His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, who upon imploration was authorized by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, will preside over The Grand Memorial Puja Commemorating the 794th Anniversary of Lord Jigten Sumgon of the Drikung Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism at Taipei International Convention Center on June 25, 2011, to continue the transmission of the orthodox Dharma, promote the lineage of the Drikung Kagyu Order, and pray for peace in the land of Taiwan as well as the world.

In Tibetan Buddhism, “lineage” is particularly valued. The Grand Memorial Puja Commemorating the 794th Anniversary of Lord Jigten Sumgon of the Drikung Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism that will be conducted by the His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche on June 25th, 2011 is a grand puja succeeding The Grand Memorial Puja Commemorating the 793rd Anniversary of Lord Jigten Sumgon of the Drikung Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism that was presided over by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang at the Taipei Arena in Taiwan on June 6th, 2010 (Click here to read the related information). This year’s puja is held in order to sustain the tradition as well as the Dharma transmission. Thereby, it has profound and significant meaning for the lineage of the Drikung Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Grand Memorial Puja Commemorating the 794th Anniversary of Lord Jigten Sumgon of the Drikung Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism that will be presided over by the His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche will be hosted by the Glorious Jewel Buddhism Culture Exchange Association, Republic of China. The total number of estimated participants is expected to be more than 3,200. Similar to past years, admittance to the event is free of charge as are the ceremonious lamps to be used as offerings during the ceremony. Under the personal supervision of His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, and without the necessity for outside fundraising or outside donation, the members of the Glorious Jewel Buddhism Culture Exchange Association have pledged to share the cost of this event.

His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche is the Abbot of the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center. In addition, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche is the only Han Chinese ngakpa guru in the Drikung Kagyu history who has attained the fruition in true cultivation in this life. Since having taken refuge under His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche has diligently and wholeheartedly cultivated Buddhism. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche has performed several retreats at Jangchubling, India, under His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang’s personal guidance (Click here to read related information) and received from him the heart of Mahamudra and other Drikung tantric empowerments (Click here to read related information).  In April 1997, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang held a grand enthronement ceremony for Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and bestowed upon him a ceremonial hat and garments. In the presence of Rinpoches and lamas at the monastery, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche was officially recognized as a guru of the Drikung Kagyu Order. In August 2006, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang bestowed upon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche a uniquely customized Gampopa Ceremonial Hat and a rare Five Dhyani Buddhas Conch at Jangchubling, India. His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang also personally instructed Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to mount on this ceremonial hat the gold-cast Drikung symbols, a sacred vase and auspicious clouds. In April, 2007, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang officially entrusted Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to propagate Buddhism all over the world on behalf of the Drikung Kagyu Order. In 2007, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang instructed Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to perform a three-month retreat, on the holy mountain of Lapchi where Milarepa had performed his retreats. After Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche perfectly completed the three-month retreat (from May to July, 2007), His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang bestowed upon Rinpoche a new Dharma name “Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche” which means “Precious Treasure Vajra Rinpoche.”

His Eminence Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche regards supporting the Drikung Kagyu Order and propagating orthodox Buddhism as his life-long mission. Since having taken refuge under His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche has constantly and devoutly made great offerings, practiced charity, and supported the Drikung Kagyu Order. His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang has publicly praised Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche many times for his support and contributions to the Drikung Kagyu Order. Furthermore, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang has stated that he and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, guru and disciple, will be together forever on the Buddha’s path to benefit countless sentient beings.

On this occasion, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang has specially authorized Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to preside over the profound Grand Memorial Puja Commemorating the 794th Anniversary of Lord Jigten Sumgon of the Drikung Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism on June 25th, 2011. This event is held not only to continue the auspicious virtuous conditions but also to carry on the perfect and pure Dharma lineage. Moreover, this event will offer up the marvelous and incredible power of a blessing for the attendees, for Taiwan, and for world peace.

Updated on March 26, 2011