Chandrakirti Meditation Centre

Turning Life’s Challenges into Wisdom: 2-day retreat with Geshela
2025-09-19 09:30 - 2025-09-20 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Join us for our 2-day retreat with Geshela – Turning Life’s Challenges into Wisdom
Topic: 7 Point Thought Transformation
Discover the power of 7 Point Mind Training—an ancient practice for reducing stress, transforming challenges, and creating more harmony with yourself and others. Open to all levels, this weekend retreat offers practical tools to bring peace and resilience into daily life.
Friday, September 19th – Saturday, September 20th (from 9.30am – 5.00pm, per day)
Cost: $80.00 per day, or $160.00 for the whole course (includes lunch & refreshments)
To register please email meditate@chadrakirti.co.nz

✨ Welcoming Ceremony for H.E. Jhado Rinpoche ✨
2025-09-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
✨ Welcoming Ceremony for H.E. Jhado Rinpoche ✨📅 Thursday, 25th September🕡 6:30pm📍 Nalanda Hall, Chandrakirti Meditation Centre
Join us as we warmly welcome Rinpoche to Chandrakirti.This is a public event – all are most welcome to attend.
📧 Please email us – meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz – to register so we can prepare accordingly.

✨ Blessing of Wishfulfilling Land with H.E. Jhado Rinpoche ✨
2025-10-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Wishfulfilling Land, New Zealand
✨ Blessing of Wishfulfilling Land with H.E. Jhado Rinpoche ✨📅 Wednesday, 1st October🕙 10:00am📍 Wishfulfilling Land – 15 mins from Chandrakirti Centre
This is a special public event – all are warmly welcome.It is highly recommended to join this precious occasion with Rinpoche.
Email us for more info/to register: meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

✨ Consecration of the Prayer Wheel with H.E. Jhado Rinpoche ✨
2025-10-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
✨ Consecration of the Prayer Wheel with H.E. Jhado Rinpoche ✨📅 Thursday, 2nd October🕙 10:00am (followed by complimentary lunch)📍 Chandrakirti Meditation Centre
All are warmly welcome to join this very special blessing.🙏 Followed by a complimentary lunch.
📧 Please email us – meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz – to register so we can let our kitchen team know.

H.E. Jhado Rinpoche visiting Chandrakirti Centre
2025-10-03 - 2025-10-15 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
KYABJE KHENSUR JHADO RINPOCHE’S VISIT to Nelson
Teachings and Initiations at Chandrakirti Meditation Centre from October 3rd to October 15th 2025.
Chandrakirti Meditation Centre is extremely honoured to host the visit of His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche in October 2025. Rinpoche, who is considered by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lama Zopa Rinpoche to be among the most valuable Dharma teachers, will confer the Initiations of most Secret Hayagriva, Chittamani Tara (Highest Yoga Tantra) with a week-long commentary and transmission, and the Long life Initiation of Lama Tsong Khapa.
​As a preliminary for these initiations, Rinpoche will give a public teaching on the profound Lam Rim text of Lama Tsongkhapa, The Foundation of All Good Qualities on Friday October 3rd is offered over 2 sessions (see timetable below) in Chandrakirti Centre’s Nalanda Hall.
Retreat Schedule & Meals – H.E Jhado Rinpoche
Please book your meals in advance – please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz – This is very helpful for our Kitchen Team for catering purposes.
Meals are $15.00 each.
Thursday, 2nd October:

10.00am: Consecrate the newly constructed Large Prayer Wheel at Chandrakirti Centre.
** Complimentary Lunch available **Friday, 3rd October: Public Teaching, ‘Foundation of All Good Qualities’
Session 1: 3pm to 5pm
Session 2: 6pm to 8pm
Meals available: Dinner
Saturday, 4th October: Most Secret Hayagriva Initiation
Initiation: 1.30pm to 5.30pm
Meals available: Dinner
Sunday, 5th October: Transmission of Most Secret Hayagriva
Session 1: 10am to 12noon
Session 2: 2pm to 4pm
Meals available: LunchMonday, 6th October: Rest Day
Tuesday, 7th October: Chittamani Tara Initiation
Initiation: 1.30 to 5.30 pm
Meals available: Dinner
(Note must have received at least one highest yoga tantra great initiation before receiving this initiation. However if you take the Hayagriva initiation offered here this allows you to take part in the Chittamani Tara.) There will also be a commitment of reciting the sadhana daily.
Wednesday, 8th October – Tuesday, 14th October: Transmission and Commentary to Chittamani Tara
Session 1: 9am to 12noon
Session 2: 2pm to 5 pm
Regular daily schedule as above for 7 days.
Meals available: Lunch & Dinner (per day)
Wednesday, 15th October: Longlife Initiation of Je Rinpoche
Initiation: 8am to 9.30am
Long-life puja: 9.30 am (right after the initiation)
Meals available: Lunch

Initiation Commitments
Please note the following commitments, which Rinpoche has advised us to share:
Hayagriva Initiation
• This is a Highest Yoga Tantra initiation.
• Commitment: Recitation of the Six-Session Guru Yoga daily.
Chittamani Tara Initiation
• This is also a Highest Yoga Tantra initiation.
• To receive this initiation, you must have previously received a Highest Yoga Tantra initiation.
• Commitments: Daily recitation of the Six-Session Guru Yoga and Chittamani Tara Guru Yoga.
NOTE: Taking the two-day Hayagriva Initiation during this event will fulfil this prerequisite.
All necessary practice materials, including copies of the sadhanas and the Bodhisattva and Tantric vows, will be provided by Chandrakirti Meditation Centre at the time of the initiation.
Please consider these commitments carefully before registering.

About the Teacher:
Jhado Rinpoche is one of the most renowned lamas of the Geluk lineage. In addition to his excellent training in the monastic system, over the years Rinpoche has received many oral transmissions and initiations from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his two principal guardians, as well as from many great masters of other traditions, including the Nyingma Master Trulshik Rinpoche and the revered Sakya Master, Chogye Trichen Rinpoche. Recognized for his keen intelligence, kindness and dynamic teaching style, Rinpoche is also highly regarded for his ability to engage Western students.
The suggested donation for each day is $80 and public talk $20.
PLEASE NOTE: meals and transport are not included in the retreat fee and must be booked separately. Please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz to arrange and book.
Bookings are essential- meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz
Please donate here
Having this precious opportunity to host Kyabje Jhado Rinpoche’s visit is a great blessing and we want to make it possible for everyone who wishes to attend.
Chandrakirti Centre would like to offer this event free of charge to all ordained sangha. To make this possible we kindly seek sponsorships and donations to cover travel, accommodation, offerings, and events costs. The merit of bringing such a great master to New Zealand is immense.
If you wish to be a sponsor please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz
Please arrange your own accommodation, as we will not have enough space to accommodate everyone.
We request all Sangha to register.
Apply to attend this event
Zoom and YouTube links for online participants for the first day will be shared with participants who register.
If you have any questions please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Public Talk - Modern Science meets Buddhist Mindfulness
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Public Talk – Modern Science meets Buddhist Mindfulness
Public Talk is held at Chandrakirti Centre – 289 Sunrise Valley Rd, Upper Moutere.
Public Event – Thursday 23rd October, at 6pm
An evening with special guest Geshe Thupten Chodak from Sera Je Monastery.
How does modern Science explore the nature of reality?
What insights does Buddhism offer on mind and consciousness?
Can ancient wisdom and cutting edge research illuminate each other?
A special evening of dialogue with Lharampa Geshe Thubten Chodak from Sera Je Monastic Institute, South India.
We will be exploring the science of the mind through dialogue with a highly trained Geshe Chodak, who has specialised in setting up the science and mind courses for monastic monks at Sera Je Monastery. Geshe Chodak is the coordinator for the Sera JE IGNOU Special Study Centre in Bangalore.
Join us for a thought provoking evening where we explore this fascinating interface of modern science and Buddhist philosophy.
$15 Koha suggested.
Open to all – bring your curiosity

Mid-Year Cultural Gathering (Sherpa Society of NZ)
2025-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Mid-Year Cultural Gathering (Sherpa Society of NZ), Sports & Lhapso Program

Saturday, 25 Oct
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Main Lungdhar program
1:00 – 2:00 PM | Lunch
2:00 PM | Speech by Lama and Dr. LhakpA
After Speech | Sherpa Dance Performance
4:00 PM | Lama Chopa Tsog Preparation
5:00 | Lama Chopa Tsog
8pm Dinner
Please join us at the Centre for the Cultural Sherpa Event at Chandrakirti Meditation Centre.

Geshela teaching in Wellington
2025-10-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Wellington, Kapiti, New Zealand
Visit in Wellington & Surrounds from Thursday 30th of October – Saturday 1st of November
Join Geshe Tharchin’s Public Talks as follows:

30th October – Kapiti, 6.30pm – 8pm
“The Power of Intention: Living with Calm and Clarity”
Discover how the Five Powers and Six B’s—timeless Buddhist wisdom—offer practical tools to reduce stress, find clarity, and live with greater happiness in today’s busy world.
– Venue: Kapiti Woman’s Centre, 7 Ngahina Street, Paraparaumu 5032
– Suggested koha donation $20.
1st November – Wellington Central, 10am – 12pm
“Ancient Wisdom for a Busy World: 5 Powers that serve in Uncertain Times”
Discover how the Five Powers and Six B’s—timeless Buddhist wisdom—offer practical tools to reduce stress, find clarity, and live with greater happiness in today’s busy world.
– Venue: School of Philosophy, 33 Aro Street, Wellington
– Suggested koha donation $20.

For more information – Elaine 021 578 601, or email – meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz
All warmly Welcome to any of these Public Talks available.

Tara Puja
2025-11-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Female manifestation of Buddha’s Omniscient mind, Tara. During a Tara Puja we recite 21 Tara’s prayer.
The actions of all the buddhas have manifested in the aspect of Tara, to grant the wishes of us beings. Hence it is very important for us to pray to her. Because of her great compassion and love for all sentient beings, if we pray to her with great sincerity and faith, taking refuge in and relying on her completely, she can definitely help eliminate hindrances and bring success in spreading the pure teachings of the Buddha.
Join us if you are a practitioner or not. All welcome!
10am at the Gompa with our teacher Geshe-la.

Medicine Buddha Puja
2025-11-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
🌿 Medicine Buddha Puja

5th November: 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Dedicated to healing and removing obstacles – for yourself and others.

Everyone is welcome!

Vajrasattva Retreat with Geshela at Shambhala
2025-11-06 11:00 - 2025-11-08 15:30 | Shambhala Retreat Centre, 1234 Takaka-Collingwood Highway, Onekaka 7182, New Zealand
Join us for a 3-day Vajrasattva Retreat with Geshela at Shambhala Retreat 1234 Takaka-Collingwood Highway, Onekaka 7182.
Thursday November 6th thru Saturday November 8th.
Cost of the retreat is $295 (includes accommodation, all retreat materials, 3 wholesome vegetarian meals and refreshments)
to register please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

AGM Meeting
2025-11-09 14:00 - 15:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
You’re warmly invited to attend the Chandrakirti Trust AGM — a wonderful opportunity to meet the Board of Trustees and hear about plans and events for the year ahead.

🕑 Sunday 9 November – 2pm📍 Chandrakirti Meditation Centre

All are welcome to join, and the meeting will be followed by afternoon tea, providing a chance to connect with fellow community members.

Yamantaka Self Initiation Tsog
2025-11-14 08:00 - 11:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
8am Start
Registration essential – please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz for more information

Annual Fundraising Dinner
2025-11-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Chandrakirti Centre Annual Fundraising Dinner

Medicine Buddha Puja
2025-12-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Medicine Buddha Puja

Every Month – 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Dedicated to healing and removing obstacles – for yourself and others.

Everyone is welcome!

Most commonly this puja is performed to assist in the recovery of illness, or an operation. It is also done to achieve higher rebirth for the deceased.
The Medicine Buddha Puja can be performed extensively, with the requests to Medicine Buddhas done seven times to each of the Buddhas.
Additional prayers are said for the dedication of the merit.
By creating extensive merit through the performance of the puja, Medicine Buddha puja is also very helpful to bring success in all activities, for example work related.

If you have any questions about this puja or would like to dedicate this puja to a person in need, please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Sponsorship for this puja is most welcome – see here.

Succession Guru Yoga: 2-Day Teaching
2025-12-05 09:30 - 2025-12-06 17:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Six Session Guru Yoga, 2-Day Teaching
Friday Dec 5th and Saturday Dec 6th.

A 2-Day teaching with Geshe Jampa Tharchin
At Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, Sunrise Valley Rd, Upper Moutere,

Also available via Zoom (online).

Join us for two days of study and practice on the Six Session Guru Yoga, a profound daily spiritual practice and meditation essential for maintaining tantric commitments
and deepening the connection with one’s spiritual teacher.

Geshe Tharchin will lead us through the meaning, lineage and method of practise of the 6 sessions combining teaching, guided recitation and meditation.
This teaching is specifically for students who have received a highest yoga tantra initiation and is especially recommended for those new to the practice.

Begins Friday 5th at 9.30am finishing Saturday 6th at 5pm.
Cost is $160 for 2 days, including daily wholesome vegetarian lunches.
ZOOM participants $120 for the 2 days.

Accommodation is available on site for extra cost.

Bookings: Please email meditate@chandrakirti.co,nz to register your interest or to receive the Zoom link.

Please also indicate which HYT you have received, from whom and when, in your email.

Summer Retreat - Nagarjuna's Precious Garland
2026-01-09 09:30 - 2026-01-19 12:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Summer Retreat – Nagarjuna’s Precious Garland
10 Day Retreat: January 9th – 19th, 2026
Geshe Tharchin will teach on Nagajunas famous text Precious Garland
A timeless guide to living with wisdom, compassion and clarity
This classic text offers practical advice for a meaningful life, covering ethics, mindfulness, relationships, and the path to genuine inner peace.
This teaching will illuminate Nagarjunas profound insights in a way that speaks directly to daily life.

This retreat begins with a Guru Puja Tsog at 6:00pm on Friday 9 January and concludes Monday 19 January at 12 noon. Over ten days, Geshe-la will guide us through Nagarjuna’s timeless text, Precious Garland, offering practical insights on ethics, mindfulness, relationships, and cultivating genuine inner peace.
We are very pleased to welcome Mr Losang Dawa as guest interpreter for this special retreat.
Cost: $800 for the full retreat, including delicious vegetarian lunches, refreshments, and all retreat materials. Accommodation available for an additional cost.
Registration for online participation via zoom available.
All are warmly welcome — no previous experience needed.

Any questions, please email – meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Guru Puja Tsog
2026-01-09 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-30 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-14 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Containing the whole path to enlightenment, this Guru Puja Tsog is the foundation of all spiritual progress, and is a profound and joyous event! Nurture the powerful potential for spiritual growth with a ceremony rich in symbolism. Reliance on our spiritual teacher is the foundation of all spiritual progress, and this ceremony helps us create mountains of merit and purify broken samaya.
Tsok is more than just its literal meaning of “gathering.” It’s a sacred space created in the mind where practitioners unite with profound spiritual energies, inviting the dakas and dakinis. When we create this special space through offerings and coming together—whether physically or virtually—it opens the door for spiritual insights to naturally arise.
The physical offerings we make are symbols that guide our minds toward deeper, internal offerings. In Vajrayana Buddhism, tsok is a specific feast offering practice done on the 10th (day of the herukas) and 25th (day of the dakinis) of each lunar month. Practitioners perform these offerings in connection with their personal sadhana.
To complete the path to enlightenment we need to maintain a strong and pure relationship with the guru. We do this by relating to the different aspects of the guru, and to ultimately bring forth the inner guru, the purity of our own mind.
Please bring a food offering – preferably something baked / fruit / something avoiding plastic. Thank you!

All welcome to join us

If you have any questions about this puja or would like to dedicate this puja to a person in need, please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Sponsorship for this puja is most welcome – see here.

Steps to an Awakened Mind : A 7 - Day Lam Rim Journey
2026-01-30 18:30 - 2026-02-06 12:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Lam Rim Retreat
7-Day Retreat: Jan 30th – Feb 6th at Chandrakirti Meditation Centre.
Steps to an awakened mind : A 7- Day Lam Rim journey
With Geshe Jampa Tharchin

This teaching takes big Buddhist ideas and presents them in a clear structured way that anyone can follow, no background needed.
Join Geshe Jampa Tharchin for a week-long Lam Rim retreat, exploring the graduated stages of the path in a clear, practical, and inspiring way. Learn how to understand yourself and others more deeply, nurture compassion, and build inner strength and resilience.
Cost: $80 per day or $560 for the full retreat including delicious vegetarian lunches, refreshments, and all retreat materials.
Accommodation, meals and retreat price is available at $115/day
Please do not let finances get in the way of you receiving these teachings – all welcome at attend
Any enquiries or to register please email us – meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Sunday Meditation Class
2026-02-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Sunday Meditation Class
In the Nalanda Hall, 10.00-11.30am

With great kindness Geshe Jampa Tharchin will give a commentary on the text Seven Point Mind Training by the famous Kadampa scholar, Geshe Chekawa. These Sunday classes will show us how to live a happy and successful life.
If our mind is pure and peaceful we will be happy, regardless of our external conditions. When it is unsettled, we will never find happiness, no matter how much we try to change our external conditions.
The method to make our mind pure and peaceful is to train in meditation. The Sunday meditation class covers methods to achieve this.
Geshela emphasizes the Five Powers to be cultivated

The Power of Intention
The Power of the White Seed
The Power of Familiarity
The Power of Repudiation
The Power of Prayer/Dedication

Family friendly. Followed by a vegetarian lunch!
Everyone warmly welcome. Just drop in!
By donation.
We are on Youtube Live
Donate online via givealittle

Thukpa Party at Geshelas House
2026-02-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Sunday February 15th – you are invited to the annual Tukpa Party, Traditional new years eve party at Geshe Tharchins House
All welcome at 6pm
Please RSVP to meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Losar the Tibetan New Year
2026-02-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
10am Guru Puja Tsog
12pm: Community Lunch

We will celebrate with Guru Puja Tsog at 10am in the Nalanda Hall, followed by community lunch at 12pm
It is also the first day of the auspicious period of 15 Days of Miracles, which culminates on the full moon day of Chötrul Düchen, on March 3, 2026.
On Losar we also honor the anniversary of our FPMT founder Lama Yeshe’s passing away in 1984. Zopa Rinpoche requested all FPMT centers to offer an extensive Lama Chöpa with Tsog.
The Losar 15 days of miracles is a period where the results of all our actions are multiplied many times, so we can purify enormous amounts of karma by doing virtuous and compassionate actions.
Circumambulate the stupa, turn the prayer wheel, do something kind each day and make aspirational prayers for the welfare of all.

Any questions or to register please email – meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Sacred Sound Quiet Mind
2026-02-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Sacred Sound Quiet Mind
… where breath becomes prayer…
Join us for a deeply calming evening of ancient Buddhist chanting and meditation, led by Geshe Jampa Tharchin and Geshe Tenzin Paljor,
Offering an opportunity to settle the mind and open the heart.
Friday February 20th from 7pm to 8.30pm
Koha. just drop in
All warmly welcome
meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Tuesday Study Class
2026-02-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Tuesday Study Class with Geshe Jampa Tharchin
Tuesday evenings from 6.00-7.30pm
Topic: Tantric Grounds and Paths

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. 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.
Course fee is $225 for 15 weeks.
Class offered in person and online via Zoom.
To register please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Tara Puja
2026-02-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Chandrakirti Meditation Centre, 289 Sunrise Valley Road, Upper Moutere, 7173, New Zealand
Also called Four mandala Offering To Cittamani Tara, this puja is requesting Mother Tara to protect us from all negativities, bring success, especially for family, relationship, success of business, Career, health and protect from all kinds of fears.
Tara’s name means “star” or “she who ferries across,” and she appears in female form as a bodhisattva of compassion. Green Tara, in particular, represents compassion in action — always ready to step down from her lotus throne to help sentient beings.
Tara is swift to respond to prayers. Her practice brings immense merit, protects against suffering in future lives, and supports the path to enlightenment. Lama Zopa Rinpoche shares that many people experience tangible benefits from Tara practice — from healing illness and avoiding untimely death, to finding jobs, improving relationships, and even conceiving children.

Welcome to all levels of experience,
10:00am at the Nalanda Hall with our teacher, Geshe Jampa Tharchin and wider community.

If you have any questions about this puja or would like to dedicate this puja to a person in need, please email meditate@chandrakirti.co.nz

Sponsorship for this puja is most welcome – see here.
