disciples. They flew to Lhasa, where they stayed for a couple of nights in order to acclimatize and also to pay homage to the Jokhang Temple, which is one of the most revered treasures in the world. From there they flew to Xining, and after resting one day they drove the nearly 1000 km to Benchen Monastery in two days.

Rinpoche was met by elaborate processions along the way. It was wonderful for the disciples to see the main seat of their teachers, and also for them to see the vastness and beauty of the landscape. All the pilgrims expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements that made their journey so enjoyable.

A procession on horseback Receiving Rinpoche



A motorcycle procession


Receiving Rinpoche


Receiving Rinpoche with katags


Rinpoche relaxing on the way



Participants at the empowerment



Rinpoche giving blessings in the shrine hall



Monks receiving empowerment



Taking initiation



Receiving blessings



The Buddhas of the three times



One thousand Buddha statues



The Naropa retreat center



The Nikhuma retreat center



The Kunrig retreat center



Rinpoche in front of the remaining wall of his former residence



Tenga Rinpoche and Chime Tulku in the shrine room



Benchen Monastery



The Guru Rinpoche dance in the monastery



Displaying the Guru Rinpoche statue

During the visit, Rinpoche was engaged in giving many of the Anutara Yoga Tantra empowerments, the practices of which need to be done in the monastery. He also gave public empowerments. To over 70 monks, Rinpoche gave the novice and full ordinations, which were very much appreciated by all of the monks and their family members. Rinpoche was so pleased to see this beautifully built monastery with its three Buddhas of the Three Times as well as one thousand Buddha statues, which were the result of the blessings and efforts of H.E. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche.

Rinpoche visited the ruins of his former residence and some of his students felt that it would be very auspicious to rebuild it.

Rinpoche had such a wonderful trip that he was radiant and it seemed that he returned to Kathmandu even younger than when he had left.

Rinpoche with senior lamas of Benchen Monastery



Western students of both our Rinpoches



Potala