Dharma & Practice
Dharma is not only something we learn.
It is something we practise.
These are the ways people study and practise at KCNZ — teachings and meditation, ceremonies and empowerments, preliminary and main practices, retreats and the texts that support them. What follows is introductory. Detailed instruction is given in person by authorised teachers.
Teachings
Authentic teachings and guidance from qualified Buddhist masters and teachers.
- What it is
- Talks and explanations of the Buddha's teachings — how the mind works, how suffering arises, and how wisdom and compassion can be cultivated. Teachings range from broad introductions to explanations of specific texts and practices.
- Who it is for
- Everyone. No background in Buddhism is needed to attend an introductory teaching, and experienced practitioners are equally welcome.
- How to take part
- Teachings are held during visits by His Eminence and visiting teachers, and at Centre gatherings. Check the Events page or join as a member to be notified.
Meditation
Opportunities for individual and group meditation and spiritual practice.
- What it is
- Meditation is training the mind to rest, to see clearly, and to become familiar with calm and kindness. In the Buddhist tradition it is learned gradually, with guidance.
- Who it is for
- Anyone who would like to begin or deepen a meditation practice. Beginners are always welcome.
- How to take part
- Group sessions are held at Centre gatherings and during teaching programmes. If you are new, arrive a little early and let us know — someone will help you settle in.
Dharma Study
Study programmes, texts, practice materials and educational resources.
- What it is
- Structured study of Buddhist texts and topics, supported by reading, discussion and reflection. Study complements practice; the two support each other.
- Who it is for
- Members and friends who would like to understand the teachings more thoroughly, at any level.
- How to take part
- Study opportunities and materials are shared through the Centre. See Resources, or contact us to ask what is currently running.
Ngöndro — Preliminary Practices
The foundational practices that prepare the mind for the main practices of the tradition.
- What it is
- Ngöndro (“that which goes before”) is a set of preliminary practices — reflections and repeated practices that build a stable foundation of understanding, purification and devotion.
- Who it is for
- Those who have received teachings on ngöndro from an authorised teacher and wish to undertake it.
- How to take part
- Guidance on beginning ngöndro is given by qualified teachers. Speak with us if you would like to learn more.
Ngöndro — Tibetan for the preliminary or foundational practices undertaken before the main practices of a tradition.
Main Practices
The central meditation and recitation practices of the lineage, undertaken with instruction.
- What it is
- The principal practices transmitted within the tradition, taken up after the preliminaries and with the appropriate teachings and empowerments.
- Who it is for
- Practitioners who have received the necessary teachings and empowerments from an authorised teacher.
- How to take part
- These practices are entered into under the guidance of a qualified teacher. Please speak with us.
Empowerments & Blessings
Respectful participation in formally offered empowerments, blessings and transmissions.
- What it is
- An empowerment (Tibetan: wang) is a ceremony through which a qualified teacher formally introduces students to a practice. A blessing is offered more widely and does not carry the same commitment.
- Who it is for
- Blessings are generally open to all. Empowerments may carry traditional guidance on participation, which is shared before each ceremony.
- How to take part
- Empowerments and blessings are offered during visits by His Eminence. If you are new and unsure whether to attend, please ask us — you are welcome to.
Wang (empowerment) — A formal ceremony that authorises and introduces a student to a particular meditation practice.
Ceremonies
Traditional Buddhist practices and ceremonies, including Drubchen and Rimdo.
- What it is
- Communal practices performed for purification, wellbeing and the benefit of all beings. They may last a single day or continue over many days.
- Who it is for
- Members and friends of the Centre, and the wider community, according to the nature of each ceremony.
- How to take part
- Ceremonies are scheduled around teaching visits and the Centre's practice calendar. See Events for what is coming up.
Drubchen — A “great accomplishment” ceremony: an intensive group practice held continuously over several days.
Rimdo — A ritual practice performed to remove obstacles and support wellbeing.
Retreats
Dedicated time set apart for sustained practice, individually or in a group.
- What it is
- A retreat is a period — from a day to much longer — given over to practice, with reduced distraction and a simple routine.
- Who it is for
- Practitioners at all levels; some retreats are for beginners, others assume prior teachings.
- How to take part
- Retreat opportunities are announced through the Centre. Contact us to register your interest.
Prayer & Practice Materials
Texts, prayer booklets and practice materials for members and practitioners.
- What it is
- Printed and digital materials that support daily practice and participation in ceremonies — prayers, sadhanas and readings.
- Who it is for
- Members and practitioners. Some materials are restricted to those who have received the relevant teachings.
- How to take part
- Available through the Centre and, where appropriate, from the Resources page.