Guests of Honour

Venerable Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe

Venerable Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe has been a monk for well over 30 years. He is highly respected in Australia and internationally for his profound knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism and the clarity of his teachings. He is the most highly qualified Tibetan Buddhist Sakya Lama resident in Australia. Khenpo graduated from Sakya College in Dehra Dun in Northern India with the degree of Loppon, equivalent to a PhD, and subsequently lectured there. In 1994 His Holiness the Sakya Trizin appointed him as resident teacher at Sakya Tharpa Ling in Sydney following the passing of the 14th Gyalsay Rinpoche, who first established the Centre in 1988. In 2002, His Holiness the Sakya Trizin bestowed on him the title of Khenpo, or Abbot, in recognition of his teaching ability. The title ‘Khenpo’ is the equivalent of professor, and is only given to very accomplished Buddhist teachers. Having been resident teacher at Sakya Tharpa Ling for 12 years, Khenpo is now responsible for Drogmi Retreat Centre in East Kurrajong where his big project is building the first Tibetan style temple in New South Wales. The first major event at this temple will be the Lam Dre teachings by His Holiness Sakya Trizin. Khenpo has a well earned reputation for not only understanding the problems faced by westerners, but also the ability to provide practical insights and inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Buddha’s teachings that are relevant to everyone today, no matter what their faith.

Venerable Chao Khun Samai

Venerable Chao Khun Samai (Chief Abbot Phra Rajsilaporn) was born in Laos in 1943. After migrating to Bangkok, he was ordained as a novice in 1957 and his full ordination took place in June 1963. During his time as a young novice and a young monk, he completed his Dhamma studies at the advance level and Pali Language at level 5. Before being admitted to study at the University level, he took another three years to do the secular studies. He graduated from Mahamakut University in 1972. After taking a one-year course of training for Buddhist Missionary overseas, he, together with the most senior meditation teacher, Acharn Boonyarith were sent to Sydney to look after the newly established Buddhist center in 1974. As a reward for his long good service to the Buddhist Community in Australia, Ven. Chao Khun Samai has been given the new titles three times for the last 32 years; first, as Phra Khu Sukhumapirak in 1983, second, as Phra Vibunsilaporn in 1992 and third, as Phra Rajsilaporn in 2005. Each time, as a tradition, the new title has been conferred upon him by the King of Thailand on his birthday, the 5th of December. Moreover, Mahamakut University has conferred upon him PhD Honorary Degree in May 2003 in acknowledging his long service in spreading Buddhism. Ven. Chao Khun Samai had assumed the position as a leader of Dhammayutta Sangha in 1998 soon after the departure of Ven. Chao Khun Thepyana Kavee to Bangkok. Now he currently serves as a spiritual advisor to the Dhammayutta Sangha Council.