Celebrating H. H.’s 60th Birthday, 2006

In August, 2006, over 500 disciples, led by Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, came to celebrate His Holiness’s birthday and the third anniversary of the Songtsen Library in Dehra Dun, India. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche himself brought up the idea of having a celebration for H.H.’s 60th birthday during the Hevajra empowerment puja in November, 2005. Rinpoche suggested bringing 500 of his own disciples to the occasion and H.H. delightedly approved, regarding it as a family gathering. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche then provided the necessary financial support and made preparations for the grand event.

On August 1st, nearly two thousand people, including the disciples from the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center and other centers, and the honorable Indian and Tibetan government officials. All gathered together to celebrate this remarkable day. Mr. Sudarshan Agarwal, the governor of Uttaranchal, attended the celebration himself. His Holiness Dalai Lama also sent a congratulation letter. Various programs were presented, by the disciples from the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center and other centers, filling the venue with joy and thankfulness.

The most special moment came when His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang bestowed a uniquely customized “Gampopa ceremonial hat” and a rare Five-Dhyani-Buddha conch upon Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.

During the Long Life Praying Puja held on that morning, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche put on the Gampopa ceremonial hat and offered mandala to His Holiness. His Holiness bid Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche in person to found three golden emblems, a sacred vase and two auspicious clouds, and set them on the ceremonial hat.

Updated on July 24, 2008