On the 16th of September 2012 we had the great honour of welcoming Tempa Yarphel at our center in Heidelberg. He very kindly brought precious relics of Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche, thus fulfilling the heartfelt request by Lama Dorothea.
Exactly 30 years ago, in September of 1982, Rinpoche had founded our center by giving it the name Karma Chang Chub Cho Phel Ling. It was a great joy for us to receive his relics just one day after our public anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 15.
In the morning we painted auspicious signs on the floor of the courtyard, the traditional welcome for great masters. About 40 members of our sangha and disciples of Tenga Rinpoche from others cities gathered at the center for the event. Also Lama Anke and Lama Werner were present. We formed a lane, holding kataks and beautiful flowers in our hands. With the sound of recorded Gyalings resonating, Tempa-la brought the relics to the shrine room and placed them upon the throne: a small stupa with relic bones and ringsel and an amber vessel with ashes and hair of Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche.
Lama Dorothea and Lama Manfred offered the traditional mandala of the universe. Afterwards representations of enlightened body, speech, mind, qualities and activities were presented to the Guru to request the continuation of His activities. Then all who were present offered kataks and flowers, and received blessings by touching their heads to the throne. We recited the prayer for Tenga Rinpoche's swift return written by His Holiness Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje. The prayer by Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche was sung in a Western melody, composed by Axel Peters.
Later, Tempa-la presented a beautiful and heart-warming speech about Tenga Rinpoche, his passing into parinirvana and the significance of the relics, explaining that they can help practitioners in times of physical sickness and strong mental suffering. He also emphasized that the date for receiving the relics happened to be very auspicious – being a new moon day with “double sun” influence. According to Tibetan astrology “double sun” has a positive meaning as it supports flourishing. Tempa-la also said that Rinpoche had intended to come to our anniversary festivities and that he is sure that Rinpoche was present when we celebrated!
After the ceremony everyone gathered in the courtyard and enjoyed tea and cake with Tenpa-la, feeling very grateful and happy.
Tenga Rinpoche's relics will be kept and displayed on the throne in our Lhakang so that everyone has the continuous opportunity to come and receive Rinpoche’s blessings.
We would like to thank Tempa-la very much for his kindness to bring to us this treasure of blessings and protection that we deeply appreciate.
(Dorothea and Renate for Karma Chang Chub Cho Phel Ling, Heidelberg)