Three Months Retreat in Nepal, 2007
In 2007, His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche commanded Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche take a retreat from May to July together with H.H. himself. The 3-month long retreat took place on the holy mountain at Lapchi, where Yogi Jetsun Milarepa had meditated. On completion of the retreat, His Holiness bestowed upon Rinpoche a new Dharma name, “Rinchen Dorjee.” “Rinchen” means “the most precious treasure” and “Dorjee” means “diamond”. This exceptional Dharma name symbolizes that Rinpoche has adopted the sublime teachings of Lord Jigten Sumgon, the founder of Drikung Kagyu.
The retreat was held in Lapchi Snow Mountain, a holy place where Yogi Jetsun Milarepa had done retreat. It was a sparsely-populated area without utilities or any public constructions. At an altitude of 4,500 meters, the mountainous area snows and hails even in summer, leaving the grounds frozen all the time., An ordinary practitioner would never be capable of having a retreat in such a place of extremes, not to mention the fact that the 3-month long retreat had to be taken under the strict rules of Drikung Kagyu.
H.H. had been making arrangements ever since four years prior to the retreat, including the construction of Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche’s retreat room beside H.H.’s. During the retreat, H.H. had his attendant prepare meals for both of them. Moreover, H.H. specifically required Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche to take the same approach of Hevajra as he did during the retreat himself. All the planing has shown H.H.’s utmost care and attention to Rinpoche.
In August,2006, His Holiness had said the following in India:
“I trust that Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche’s dharma activities will benefit a lot of beings. Being together all the time, we can benefit a great many sentient beings on the path to Buddhahood.”
By having a retreat together with Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, H.H. has again approved the great accomplishments and virtues of Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, as well as the heart communion between them, showing a great example of the intimate relationship between a disciple and his lama.
His Holiness presided as the vajra master at the 3-day fire puja completing Rinchen Dorjee’s approach. Upon perfection of the puja, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche did full prostrations right on the muddy ground before H.H. to demonstrate his most sincere gratitude.
In April, 2007, the disciples of the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center solemnly bid H.H. Chestang and Rinpoche goodbye previous to their departure for the retreats. All prayed for the blessings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on great perfectoin of H.H.’s and Rinpoche’s retreats.
Rinpoche did full prostrations before H.H., regarless of the filthy mud on the ground.
It was a great example of the intimate relationship between a disciple and his lama.
Having left the mountains, Rinpoche, emaciated as he was, still followed closely to H.H., contitnuing to help the innumerable beings.
His Eminent Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, who always strives for a greater ability for the sake of benefiting all sentient beings.
With compassion, Rinpoche slowed down his car to give blessings to those coming to receive him on perfection of his retreat.
Upon H.H. and Rinpoche’s arrival at the hotel, a rare occurrence of a solar flare was spotted.
After his retreat, Rinpoche re-visited the monastery where he met with Drubwang Rinpoche and gave blessings to the little lamas.
On behalf of the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center, nearly 100 disciples welcomed Rinpoche on completion of his retreat in Kathmandu.
On August 6, His Holiness, accompanied by Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche and Tritsab Rinpoche, led the disciples of th Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center to walk around the Boudha Nath Stupa and offer lamps to Buddhas in Kathmandu. All of them rotated the Dharma wheels while going around the stupa.
Prior to the retreat, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche visited Drubwang Rinpoche, and attended the puja held at the monastery.
His Holiness (right) and Rinpoche (left) paying homage to Padmasambhva in a monastery.
His Holiness had given instructions on the receiving of H. E. Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche, such as carpeting the passageway with a cloth printed with the 8 auspicious symbols, indicating ascent of the attained siddhi of Rinpoche.
Rinpoche took the Dharma seat and was offered the mandalas by the disciples.
As usual, Drubwang Rinpoche held Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche’s face in his hands, smiling with delight.
At the Kathmandu Airport, Nepal, Rinchen Dorjee Rinpoche personally welcomed H.H. Chetsang, who had just finished a visit to Hungary.
With great compassion, Rinpoche gave blessings to believers even during the meal time.
His Holiness and Rinpoche getting into the helicopter, departing for the holy mountain at Lapchi. The 3-month long retreat would be taken at an altitude of 4,500 meters.
For the sake of benefiting more sentient beings, they were willing to do retreat in the mountains of extremes.
Rinpoche perfected his retreat in August, 2007. His Holiness presided as the vajra master at the fire puja completing Rinchen Dorjee’s approach.
Updated on July 24, 2008