Benchen News Letter
PDF Pages 19-24
Nyenpa Rinpoche and V.V. Tenga Rinpoche with His H.H. Karmapa
in Saranath just a few days before the Kagyu Monlam began. At
H.H. Dalai Lama and H.H. Karmapa in Saranath
Our Rinpoches with His Holiness Karmapa
assist His Holiness with the special Chakrasamvara ritual ceremony that
was to take place at the newly completed Tergar Monastery of H.E.
Mingyur Rinpoche in Bodhgaya. Meanwhile, H.E. Sangye Nyenpa
Rinpoche was already in Saranath because His Holiness Karmapa
wanted to receive oral transmissions of some important texts. It is
especially nice to experience such a special gathering of our venerable
teachers. Our Rinpoches and His Holiness spent time together and it
seemed to all of us students who were privileged to be there that they
were truly enjoying each other’s company.
The atmosphere was brightened even more with the arrival of H.H. Dalai Lama to give
teachings at the Tibetan University, Saranath. Khenchen Trangu Rinpoche invited
H.H. Dalai Lama to his monastery for lunch, together with H.H. Karmapa.
A couple of days later, H.H. Karmapa asked Tenga Rinpoche to join his
convoy that left by road to Bodhgaya. Before the Kagyu Monlam started,
His Holiness gave the Chakrasamvara initiation, mainly to
the disciples from the West and Southeast Asia. Tenga Rinpoche
assisted throughout the ceremony and also participated in the teachings
given by His Holiness.
Tenga Rinpoche with H.H.
Dalai Lama in Saranath
Tenga Rinpoche with Thrangu
Rinpoche at Saranath
Tenga Rinpoche in Bodhgaya
Tenga Rinpoche with H.E. Jamgon Rinpoche
attended by monks and nuns from Kagyu monasteries
from different countries as well as a great number of
students from all over the world. The sessions started at
5:00 a.m. with thetaking of the sojong vows, and despite Rinpoche’s health, he did
not miss any of them. He was always present and awaiting the
arrival of His Holiness. Between the sessions, His Holiness gave
teachings on the life story of Milarepa and other related subjects.
Everyone should try to join a Kagyu Monlam. It is a great blessing
to be in front of the Karmapa, with the stupa and the Bodhi tree in
the background
Monks and Nuns at the Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya
Benchen monks with Rinpoche in front of the
Mahasiddha Shawaripa cave
Wishing prayers at Vulture Peak
the last evening lamp offerings were made, and his Holiness
and the Rinpoches led a procession around the stupa with
melodious chanting. One day before His Holiness returned to Saranath, at the
request of Tenga Rinpoche, our monks were granted a private
audience with His Holiness. His Holiness also gave time
for a photo session, which was very much appreciated by all
our monks. Rinpoche then said goodbye to His Holiness.
When everything was over, Rinpoche said with a smile that it
was one of the most meaningful activities that he had ever
undertaken.
For the next few days Rinpoche led a pilgrimage with our
monks to the cave of Mahasiddha Shawaripa and the
Narayanjana river where Lord Buddha meditated for six years
before his enlightenment. They went to the Nalanda Institute
as well as to Vulture Peak, where the Buddha turned the
second wheel of dharma, and they made wishing prayers for
all sentient beings. The monks then returned to Kathmandu
and Rinpoche returned to Trangu Rinpoche’s monastery in
Saranath, where he was requested by KhenchenTrangu
Rinpoche with monks at Nalanda Institute
Benchen monks with H.H.Karmapa
his monastery in Kathmandu right after the puja because of the
welcoming ceremony at the shedra.
The Hevajra puja in Saranath