His Holiness Sakya Trizin has agreed to return to bestow the most revered treasure teachings of the lineage, the precious Sakya Lamdre at SIBA Retreat Centre. During the 7 nights that His Holiness spent at SIBA recently, He repeatedly remarked how impressed He was with the efforts of Lama Choedak Rinpoche and his devoted students here in Australia and particularly with the facilities at SIBA Retreat Centre. During a special audience with the SLCD committee while at SIBA, Lama Choedak Rinpoche formally requested His Holiness to return in the future and conduct the Lamdre teaching and His Holiness did not have any hesitation in giving His consent. He said that He has a number of international commitments in the future and that a date would be established and announced sometime. If you would like to register your interest to attend this very special event please contact us so that we can keep you informed. You will also find Lama Choedak Rinpoche's book LAMDRE - Dawn of Enlightenment indispensible preparation for a clearer understanding of the practice of receiving higher initiations.

Original Virtue provides a clear guide to essential Tibetan Buddhist practices based upon the teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist scholar Sakya Pandita contained in the 13th century text, Illuminating the Sage's Intent. The main theme of the book is the cultivation of Bodhicitta, that is, the altruistic intention to gain full enlightenment in order to benefit all sentient beings. This may be achieved through taking refuge in the Triple Gem, developing loving kindness and compassion and practising the six virtues of generosity, morality, patience, diligence, meditation and wisdom. It is a luminous and succinct teaching which is invaluable to our spiritual development. Keep an eye on the website for the official book launch in Canberra which will be announced soon.

“OUR PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED!” The Golden House seemed to glow in the afternoon sunlight of a perfect winter’s day as if we were in a pure realm when, on Monday 29 July at 4.30 p.m., 200 people lined up with silk kata scarves outstretched to welcome the arrival of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin for the first time to SIBA. It truly seemed miraculous and a dream to witness His Holiness, the living embodiment of Bodhisattva Manjushri, step out of car to be gracefully received by Lama Choedak Rinpoche. SIBA was nearly three years old and to all those who have chanted His Long-life Prayer every day it felt like our prayers had been answered!