Teachers
To practice Buddhism we need guidance and inspiration. We cooperate in bringing Ven. Lama Assi and other highly regarded Buddhist teachers to Christchurch to give individual, group and public teachings, lead retreats and other activities. Regular contact with authentic teachers ensures our intentions and actions as a group and as individuals remain true to the essence of the Buddha's teachings.
Venerable Lama Assi is a fully ordained monk and highly accomplished teacher (Lama) of Vajrayana Buddhism with 40 years experience in guiding students on the path to enlightenment. In 1968 Ven. Lama Assi completed the traditional 3 year, 3 month, 3 week retreat under the guidance of the senior meditation master of the Kagyu Lineage, His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche. Since then Ven. Lama Assi has devoted himself to the practice of Buddhism and the welfare of others.
Ven. Lama Assi visits New Zealand annually, spending most of his time in Christchurch and Nelson. When in Nepal he resides at Tegchen Lekshey Ling, a Buddhist nunnery in Bodhnath Kathmandu. He is responsible for the smooth running of the nunnery and the well-being of the residents and guides the practitioners in retreat.
We feel blessed to have found a teacher of such calibre to lead us on a valid, tested path towards ultimate liberation.
We are committed to bringing other respected Buddhist teachers to Christchurch. We plan to host Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche in September 2008. We have hosted Ven. Lama Pasang from Karma Choeling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Auckland, and plan to host him again in future.