Our Sangha
Meet the resident spiritual teachers, interpreters and sacred-art practitioners who have shaped the centre.
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A lineage of teaching and service
Our History
From Dharamsala and Dunedin to a family lounge in Whangarei and the centre's home above the city.
From India to Aotearoa New Zealand
The centre's story begins with Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey (1921-1995). In 1971, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama asked him to establish a teaching programme for Western students at the newly built Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala, northern India.
In 1985, following advice from His Holiness, Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey came to Aotearoa New Zealand and founded Dhargyey Buddhist Centre in Dunedin. He taught there until his death in 1995. Two of his students, Paul Currie and Kaari Schlebach, later moved to Whangarei, carrying this connection north.
The Centre Takes Root
- 1971Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey began teaching Western students at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala at the request of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
- 1985Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey founded Dhargyey Buddhist Centre in Dunedin, establishing the centre lineage in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- April 1997Venerable Thupten Tulku Rinpoche visited Whangarei, gave teachings and a Chenrezig initiation, and presented Paul and Kaari with the centre's Tibetan name: Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling, Centre from which Love and Compassion Flourishes.
- 1997The first regular prayer, meditation and recorded-teaching sessions were held in the converted lounge of Paul and Kaari's family home. The new centre joined the national Buddhist network and welcomed visiting teachers.
- 1998After a search for a permanent home, a house with 14 acres and views over Whangarei was found and purchased at Parakiore Road.
- 1 October 1999Venerable Geshe Sangey Thinley arrived from Sera Je Monastery in South India and became the centre's resident spiritual teacher.
- 2003Karma Gyasey, now Venerable Geshe Karma Gyasey, arrived in New Zealand to serve as Geshe-la's attendant and interpreter, later leading meditation and sharing the art of sand mandala creation.
- Nearly eight yearsThe Enlightenment Stupa was built above the centre, overlooking Whangarei and its harbour. It remains a place for reflection, practice and respectful visits.
- 2015Venerable Nyima Gyaltsen joined the centre, continuing his work as a traditionally trained thangka painter and teacher.
- TodayJam Tse Dhargyey Ling continues as a place for Buddhist teaching, meditation, puja, retreat, sacred arts and compassionate community life.
Living Heritage
Enlightenment Stupa
Learn about the sacred monument built above the centre and how to visit respectfully.
Learn moreThe Sand Mandala
Explore this precise contemplative art and its teaching on compassion and impermanence.
Learn moreThangka Painting
Discover the traditional iconography taught at the centre by Venerable Nyima Gyaltsen.
Learn moreNext step
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Visit, attend a teaching, volunteer or support the centre's continuing work.
From the Archives
Stories, photographs and teachings from the life of Jam Tse Dhargyey Ling.