Journeying to Phyang Monastery at Ladakh, India to Participate In the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja and the Opening Ceremony for Hevajra Temple on July 16, 2013
On July 16th, 2013, His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche led 306 disciples from the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center to Ladakh in northern India to visit Phyang Monastery. There they participated in Master Marpa’s 1001st Annual Commemorative Puja and the opening ceremony for Hevajra Temple, supported by Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, as well as the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja, the Great Drikung Phowa transmission, and the Amitayus Empowerment Puja, all three of which were presided over personally by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche also led the Glorious Jewel disciples to seek the audience of his Three-Grace Root Guru, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
In the speech given during the opening ceremony, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang praised Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche as an extremely important person, a very precious treasure. A “Rinpoche” does not necessarily have to be reincarnated. Before awarding the title “Rinpoche,” one must look at the person’s spiritual characteristics, behavior, bearing, contributions to society, and so on. The title can be awarded to anyone; the person does not necessarily have to be a reincarnated Rinpoche. In addition, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang was very thankful to Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, who is the main sponsor of the Phyang Monastery and has also provided support for the construction and renovation of many monasteries in India and Tibet, including the famous Drikung Thil Monastery and its gilded roofs. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche has continued to support Jangchubling Monastery on an annual basis and has also prepared a large sum of money in anticipation of constructing a three-story statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at the Phagmodrupa Center and renovating a monastery in the Kham district, the birthplace of Dharma lord—Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön. Furthermore, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche are planning on building a museum and a library there. In thanking Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche’s total support for the Order, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang bestowed gifts to him a sacred image of Master Marpa, as well as a precious piece of wooden artwork.
On July 17th, 306 disciples from the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center and the local Ladakh believers, in splendid attire, reverently stood in line at the airport to welcome His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche's welcoming team stretched for miles. The length of the line-up was quite spectacular.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang's attending lama reverently welcomed and made a khata-offering to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche at the airport.
Lamas from Phyang Monastery reverently welcomed and made offerings of khata to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche at the airport.
At hotels where His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and the Glorious Jewel disciples stayed, each had set up a large Dharma portrait of His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche in the lobby to reverently welcome his arrival. Many locals attached great importance to and cherished the occasion that they wore traditional formal garb to welcome the arrival of the grand practitioner.
When His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche arrived in the city of Leh at midday, an extremely auspicious sign—a halo—formed in the sky over Leh, surrounding the sun with all the colors of the rainbow like a glorious Dharma wheel and emitting thousands of dazzling rays of light.
On the morning of July 18th, the sun burst forth from behind the clouds to shine radiantly down like the Buddha's great light, illuminating the entire world.
The Pujas were held at Phyang Monastery; His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche is the main sponsor of the Monastery.
His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche led his disciples riding in more than 100 jeeps toward Phyang Monastery to participate in Master Marpa's Annual Commemorative Puja and the consecration ceremony of the Hevajra Temple. The car in which His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche rode was decorated with khatas of three different colors, symbolizing the guru's majestic level of cultivation and his status as one of the great Rinpoches of the Order.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang's attending lama reverently welcomed His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche at the entrance of the monastery.
His Eminence Togden Rinpoche and His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche sought the audience of his Three-Grace Root Guru, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche made full prostrations to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche reverently made a khata-offering to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche greeted each other by touching their forehead.
As His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang walked to the temple, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche followed in attendance, keeping close to the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang every step of the way.
As His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang walked to the temple, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche followed in attendance, keeping close to the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang every step of the way.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang conducted the consecration ceremony of the Hevajra Temple.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang conducted the consecration ceremony of the Hevajra Temple.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang walked into the temple.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang lighted the lamps as offerings to the Buddha.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang reverently made a khata-offering to the statue of the Buddha.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang ascended the Dharma throne to perform the Dharma ritual.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Dharma ritual performed by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Dharma ritual performed by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang descended the Dharma throne; Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche followed in attendance.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche entered the venue of the puja by car. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche’s car followed closely His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang’s car.
The Ladakh believers and the disciples from the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center reverently stood in line to welcome His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
With Dharma music and incense burners leading the way, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang walked into the venue with the escort of jeweled parasol. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche followed in attendance.
After His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang was seated, arrangements were made for Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to sit in the seat nearest the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
After His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang was seated, arrangements were made for Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to sit in the seat nearest the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche led 306 disciples from the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center to reverently participate in the opening ceremony.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang introduced to the attendees Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, who is from Taiwan, and is an extremely important person, a very precious treasure. The Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang explained that a “Rinpoche” does not necessarily have to be reincarnated.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang bestowed gifts to Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche a sacred image of Master Marpa, as well as a precious piece of wooden artwork.
The sacred image of Lord Jigten Sumgön bestowed as a gift by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
The precious piece of wooden artwork bestowed as a gift by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang thanked Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche for being the main sponsor of the Phyang Monastery and who has also provided support for the construction and renovation of many monasteries in Tibet, including the famous Drikung Thil Monastery and the gilded roofs of the Cannon Library in the monastery.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang thanked Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche for his continuing support for Jangchubling Monastery on an annual basis and who has also prepared a large sum of money to construct a three-story statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at the Phagmodrupa Center in the future.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang thanked Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche for renovating a monastery in the Kham district, the birthplace of Dharma lord—Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön. His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche are planning on building a museum and a library there.
Together His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche enjoyed a folk dance performance arranged by the ceremony organizers.
A Ladakh folk dance performance arranged by the ceremony organizers.
When the puja was nearly at an end, an elderly believer came forward and implored for His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche’s blessing.
After the ceremony was over, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang walked out of the venue; Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche followed closely.
That evening, an auspicious sign—a halo around the moon—appeared in the sky above Leh. The moon's halo emitted three layers of soft, purple radiance.
On the morning of July 19th, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche led the Glorious Jewel Disciples to Phyang Monastery to participate in the Avalokiteshvara Preparatory Empowerment over which His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang would preside.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche walked into the venue of the puja; Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche was in attendance at His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang’s side.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang walked into the venue of the puja; Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche was in attendance at His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang’s side.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang ascended the Dharma throne to preside over the Avalokiteshvara Preparatory Empowerment.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Avalokiteshvara Preparatory Empowerment Puja presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Avalokiteshvara Preparatory Empowerment Puja presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche led the Glorious Jewel disciples in an offering of the mandalas to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche led the Glorious Jewel disciples in an offering of the mandalas to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche made an offering of the mandala to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche made an offering of the mandala to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche made an offering of the mandala to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang performed the Dharma ritual.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang performed the Dharma ritual.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Avalokiteshvara Preparatory Empowerment Puja presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Avalokiteshvara Preparatory Empowerment Puja presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
The 306 Glorious Jewel Disciples, led by Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, reverently participated in the puja.
The 306 Glorious Jewel Disciples, led by Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, reverently participated in the puja.
The local Ladakh believers participated in the puja.
The local Ladakh believers participated in the puja.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang presided over the Avalokiteshvara Preparatory Empowerment Puja.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Avalokiteshvara Preparatory Empowerment Puja presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
A lama reverently presented Kusha-grass to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
A lama distributed Kusha-grass to Glorious Jewel Disciples who participated in the puja.
The puja was nearly at an end; a mandala-offering representative offered the mandala to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
The puja was nearly at an end; mandala-offering representatives made offerings of khata, one after another, to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
The puja was nearly at an end; local believers came forward, one after another, and implored for His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche’s blessings.
Because of the contributions and support Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche has given to the Order, on the morning of July 19th, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang very compassionately agreed to receive all of the disciples from the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center. The Glorious Jewel disciples waited reverently in the main hall, preparing for their audience with the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang walked into the main hall; Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche was in attendance at His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang’s side.
The Glorious Jewel disciples made prostrations to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang bestowed upon each of the Glorious Jewel disciples a double-faced protection wheel decorated with solemn Dharma images of the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche stood in attendance by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang's side the entire time, paying close attention to the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang's every move. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche showed much consideration for His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, frequently straightening the protection wheels and placing them within easy reach of the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang treated old and young alike with good-natured kindness.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang showed special concern for the eldest of the Glorious Jewel disciples to participate in this trip, who was eighty-seven years of age, by asking her how well she had acclimatized to the region.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang kindly asked the Glorious Jewel disciples how well they had acclimatized to the region.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang asked the Glorious Jewel disciples’ itinerary and the trip arrangements, and also gave teachings on the history and auspiciousness of the Achi Temple.
It was because of the contributions and support His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche has given to the Order that the Glorious Jewel disciples had been given this auspicious affinity and good fortune to seek the audience with His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang ascended the Dharma throne and presided over the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja, formally bestowing the empowerment.
When the puja began, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche made prostration to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
After having made an offering of the mandala to His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, Togden Rinpoche immediately greeted Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche with a khata-offering.
Other mandala-offering representatives also made offerings of khata, one after another, to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and implored for his blessings.
Other mandala-offering representatives also made offerings of khata, one after another, to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and implored for his blessings.
Other mandala-offering representatives also made offerings of khata, one after another, to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and implored for his blessings.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang presided over the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja, presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja, presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
Thanks to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche's compassionate supplications, the weather that day turned cool and refreshing. The Glorious Jewel disciples were incomparably full of praise for Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche's magnificent compassion.
Thanks to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche's compassionate supplications, the weather that day turned cool and refreshing, with clouds moving in to shade the attendees so that they did not have to suffer the sun's intense heat and glare while participating in the puja.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang presided over the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang presided over the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang presided over the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment Puja, presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
A lama reverently presented Tsok offerings to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
The Glorious Jewel disciples received Tsok offerings from puja staff members.
When the puja was nearly at an end, mandala-offering representatives made offerings of khata, one after another, to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and implored for his blessings.
When the puja was nearly at an end, a mandala-offering representative made an offering to His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche; the representative also made a khata-offering to the guru and implored for his blessing.
The puja came to a perfect completion. Again, a halo formed in the sky—an extremely auspicious sign—its gigantic rainbow circle surrounding the dazzling sun and remaining there for a long time without fading.
After the puja was finished, many believers followed closely behind Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to his car, imploring for the Mahasiddha's blessings.
After the puja was finished, many believers followed closely behind Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to his car, imploring for the Mahasiddha's blessings.
After the puja was finished, gathering the Glorious Jewel disciples into an assembly, the head lama of the Phyang Monastery led its representatives and, in both Tibetan and English, expressed their gratitude toward His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche for the guru’s contributions and assistance to the Phyang Monastery.
The Glorious Jewel disciples gained a sense of how much His Eminence Vajra Guru Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche does to support the Order, sparing no effort to promote the Drikung Kagyu Lineage without any reservations. At the same time that they felt joyous, they also felt profoundly moved and deeply ashamed.
On behalf of the Phyang Monastery, its head lama gave the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center a sacred image of Lord Jigten Sumgön as a gift.
The sacred image of Lord Jigten Sumgön, a gift from the Phyang Monastery.
The Phyang Monastery gave each of the Glorious Jewel disciples a khata as well as a VCD as gifts. This VCD was of the Grand Puja from the Year of the Pig (2007) presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
A group photo of everyone filled with Dharma joy. In unison, the Glorious Jewel disciples expressed their gratitude, well aware of the fact that the hospitality and care they had received from the Phyang Monastery was the result of blessings and protection they had obtained from the great merits and good fortune of His Eminence Vajra Guru Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
On the morning of July 21st, thick clouds appeared in the sky and nectar rain fell down.
Before the puja began, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang stepped up to the mandala with Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche following in close attendance.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang presided over the Great Drikung Phowa transmission and the Amitayus Empowerment Puja.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang performed the Dharma ritual.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Great Drikung Phowa transmission and the Amitayus Empowerment Puja, presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
The Glorious Jewel Disciples, led by Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, reverently participated in the puja.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang performed the Dharma ritual.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche participated in the Great Drikung Phowa transmission and the Amitayus Empowerment Puja, presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang performed the Dharma ritual.
His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang led the attendees in reciting the “Aspiration Prayer for Rebirth in the Pure Land of Bliss”.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche followed His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang in reciting the “Aspiration Prayer for Rebirth in the Pure Land of Bliss”.
Upon the perfect completion of the puja, the weather suddenly broke, revealing a vast blue sky full of ever-changing clouds. A bit later, an auspicious sign appeared on the horizon in the form of a rainbow. All of the attendees were filled with praise and wonder at being able to behold such an auspicious and glorious sign.
After the puja was over, people lined up for miles to implore for His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche's blessings.
His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche compassionately bestowed blessings to people one by one.
An elderly, wheelchair-bound Ladakh believer struggled through the crowd to approach His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, imploring for guru’s blessing. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche instructed that this person be allowed to come forward.
His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche bestowed auspicious blessing to an elderly, wheelchair-bound believer.
On July 22nd, the Glorious Jewel disciples, led by His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, left Ladakh for Dehra Dun. At Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport, with the arrival of Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, two rainbows of unparalleled clarity soon appeared above the airport's parking apron.
Two rainbows appeared above the airport's parking apron, as if they were close by and could be touched by reaching out one’s hands. The rainbows arced steeply upward from the tarmac like a pair of magnificent painted bridges, spanning the vast sky.
Two rainbows were in unparalleled clarity with exceedingly beautiful colours.
An eagle soared in lofty circles through the sky over the airport.
His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche implored for the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to protect and deliver the disciples safely on their way. After taking off from Leh, a multi-faceted, rainbow-colored Buddha's light enveloped the airplane for the duration of its journey. Its reflections shined against the layers of clouds and were clearly visible along with the shadow of the aircraft which they surrounded.
On July 23rd, when His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche performed the Dharma in an open pavilion, deities of all sizes came one after another from hundreds of miles around to be liberated by His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche. Meanwhile black clouds moved in. Within moments after His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche's auspicious Dharma voice rang out the pavilion brightened and filled with a faint scent of sandalwood incense.
On July 25th, many employees and guests of the hotel implored for His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche's blessings. The hotel's staff lined up to wait respectfully for the guru’s arrival.
His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche instructed to get the milk and rice ready and started chanting mantras to bless them.
His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche bestowed the blessed milk to the hotel staff and they all knelt down to receive it one by one. After that, His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche gave instructions for the blessed milk and rice to be shared with the sentient beings outside, so that countless sentient beings could be benefited.
Updated on July 13, 2015