Wonderwoods

12/05/2026

Very moving to read this. 🙏 To learn that one of Lama Yeshe’s wishes, just before he showed the aspect of passing away, was for centers to document and preserve their stories through video documentaries feels incredibly meaningful while making this film about Chenrezig Institute.

In January 1983, Lama Yeshe traveled to Sicily. It would turn out to be one of his last trips before he showed the aspect of passing away in March 1984. During that visit, he gave

05/05/2026

🎬 Screening at Hayagriva Buddhist Centre
📍 Kensington, Western Australia
🗓 Sat 16 May, 7 pm

More info:
🔗 https://hayagriva.org.au/event/movie-night-fundraiser/

Perth people an opportunity to attend a screening of the documentary “Chenrezig, The Origins of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia” by Malgorzata Dobrowlska
Hayagriva Buddhist centre in Kensington, Tickets $20, door sales only on the night. Proceeds go to Hayagriva Buddhist centre’s prayer flag project

01/05/2026

🌟 Join us for a special screening of Chenrezig Institute: The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia.

Saturday, 2 May 2026
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Gompa, Chenrezig Institute

We are very happy to share that the documentary “Chenrezig Institute: The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia”, created by independent filmmaker Malgorzata Ola Dobrowolska, has received very positive feedback from the FPMT International Office.

The feedback reflects a strong appreciation for the film as a meaningful, inspiring, and historically valuable record of the early days of FPMT and the development of Chenrezig Institute.

“It is an important historical film of Tibetan Buddhism first coming to Australia, as well as an important piece of history for FPMT.”
– Venerable Roger Kunsang, FPMT Inc. Board Member and Senior Advisor

“The film really does depict the early days well, as it captures the spirit of the pioneers who helped bring Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision into reality.”
– Carina Rumrill, Communications Managing Editor, FPMT

The documentary has also been recognised for its inspirational quality, highlighting the people and stories that brought the centre into being.

“I am very impressed with the maturity of the filmmaker, such good understanding and insight in Dharma and what it means for students to dedicate their life to it.”

We are deeply grateful for this recognition and for the incredible legacy of all those who helped bring the Dharma to the West.

Experience this remarkable story on the big screen and reconnect with the origins of Chenrezig Institute.

Book your ticket now

https://chenrezig.com.au/upcoming-events/chenrezig-institute-film-screening-may-2026

22/04/2026

Thank you so much for this recognition. This film was created over six years and has been a life-changing journey. It means a lot to see it resonate in this way 🙏

🌟We are very happy to share that the documentary “Chenrezig Institute: The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia”, created by independent filmmaker Malgorzata Ola Dobrowolska, has received very positive feedback from the FPMT International Office.🌟

The feedback reflects a strong appreciation for the film as a meaningful, inspiring, and historically valuable record of the early days of FPMT and the development of Chenrezig Institute.

“It is an important historical film of Tibetan Buddhism first coming to Australia, as well as an important piece of history for FPMT.”
– Venerable Roger Kunsang, FPMT Inc. Board Member and Senior Advisor

“The film really does depict the early days well, as it captures the spirit of the pioneers who helped bring Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s vision into reality.”
– Carina Rumrill, Communications Managing Editor, FPMT

The documentary has also been recognised for its inspirational quality, highlighting the people and stories that brought the centre into being.

“I am very impressed with the maturity of the filmmaker, such good understanding and insight in Dharma and what it means for students to dedicate their life to it.”
We are deeply grateful for this recognition and for the incredible legacy of all those who helped bring the Dharma to the West.

Experience this remarkable story on the big screen and reconnect with the origins of Chenrezig Institute.

🌟Join us for a special screening:
Saturday, 2 May 2026
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Gompa, Chenrezig Institute

Book your ticket now
https://chenrezig.com.au/upcoming-events/chenrezig-institute-film-screening-may-2026

15/04/2026

Next screening is coming up! "Chenrezig Institute – The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia” Saturday, 2 May at Chenrezig Institute.

🙏🌟We warmly invite you to join us for:

Advanced Premiere Screening:
Chenrezig Institute – The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia

6:30pm – 8:00pm Saturday,
2 May | Gompa

We are delighted to present a second screening of Chenrezig Institute – The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia, by independent filmmaker Małgorzata Ola Dobrowolska.

This documentary traces the remarkable journey of Tibetan Buddhism into the Western world. Through intimate personal stories, it reveals the vision, challenges, and devotion behind the founding of Chenrezig Institute for Wisdom Culture, the first centre established by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the West.

🍴 5:00–6:00pm – Vegetarian Dinner in the Big Love Cafe
🎬 6:30–8:00pm – Premiere screening in the Gompa

Be part of the first to view this much anticipated documentary film in the location the documentary was conceived and filmed. Learn more about the history of Chenrezig Institute, and how Buddhism began in Australia 🙏✨

For books more information and booking visit:

https://chenrezig.com.au/upcoming-events/chenrezig-institute-film-screening-may-2026

19/03/2026

wonderful story :)

Chenrezig Institute was founded in 1974 on Eudlo land — 160 acres donated by devoted students of Lama Yeshe: Nick Ribush, Yeshe Khadro, and Tom and Kathy Vichta. With the approval of Trijang Rinpoche, who

07/02/2026

Thank you so much for hosting the premiere! 🙂

29/01/2026

This Saturday!

17/01/2026

Interwoven Visions: A Photographic Exhibition
Celebrating the Spirit of Chenrezig Institute through the Lens of Małgorzata Ola Dobrowolska

13/01/2026

Premiere at Chenrezig Institute! :)

🎬 SAVE THE DATE — PREMIERE SCREENING 🎬
Chenrezig Institute: The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia
📅 Saturday, 31 January 2026
📍 The Gompa, Chenrezig Institute

Join us for the premiere screening of this deeply moving documentary, filmed at Chenrezig Institute and tracing the arrival of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia through the vision, courage, and compassion of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

✨ Special guest:
Meet filmmaker Małgorzata Ola Dobrowolska, joining us live via Zoom from Poland for a post-screening conversation and Q&A.

Evening Program
🍽 5:00–6:15pm – Dinner and music at Big Love Cafe (optional)
🎥 6:30–8:00pm – Premiere screening
💬 8:00–9:00pm – Live Q&A with the director

🎟 Limited to 150 seats

Movie only: $30 (option to donate more)
Movie + Dinner: $50
Children under 12: Free (movie) / $10 (movie + dinner)

📖 Preserving history
🙏 Honouring teachers
💛 Inspiring hearts

👉 Book your tickets here:
🔗 https://chenrezig.com.au/chenrezig-institute-film

Jointly presented by Chenrezig Institute & Wonderwoods Film Foundation