Puja in State of Punjab, India, 2007
At the end of February, 2007, at the request of Indian Sikh, H. E. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche held two great pujas: one to transmit the practice of Avalokiteshvara in the Punjab State and a great Amitabha puja for transferring consciousness in New Delhi. These two pujas in the Sikh community were the grandest ones ever held by a master of Tibetan Buddhism. The Avalokiteshvara puja on February 25 was attended by nearly 700 people. Touched by the great compassion and vast wisdom of Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, the locals held Rinpoche in great reverence and hence aspired after Buddhist teachings.
A local newspaper’s coverage of the Avalokiteshvara puja, under a conspicuous headline.
Rinpoche delivering a speech at invitation of MGN public school.
The khenpos and lamas, sent by His Holiness, had brought H.H.’s personal Dharma seat and the instruments for the puja, and created an excellent venue.
Over 500 Indian believers, in their best costumes, attended this precious puja.
Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche saying, “The Buddhist doctrine is unlimited. As long as the sentient beings call for it, I will come back here to give teachings.”
The attendees paid undivided attention to Rinpoche’s teachings throughout the entire puja. They concerntrated on the ingenious teachings of Rinpoche. Not a face showed drowsiness.
Rinpoche offered the true definition of the term “compassion and mercy,” and transmitted the simplified practice of Avalokiteshvara to the local believers.
The Sikh believers offering mandalas to Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
The timeless and spaceless affection of a mother and her image are admired in all races. In his teachings to the Sikh, the non-Buddhists, Rinpoche compared “compassion and mercy” to the motherly affection.
The local believers, bathed in Rinpoche’s ingenious words and humor, appreciated the preciousness of Buddhist teachings.
It was a historical moment, having a great puja of Tibetan Buddhism in the Sikh community.
Indian attendees looking forward to the arrival of Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche.
Through the blessings and teachings from a Vajramaster, the light of wisdom from Buddha would illuminate our hearts.
Indian believers lining up to light the butter lamp as the offering to Buddhas.
The attendees’ joyous and reverent looks revealed their genuine acceptance. Remembering Rinpoche’s teachings and merciful demeanor during the first half of the puja, the attendees greeted Rinpoche respectfully upon his re-entry and showed appreciation for the cleansing of their bodies and minds.
Rinpoche gave individual blessings to all Indian believers, some of whom showed their utmost reverence by touching Rinpoche's Dharma seat and his knee with the forehead.
Rinpoche sprinkling flower pedals to transfer the merits at the end of the puja. It reminded the attendees of Rinpoche’s words: “The Buddhist doctrine can’t be categorized as a religion. Instead, it is the truth of the universe,” and “ The doctrine is for people of all religions, races, and socal classes. For an individual as well as a country, it brings harmony to the family and tranquility in the society.
Because of Rinpoche’s amiability and humbleness, the attendees sprinkled flower pedals to pay their respects upon his departure.
Rinpoche had been invited to give a speech at MGN public school in 2006, the year before. On the night of the event, the Board Chairman, School Principal, Seniors, Teachers and the students again welcomed Rinpoche heartily. The school presented Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche with gifts and had photos taken with him.
MGN public school invited Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to enjoy the performances especially prepared for him.
Updated on July 24, 2008