About SI New Zealand

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche first taught in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2003. During this visit, he gave teachings and conducted ceremonies to bless the environment and beings.

Brooke Rabten recalls of one such ceremony: 

Rinpoche went to the gardens behind Mt Eden and consecrated the site where a peace vase was planted (Mt Eden being a volcano)…while scattering flowers he said in his inimitable humorous style “We Tibetan lamas always make a mess wherever we go” to the delight of the garden caretakers present.

Siddhartha’s Intent New Zealand was formed and given the te reo Māori name, Te Whare o Māramatanga (The House of Enlightenment). 

Rinpoche has since returned many times to turn the Wheel of Dharma.

SI New Zealand formalised the organisation by establishing charitable status in 2022. This is with a view to supporting the ongoing study and practice of Buddhist teachings in Aotearoa.

Please see Australasian wide program of face-to-face events, online study sessions,  online meditation sessions and online sadhana practices.