Inauguration Ceremony of the Rinchen Palri Monastery in Nepal, 2007
At the end of October, 2007, the venerable vajramaster, H.E. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, arrived in Nepal, along with over fifty disciples of the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center. The sole purpose of this visit was to attend the inauguration ceremony of a new Drikung monastery in Balambu, Kathmandu. After years of work, Drubpon Sonam Jorphel Rinpoche, the Spiritual Director of the Drikung Kagyu Dharmaraja Foundation, has completed the construction of the monastery, named Drikung Kagyu Rinchen Palri.
Rare and remarkable as the occasion was, His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, as well as more than ten venerable rinpoches, was invited to the official inauguration on November 1. The opening function included Lama Chopa, conducted by H.H. Chetsang Rinpoche, an address of thanks, the display of a great thangka, Dharma discourse by students of the Rinchen Palri Monastery, Vajra Dances, and cultural programs by different ethnic groups from Ladakh and Nepal.
The new monastery of Drikung Kagyu, “Drikung Kagyu Rinchen Palri Monastery,” is located in Balambu, Kathmandu. Its inauguration ceremony, hosted by H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche himself, took place on November 1.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche specially led over 50 disciples of the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center to join the grand event in Nepal.
Vajra Dances at the end of the inauguration ceremony.
A traditional performance of Ladakh.
A performance of students singing praise songs in innocent voices.
On that evening, H.H. took Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to the world oldest Buddhist stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, which has over 2000 years of history. Moreover, H.H. informed Rinpoche of the intricate causes of the relation between Drikung Kagyu and the holy place.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche followed H.H. closely and rotated the Dharma wheels.
The ceremony being held with favorable weather. It was rare to see over ten venerable rinpoches together in one place, and they all came for the inauguration ceremony.
After going around the stupa, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche walked closely with H.H., protecting him while stepping down the stairs.
After the inauguration, H.H. and Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche had dinner with the disciples of the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche talking with the believers who came to pay their respects.
Drubpon Sonam Jorphel Rinpoche gave Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche a forehead-to-forehead greeting.
H.E. Garchen Rinpoceh and H.E. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, Choeje Togden Rinpoche, and Garchen Rinpoche.
During the inauguration ceremony, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche offered mandala to H.H. on behalf of all sentient beings.
Updated on July 24, 2008