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Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe-la was born at Panchamari, MP, India. At the age of nine, he entered the Sera Monastic Institute and took the vows of monk ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Geshe-la completed his studies and attained his Geshe degree at the highest level of a Lharampa, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. He taught as a lecturer in the Gelug tradition at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. Since 2003, Geshe-la has been the main resident teacher at VI.

VI Pilgrimage 2025

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VI 2025 Pilgrimage: Dalai Lama Birthday Celebrations Dharamsala, India and Highlights of Bhutan

Vajrayana Institute Pilgrimage 2025

8 days – Dalai Lama Birthday Celebrations Dharamsala, India

6 days –
Highlights of Bhutan

Book one leg of the trip or join us for the entire pilgrimage. Use the links below to find out more, and to book your spot. Don’t delay as places are limited.

8 days – Dalai Lama Birthday Celebrations Dharamsala, India

Accompany Geshe Samten to Dharamsala to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday in the main temple at McLeod Ganj.  Dharamsala is a unique part of the world and here we will immerse ourselves further into Tibetan Buddhist religion and culture, visiting the Tibet Museum and the Norbulingka Institute to witness the preservation of Tibetan culture. We’ll also visit Tushita Meditation Centre, an FMPT Centre where Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche frequently visited.

We’ll take a day trip to Tso Pema (Lotus Lake), the holy lake where Guru Rinpoche (see itinerary for Bhutan) is said to have been burned alive in a prye but was found to be sitting on a lotus in the middle of a lake after several days. While at Tso Pema, we’ll visit the 45 metre statue of Guru Rinpoche which overlooks the lake and the caves high above the town.

Learn more and book.

6 days – Highlights of Bhutan

Join Geshe Samten on a Pilgrimage to Bhutan, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan and a way of life in this unique and deeply spiritual nation. You will follow in the footsteps of Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th Century.

On the Pilgrimage you will visit ancient Dzongs (monasteries) amongst spectacular settings in the Paro Valley and Punkakha. You will visit the extraordinary Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), which has become a symbol of Bhutan to the world.

On the Pilgrimage, enjoy the unique cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty of a country where progress is measured by the ‘Gross National Happiness Index’. This Pilgrimage takes in the many highlights of this mesmerising country, with the perfect combination of rural and urban adventure with Buddhism at it’s core.

Learn more and book

When

1-13 July 2025

Where

India and Bhutan

Cost

Dalai Lama Birthday Celebrations Dharamsala, India - AUD $3,190
Highlights of Bhutan USD $1,990 10% discount for Sangha

Puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche

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About the Puja

 
Join us for a special Guru Puja to mark the anniversary of the passing of our precious guru Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Led by Geshe Samten 
 
As Rinpoche himself explained,
“Making offerings on the death anniversary of a guru is an incredible practice in that it brings about the greatest purification of negative karma and collects the most extensive merit.”
 
This puja will be in person only at Vajrayana Institute. 
Picture of Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe-la was born at Panchamari, MP, India. At the age of nine, he entered the Sera Monastic Institute and took the vows of monk ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Geshe-la completed his studies and attained his Geshe degree at the highest level of a Lharampa, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. He taught as a lecturer in the Gelug tradition at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. Since 2003, Geshe-la has been the main resident teacher at VI.

When

Saturday 13th April, 4 pm

Where

In-person at Vajrayana Institute,
9 Victoria Square, Ashfield

Cost

By Donation

Suitable For

Everyone

Watch Live Stream

Saka Dawa with Geshe Samten

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About Saka Dawa

Saka Dawa is the most important Tibetan Buddhist festival day, celebrating Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. Buddhists around the world engage in many auspicious and merit-making activities such as sponsoring or engaging in beneficial pujas, practices, and prayers; and making extensive offerings to teachers, holy objects, and auspicious charitable activities. 

This year we will be celebrating with a special Guru Puja & Light Offering with Geshe Samten.   

Download the Lama Choepa Sadhana here

Download Confession to 35 Buddhas here

Picture of Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe-la was born at Panchamari, MP, India. At the age of nine, he entered the Sera Monastic Institute and took the vows of monk ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Geshe-la completed his studies and attained his Geshe degree at the highest level of a Lharampa, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. He taught as a lecturer in the Gelug tradition at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. Since 2003, Geshe-la has been the main resident teacher at VI.

When

Thursday 23 May
6:30 pm

Where

Vajrayana Institute
9 Victoria Square, Ashfield
& Streamed online via zoom

Cost

By donation

Suitable For

Everyone

Chokhor Duchen: Guru Puja w Geshe Samten

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About Chokhor Duchen

Chokhor Duchen, one of the four annual holy days of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha, takes place this year on August 1. On these holy days, the power of any meritorious action is multiplied by 100 million, as taught in the vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic.

Known in English as “Turning the Wheel of Dharma,” Chokhor Duchen commemorates the anniversary of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s first teaching. It is said that for seven weeks after his enlightenment, the Buddha did not teach. Afterward, Indra and Brahma offered a dharmachakra and a conch shell, and requested Guru Shakyamuni Buddha to teach. Accepting, Guru Shakyamuni Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma for the first time at Sarnath in his teaching on the four noble truths.

Celebrate this special Buddha Day with Guru puja with Geshe Samten.

All welcome. Places are limited! Bring offerings of flowers and fruit.

Download Lama Choepa Practice Book Here

Download Praise to Shakyamuni Here

Download Confession to 35 Buddhas Here

Picture of Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe-la was born at Panchamari, MP, India. At the age of nine, he entered the Sera Monastic Institute and took the vows of monk ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Geshe-la completed his studies and attained his Geshe degree at the highest level of a Lharampa, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. He taught as a lecturer in the Gelug tradition at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. Since 2003, Geshe-la has been the main resident teacher at VI.

When

Wednesday July 10th
6.30 pm

Where

In-person at Vajrayana Institute. 9 Victoria Square, Ashfield

Cost

By Donation

Suitable For

Everyone

Chotrul Duchen: Puja w Geshe Samten

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About Chotrul Duchen

Chotrul Duchen (Day of Miracles) marks the end of the 15 Days of Miracles.

Chotrul Duchen, meaning “Great Day of Miraculous Manifestations”, is one of the four great holy days observed by Tibetan Buddhists, always occurring on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in the Tibetan calendar. During this time, it is believed that the effects of both positive and negative actions are multiplied ten million times.

Join us to celebrate this holy day by reciting the Shakyamuni Buddha Puja (with Tsog offering) 

Advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche for practices to do on merit multiplying days such as Chotrul Duchen can be found here.

All welcome. Offerings of flowers and fruit for puja appreciated

Picture of Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe-la was born at Panchamari, MP, India. At the age of nine, he entered the Sera Monastic Institute and took the vows of monk ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Geshe-la completed his studies and attained his Geshe degree at the highest level of a Lharampa, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. He taught as a lecturer in the Gelug tradition at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. Since 2003, Geshe-la has been the main resident teacher at VI.

When

Saturday February 24th
5 pm

Where

In-person at Vajrayana Institute. 9 Victoria Square, Ashfield

Cost

By Donation

Suitable For

Everyone

Losar (Tibetan New Year) Puja w Geshe Samten

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About Losar

Losar is the Tibetan New Year! Tibetan New Year is the most important festival in Tibet. It is an occasion when Tibetan families reunite and prepare for a better coming year. Known as Losar, the festival starts from 1st to 3rd of the 1st Tibetan month. Specially made offerings are offered to family shrine deities; doors are painted with religious symbols; other painstaking jobs are done to prepare for the event.

Losar is the Tibetan New Year and the first two weeks, in particular, commemorate the time when the Buddha uncharacteristically displayed his power by doing a number of miracles to win over hundreds (if not thousands) of disciples from a teacher who was a non-believer of what the Buddha taught and challenged him to a dual of mystical powers. At the end of the two week period, the Buddha had clearly won the match and as a result all present converted to the practices taught by the Buddha.

The new year spawns a time of increase in virtuous activity amongst Buddhist practitioners. Any actions done during that period of time, for better or worse, are multiplied in their power by virtue of being in alignment or out of alignment with the great deeds the Buddha himself did during this same astrological period over 2,500 years ago. It is a very powerful time to practice and increase one’s commitment to both practice and study as the power of that magical event can be harnessed to assist in our personal evolution towards enlightenment.

On this day we also remember Lama Thubten Yeshe, the precious founder of the FPMT, who passed away in 1984 on the first day of the Tibetan New Year.

Specific advise from Lama Zopa Rinpoche for Losar can be found here

This year we will celebrate with a special Guru Puja with Tsog offering (offerings for sangha and food and fruit offerings for puja are welcome)

Picture of Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe-la was born at Panchamari, MP, India. At the age of nine, he entered the Sera Monastic Institute and took the vows of monk ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Geshe-la completed his studies and attained his Geshe degree at the highest level of a Lharampa, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. He taught as a lecturer in the Gelug tradition at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. Since 2003, Geshe-la has been the main resident teacher at VI.

When

Saturday February 10th
5 pm

Where

In-person at Vajrayana Institute. 9 Victoria Square, Ashfield

Cost

By Donation

Suitable For

Everyone

VI Pilgrimage to Ladakh

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Vajrayana Pilgrimage with Geshe Samten

Join Geshe Samten and students of Vajrayana as we travel deep into the mountains of Ladakh to experience a once in a lifetime visit to the Hemis Festival. The spectacularly isolated mountain geography of this remote Indian province is one of the few remaining strongholds of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. Monasteries adorned with the iconic blue, red and yellow prayer flags dot the steep mountain slopes and crystal-clear rivers flow from glaciers, cascading into the mighty Indus river. A part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, it was only opened to tourists in the mid-70s and since then thousands of people from around the world have thronged to this bastion of Himalayan Buddhism.

The Hemis festival is a uniquely Ladakhi experience, dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) an 8th century Buddhist master who was responsible for spreading Buddhism across the world. This festival of dance and theatre is enacted with elaborate masks, costumes, and adornment. The glorious finale – in a cacophony of instruments, chants and sounds – ends in the unveiling of the monastery’s giant Thankga (Tibetan Buddhist painting).

We will then travel overland to the Spiti Valley, a little visited area with high passes blocked by snow and ice for half the year, and precariously perched Buddhist monasteries on high cliffs. Truly a land that time forgot. Following this we will visit Manali for a short rest before we reach Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama. Here we will immerse ourselves further into Tibetan culture, visiting the Tibetan Children’s Village and the Norbulingka to witness the preservation of Tibetan culture. Along with a visit to the Dalai Lama’s temple, this is a fitting end to our amazing Pilgrimage.

 

Tour Route:
Delhi – Ladakh – Hemis – Keylong – Kaza – Manali – Dharamsala – Delhi

When

25 June - 10 July 2023

Where

INDIA
Delhi‐Ladakh‐Hemis‐Keylong‐Kaza‐Manali‐Dharamsala‐Delhi

Cost

A$ 4350 per person twin share
A$ 1450 single supplement
including A$500 to Vajrayana Institute

Download Full Itinerary

Register Now

Tour Cost:

$4350 per person twin share

$1450 single supplement

Includes

  • Fully accompanied by Geshe Ngawang Samten
  • 15 nights’ accommodation and daily breakfast
  • Internal flights – Delhi to Leh, Dharamsala to Delhi
  • Following transport included:
    Pickup/Drop off from Delhi airport for international flight (within 24 hours of tour starting and ending)
    Pickup, sightseeing and Hemis Festival Tour in Ladakh
    Transport from Ladakh – Keylong – Kaza – Manali – Dharamsala
    Sightseeing in Dharamsala
    Drop off at Dharamsala airport 
  • Transportation in Delhi by Toyota Innova Car or similar
  • Transportation in Leh, Spiti & Dharamsala by AC Toyota Innova/Scorpio
  • Entrance fees to all museums and monuments
  • Local guide in Leh
  • Welcome and Farewell Dinner
  • Services of local English speaking guide from Delhi to Dharamsala
  • Donation to Vajrayana Institute, Sydney

Excludes 

  • Return airfares to India
  • Cost of Indian tourist visa (on arrival)
  • Lunch and dinner (unless otherwise specified)
  • Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs
  • Tipping
  • Donations to monasteries
  • Compulsory insurance of any kind

Optional Extras:

  • Pickup from International airport Delhi (if arriving more than 24 hours before trip)
  • Drop off at International airport Delhi (if departing more than 24 hours after trip)
  • Extra night in Delhi at Hotel Hans or similar – please ask for details

Itinerary

Welcome to India! Upon your arrival at the airport in Delhi, our representative will greet you and escort you to the hotel. After checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the local area and relaxing in the hotel. Our friendly guide and hotel staff will be on hand should you need restaurant recommendations or general provisions.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Delhi – Leh

We will take an early morning flight to Leh, the spectacular capital of Ladakh. Our flight will pass over multiple Himalayan ranges and serves as a fantastic photo opportunity. Leh is framed on all sides by the towering Himalayas, with the mighty Indus River roaring in the valley below. After we land we will take a walking tour of Leh Bazaar, an important stop on trade routes dating as far back as the third century. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to rest and acclimatise.
Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Leh

After breakfast, we will visit Gompa Soma, a Buddhist temple constructed in 1840 at the base of the towering Leh palace. Afterwards, we head to Moti Market, Leh’s old bazaar, for an exploration of its ancient lanes with a rich history that can be traced back to the Asian spice trade. We will eat lunch together followed by free time to rest, explore, or sip traditional Tibetan butter tea at your leisure.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Hemis Festival

Today we will witness the celebrations of the Hemis Festival, which commemorates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava. After an early breakfast we will travel to the Hemis Monastery, the largest and richest monastery in all of Ladakh. At 9am the birthday celebrations of Guru Padmasambhava begin in the courtyard, which quickly fills up with local Ladakhi’s and Buddhist pilgrims. A raised platform with a richly cushioned seat and a finely painted small Tibetan table is placed with the other ceremonial items – cups full of holy water, uncooked rice, incense sticks and tormas made of dough and butter. A number of musicians play traditional music using cymbals, drums, trumpets and wind instruments.

The festival highlight is the gathering of the lamas around the central flagpole to perform the mystic mask dances (Chams) and sacred plays. Dressed in colourful bright brocades with vibrantly decorated and richly adorned paper-mache masks the dancers enact an elaborate combat between good spirits and evil demons to the clatter of drums, cymbals and long horns.

In the afternoon, we will return to Leh for a guided tour of the city, including a visit to the Royal Palace. Constructed in the 17th century, this imposing nine story stone palace is one of the most captivating architectural ruins in the region. Situated in the foothills of the barren landscape, the palace was built as a residence for the King and to mark the reunification of Upper and Lower Ladakh. Above the Royal Palace, on Namgyal Tsemo (Victory Peak), are the ruins of Leh’s earliest royal residence, a fortress type structure built by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Stok Palace, Shey Palace & Thiksey Monastery

After breakfast we will set off to explore Stok Palace, Shey Palace and Thiksey monastery.

Stock Palace is the home of the present-day royal family. The palace and accompanying museum were built in the year 1825, by King Tespal Tondup Namgyal. At present the place has a collection of elaborate royal dresses and crowns which are open for travellers to explore.

Shey Palace was built by Deldan Namgyal at the beginning of the 17th century AD. The main image in the monastery is a three-story statue of Buddha Shakamuni, made of copper gilt which was made by Deldan Namgyal in the memory of his father Singay Namgyal. The statue is the only one of its kind in the region.

Thiksey Gompa belongs to the Gelukspa order of Buddhism and is considered to be the most beautiful of all the monasteries in Ladakh. After our day of sightseeing we will return to Leh in the evening to rest and eat dinner.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Leh to Keylong (9-10 hours drive, approximately 380 km)

This morning we will leave Leh by private car and travel across the high plateau (approximately 9-10  hours’ drive). We will pass through the border town of Sarchu and into the picturesque Lahaul Valley before reaching Keylong, where we will spend the night. This is a once in a life time journey through an amazing lunar-like landscape often referred to ‘Little Tibet’.

Overnight: Hotel, Keylong

Keylong to Kaza(9-10 hours drive, approximately 190 km)

After breakfast we will leave Keylong and travel to Kaza (approximately 9-10 hours’ drive). We will drive to Chatru and enter the Spiti Valley through the spectacular Kunzum Pass (4550 metres). You might be able to spot yaks as they graze peacefully along the banks of the Spiti River. We will follow the valley floor until we reach Kaza, the largest town of the region, and our overnight stop.

Overnight: Hotel, Kaza

Kaza

We will spend the day in Kaza ‐ arranging our permits to travel though the Spiti Valley, acclimatising and visiting the local town. In the afternoon we will travel by car to Ky Monastery. 

The monastery is located on top of a hill at an altitude of 4166 metres above sea level and has the distinction of being the oldest and the biggest in the Lahaul and Spiti district as well as being a religious training centre for monks. It is home to around 300 novice monks who receive their religious education here.

We will then head to the remote town of Kibber at 4270 metres. Soak in the remoteness and beauty of the Spiti Valley. With sweeping views of the mountains on one side and the Spiti Valley on the other, it is great place to relax and to enjoy the view. The Kibber area is also home to the elusive Blue Sheep, and if you keep your eyes peeled on the horizon you may see one of these shy creatures in the distance. In the late afternoon we will drive back to Kaza.

Overnight: Hotel, Kaza

Dhankar Monastery & Tabo Monastery


Today we will visit Dhankar Monastery, perched high above the valley floor and with a rich history.

The monastery was built on a 300m high spur overlooking the Spiti and Pin rivers. It is truly one of the world’s most spectacular settings for a monastery and has many holy stories attached to it.

Following this we will travel to Tabo and visit the
famous 12th century Tabo Monastery, known for its
Buddhist relics. Tabo Monastery was founded by the Tibetan Buddhist translator Rinchen Zangpo and is noted for being the oldest continuously operated Buddhist enclave in both India and the Himalayas. The monastery houses a priceless collection of thankas (scroll paintings), manuscripts, well‐preserved statues, frescos and extensive murals which depict tales from the Buddhist pantheon. The monastery is protected as a national historic treasure of India.

Overnight: Hotel, Kaza

 

 

Kaza to Manali

We will leave Kaza very early in the morning for the drive to Manali. You will pass along the valley floor before gradually rising and crossing the spectacular Rothang Pass (3980m) which offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the world. We will stop at the pass to admire the stunning view, before continuing to Manali and arriving by early afternoon.

The rest of the evening is at your leisure to explore this picturesque town or to take a well-deserved rest.

Overnight: Hotel, Manali

Manali

Today we will spend the day sightseeing in Manali, a quaint town nestled amongst the Himalayas on the banks of the Beas River. Manali offers an exotic charm unlike any other place in India. We will explore old Manali, which has maintained anold-world charm despite modern conveniences such as the many restaurants offering a variety of local and international cuisines. In the afternoon you can relax or visit the local markets and the Manu and Hadimba temples.

Overnight: Hotel, Manali

Manali – Dharamsala

After breakfast we will drive to Dharamsala. On arrival we will check into our hotel before exploring the town of McLeod Ganj with Tibetan shops and culture running through the town. This fascinating and multicultural hill station is universally known as the home of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile.

In the afternoon we will visit the temple of His Holiness, the Namgyel Monastery, where you can turn the giant prayer wheels and observe the monks going about their daily activities. Spend the evening in one of the many international restaurants that dot the town as we admire the beauty of the spectacular Dhauladhar mountain range in the background.

Overnight: Hotel, Dharamsala 

Dharamsala

This morning you might like to enjoy one of the many cafes in the town and have that long awaited espresso coffee, you have earned it! After breakfast we will take a short visit to the picturesque village of Naddi. This peaceful village offers spectacular views of both the Dhauladhar mountain range and the lush Kangra valley. Wandering around Naddi and soaking up the scenery is a perfect way to reflect on thejourney we have taken and the Buddha’s teachings.

On our way back to McLeod Ganj we will visit the Tibetan Children’s village (opening hours permitting), which provides care and education for Tibetan children living in exile.The village is a thriving educational community for Tibetan children living in exile. We will return to McLeod Ganj to spend some more time at the temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Museum, absorbing Tibetan culture as we explore.

Overnight: Hotel, Dharamsala

Norbulingka Institute

After lunch you will visit the Norbulingka Institute, which works to preserve traditional Tibetan culture and art forms. The visit will include a guided tour of the workshops, where you can meet the artisans as they work. Before heading back to McLeod Ganj, you will be able to visit the Gyoto Monastery, a secluded and peaceful haven specialising in the study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy.

Overnight: Hotel, Dharamsala 

Dharamsala – Delhi

Today we will fly back to Delhi. Enjoy your last day sightseeing or shopping in Delhi. As an optional extra you can visit the National Museum which houses the Sacred Relics of Buddha (5th-4th century BC) which were discovered in Uttar Pradesh (a state of India). The relics are outstanding specimens of Buddhist Art and are illustrated through exhibits in a variety of materials and forms from the three principal Buddhist forms – Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

We will transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home or further travel in India.

Chokhor Duchen: Guru Puja w Geshe Samten

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About Chokhor Duchen

Chokhor Duchen, one of the four annual holy days of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha, takes place this year on August 1. On these holy days, the power of any meritorious action is multiplied by 100 million, as taught in the vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic.

Known in English as “Turning the Wheel of Dharma,” Chokhor Duchen commemorates the anniversary of Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s first teaching. It is said that for seven weeks after his enlightenment, the Buddha did not teach. Afterward, Indra and Brahma offered a dharmachakra and a conch shell, and requested Guru Shakyamuni Buddha to teach. Accepting, Guru Shakyamuni Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma for the first time at Sarnath in his teaching on the four noble truths.

Celebrate this special Buddha Day with Guru puja with Geshe Samten.

All welcome. Places are limited! Bring offerings of flowers and fruit.

Download Lama Choepa Practice Book Here

Download Praise to Shakyamuni Here

Download Confession to 35 Buddhas Here

Picture of Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe-la was born at Panchamari, MP, India. At the age of nine, he entered the Sera Monastic Institute and took the vows of monk ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Geshe-la completed his studies and attained his Geshe degree at the highest level of a Lharampa, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. He taught as a lecturer in the Gelug tradition at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. Since 2003, Geshe-la has been the main resident teacher at VI.

When

Monday August 1st
6.30pm

Where

In-person at Vajrayana Institute. 9 Victoria Square, Ashfield

Cost

By Donation

Suitable For

Everyone

Lhabab Duchen: Guru Puja w Geshe Samten

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About Lhabab Duchen

Lhabab Duchen celebrates Guru Shakyamuni Buddha’s return to Earth from the God Realm of the Thirty-Three after teaching Dharma for several months to the gods, including his mother, Mayadevi, who had died a week after Buddha’s birth and been reborn there. As a merit multiplying day, the karmic results of actions done on this day are multiplied 100 million times. This amazing result is sourced by Lama Zopa Rinpoche to the vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic.

Celebrate this special Buddha Day with Guru puja with Geshe Samten.

All welcome. Places are limited! Bring offerings of flowers and fruit.

 

Picture of Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe-la was born at Panchamari, MP, India. At the age of nine, he entered the Sera Monastic Institute and took the vows of monk ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Geshe-la completed his studies and attained his Geshe degree at the highest level of a Lharampa, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. He taught as a lecturer in the Gelug tradition at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. Since 2003, Geshe-la has been the main resident teacher at VI.

When

Friday November 22nd
6.30pm

Where

In-person at Vajrayana Institute. 9 Victoria Square, Ashfield

Cost

By Donation

Suitable For

Everyone

Tantric Grounds & Paths

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About the Teaching

Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra, In brief, the Buddhahood achieved over countless aeons you will attain in this birth through the most excellent bliss or the state of Vajradhara. Samputa Tantra Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra offers a concise overview of the structure of the Tantric path, widely acclaimed in Tibet as the swiftest and most sublime means to realize Buddhahood. Tantra distinguishes itself in particular through a unique combination of method and wisdom, achieved through meditation on the perfect form of a buddha as completely devoid of true existence. Presenting the paths of all four classes of tantra, while not being a guide to Highest Yoga Tantra practice itself, this subject provides a clear overview of its complex path structure.

The text for this subject will be “An Excellent Explanation of the Principles of the Grounds and Paths of Mantra According to the Arya Tradition of Glorious Guhyasamaja” composed by Yangchen Gawai Lodoe.

You can purchase the text here

Download the prayers here

Picture of Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe Ngawang Samten

Geshe-la was born at Panchamari, MP, India. At the age of nine, he entered the Sera Monastic Institute and took the vows of monk ordination with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Geshe-la completed his studies and attained his Geshe degree at the highest level of a Lharampa, the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy. He taught as a lecturer in the Gelug tradition at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath. Since 2003, Geshe-la has been the main resident teacher at VI.
Register for 2024 Classes

When

Thursdays 7 pm - 9 pm
(Discussion Group 6pm)
Classes resume August 1st

Where

Live Stream Online

Cost

By Donation
(Suggested: $15 per class)

Suitable For

This is an advanced level course on Buddhist philosophy and suitable for those with Highest Yoga Tantra initiation only.

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Vajrayana Institute is a Buddhist Centre located in Ashfield, NSW Australia. Vajrayana Institute is a non-profit incorporated association that is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), a grouping of over 150 meditation centres worldwide. 

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Vajrayana Institute acknowledge the Gadigal and Wangal peoples of the Eora nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our centre sits. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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