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Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche Arrives in Canberra

21 June 2026

Kharchu Centre Australia and the wider Bhutanese community in Canberra warmly welcomed Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche on his arrival for a month of teachings, prayers, and community programmes.

Arrival in Canberra

Members of Kharchu Centre Australia (KCA), together with the wider Bhutanese community in Canberra, were overjoyed to welcome our Patron and Root Guru, His Eminence Kyabje Dorje Chang Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, to Canberra on Sunday, 21 June 2026.

Kyabje Rinpoche was received at Canberra Airport by Choktrul Jamyang Nyima Rinpoche, Resident Khenpo, and the President of Kharchu Centre Australia, along with Executive and Management Committee members and other devoted disciples, and was then escorted to the Kharchu Centre Australia premises in Carwoola.

Traditional Reception at the Centre

At the Centre, Kyabje Rinpoche was accorded a grand traditional reception. Executive and Management Committee members, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra, the President of the Association of Bhutanese in ACT and Canberra (ABAC), representatives of various Dharma organisations, and members of the Bhutanese community gathered to welcome Rinpoche. An elaborate Chibdrel procession, conducted in accordance with Bhutanese Buddhist tradition, created a deeply auspicious and joyful atmosphere.

The programme continued with a Marchang Ceremony to invoke favourable conditions and auspiciousness for Kyabje Rinpoche's stay and activities in Australia, followed by a welcome address from the President of KCA.

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A traditional reception was arranged to welcome Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche at Kharchu Centre Australia on 21 June 2026.

Words of Welcome and Community Joy

In his address, the President expressed profound gratitude to Kyabje Rinpoche for accepting the invitation to visit Australia despite His Eminence's many responsibilities in Bhutan, particularly at Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery and its branch monasteries. He noted that the visit was made possible through Kyabje Rinpoche's boundless compassion and concern for the Bhutanese people living in Australia. He also shared the community's joy at seeing Rinpoche in excellent health and emphasised how fortunate and auspicious it is for devotees to meet their Root Guru in person.

A welcome cake-cutting ceremony followed, and the gathering continued with suja, dresi, and cultural performances presented by community members, reflecting both their devotion and their appreciation for Kyabje Rinpoche's presence among them.

Prayers and Upcoming Programmes

The day's programme concluded with the offering of butter lamps and the recitation of detailed Sölkha petition prayers, presided over by Kyabje Rinpoche, in the main shrine temple of Kharchu Centre Australia. Devotees gathered in large numbers to participate in prayers and offer aspirations for Kyabje Rinpoche's long life and the flourishing of the Buddha Dharma.

Kyabje Rinpoche will remain in Canberra until 18 July 2026, during which a number of important teachings, empowerments, community gatherings, and public Dharma events will be held under His Eminence's guidance.

We invite everyone to watch this space for updates on the major public Dharma activities planned during Kyabje Rinpoche's visit.

Photo Gallery

Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche during the reception programme in Canberra — Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche during the reception programme at Kharchu Centre Australia on 21 June 2026.

Community members welcome Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche during the arrival reception — Members and devotees offered a warm reception during Kyabje Rinpoche's arrival programme in Canberra.

Arrival reception highlights for Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in Canberra — Arrival highlights from the reception held for Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche on 21 June 2026.