conclusion / offerings of the three day Vajrayogini Retreat & Tsog

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 2015 Workshops, Fundraisers & Beginning of the Year Retreats Held at Drogmi Buddhist Institute

7 Drogmi Buddhist Institute www.drogmi.org www.facebook.com/DrogmiBuddhistInstitute info@drogmi.org (02) 8005 1757

 SHEDRA PROGRAM NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL TEACHING DATES 2015
with KHENPO NGAWANG DHAMCHOE
Term 1
10 - 12 April Nyima Tashi Kagyu Buddhist Centre, Auckland NZ
Richmond: Monday nights 7:30 - 9pm Contact: Ani Jangchub T: +64 9 376 6113
13 April - 4 May E: nyimatashi.nz@gmail.com
Topic: Meditation / Introduction, Loving
Kindness, Compassion, Shamatha 17 - 19 April Dharmachakra Gompa, Gympie Qld
Contact: Rob Assink T: 0427 540 694 E: assink1@optusnet.com.au
Lawson: Wednesday nights 7:00 - 8:30pm
15 April - 6 May 25 - 26 April DBI Croydon Sydney / Shamatha & Mindfulness Retreat
Topic: Meditation / Introduction, Loving Contact: E: info@drogmi.org
Kindness, Compassion, Shamatha
1 - 3 May Khacho Yulo Ling Buddhist Centre, Cairns Qld
Sydney: Thursday nights 7:30 - 9:30pm Contact: Ani Rinchen T: 07 4041 5556 E: info@yuloling.com
16 April - 7 May
10 - 12 July Forster NSW
Topic: Recollecting the Triple Gem
Contact: Peter E: pandjmorgan@ozemail.com.au or
Jule E: julekwood
Term 2
17 - 23 July Uluru Retreat NT
Richmond: 6 - 13 July then 27 July - 3 August Contact: Drogmi Buddhist Institute E: info@drogmi.org
Topic: Mind Training - 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva
25 July Randwick Yoga Space, Sydney NSW
Lawson: 8 - 15 July then 29 July - 5 August Contact: Hollie E: holster101@hotmail.com
Topic: Mind Training - 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva
31 July - 2 August Manjushri Buddhist Centre, Milton NSW
Sydney: 9 - 16 July then 30 July - 6 August Contact: Lael E: gyanchitta@internode.on.net
Topic: Precious Garland by Nagarjuna
7 - 17 August Nyima Tashi Kagyu Buddhist Centre, Auckland NZ
Term 3 Contact: Ani Jangchub T: +64 9 376 6113
E: nyimatashi.nz@gmail.com
Richmond: 24 August - 21 September Christchurch NZ
Topic: Mind Training - 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva Contact: Frank Sharpe E: slovakiwi@yahoo.com
Lawson: 26 August - 23 September 28 - 30 August Rongton Buddhist Centre, Brisbane Qld
Topic: Mind Training - 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva Contact: Venerable Tsultim T: 0439 992 312
E: rongtonbrisbane@gmail.com
Sydney: 27 August - 1 October
Topic: Precious Garland by Nagarjuna 4 - 6 September Sakya Choebar Lhunpo, Melbourne Vic
Contact: Penny T: 0439 877 104
Term 4 11 - 13 September Dharmachakra Gompa, Gympie Qld
Richmond: 19 October - 30 November Contact: Rob T: 0427 540 694 E: assink1@optusnet.com.au
Topic: Mind Training - 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva
25 - 27 September Khacho Yulo Ling Buddhist Centre, Cairns QLd
Lawson: 21 October - 2 December Contact: Ani Rinchen T: 07 4041 5556 E: info@yuloling.com
Topic: Mind Training - 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva 2 - 10 October Drogmi Buddhist Institute, held at Upper Colo NSW
Sydney: 22 October to 3 December Contact: E: info@drogmi.org
Topic: Precious Garland by Nagarjuna 16 - 18 October Alice Springs, NT
Contact: Zara Kaye E: kayezara@yahoo.com.au
Venues:
Richmond: 23 - 25 October Dubbo, NSW
Richmond Community Hall Contact: Diedre Niar E: diedre.niar@bigpond.com
20 West Market Street Richmond
30 October - 1 November Samadhi Buddhist Centre, Bermagui NSW
Lawson: Contact: Annie Ray E: annieray77@hotmail.com
Lawson Library Building
20 - 22 November Dharmachakra Gompa, Gympie Qld
Crn. San Jose and Loftus Streets Lawson
Contact: Rob T: 0427 540 694 E: assink1@optusnet.com.au
Sydney: 28 November Richmond Workshop, Richmond NSW
Drogmi Buddhist Institute Contact: Drogmi Buddhist Institute E: info@drogmi.org
25 Dalmar Street Croydon, Sydney
4 - 6 December Sakya Choekhor Lhunpo, Melbourne Vic
Costs and further information please contact us: Contact: Penny T: 0439 887 104
info@drogmi.org or refer to our website.
12 December Randwick Yoga Space, Sydney NSW
www.drogmi.org
Contact: Hollie E: holster101@hotmail.com

8 Drogmi Buddhist Institute www.drogmi.org www.facebook.com/DrogmiBuddhistInstitute info@drogmi.org (02) 8005 1757

 Khenpo la and His Family in Nepal
Losar Wood Sheep Year 2142
Maratika is the site of immortality, one of the six supreme
pilgrimage sites in the world. It is the place where the great
master, the second Buddha Padmasambhava and Dakini
Mandarava obtained the realisation of immortal life.
Maratika was also blessed by the family of the three
protectors: Manjushri, Vajrapani and Avalokitesavara.

May all Dharma practitioners have a long healthy life for

much success in their Dharma Practices.

May all beings have a wisdom and compassion in their lives.

Hello from Kathmandu, Nepal.

Wishing dear friends a very
happy Losar and New Year to
everyone. I am having a great
time with my most kind parents
and family. We have raised
prayer flags and sang offerings.
The prayer flag tradition has a
long continuous history dating
back to ancient Tibet. The
tradition has now reached the
West.
The Tibetan word for prayer flag is Dar Cho. “Dar” means to
increase life, fortune, health and wealth. “Cho” means all
sentient beings. Prayer flags are simple devices that,
coupled with the natural energy of the wind, quietly
harmonise the environment, impartially increasing
happiness and good fortune among all living beings.
May all beings be peace and happiness.
Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe

On a Short Pilgrimage With Khenpo la & His Family

I went on a short pilgrimage to the Sacred Maratika Cave in Eastern

Nepal with my parents and family. I did prayers for all beings in
general and Dharma friends in particular to have an immortal and
excellent healthy life for all Dharma practitioners.

9 Drogmi Buddhist Institute www.drogmi.org www.facebook.com/DrogmiBuddhistInstitute info@drogmi.org (02) 8005 1757