H.E. Minling Khenchen Rinpoche Welcomes You

His Eminence
Minling Khenchen Rinpoche

Due to the efforts and teachings of the great Mahaguru Padmasambhava, Buddhism flourished in Tibet beginning in the 8th century. Of the four main schools that developed, the oldest is the Nyingma or the Old Translation School. The Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug lineages comprise the Sarma or New Translation School.

The essence of the Nyingma lineage is the precious Dzogchen teachings, the most ancient, powerful and direct teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. For today’s troubled world, these teachings are the clearest and most effective way to realize one’s full potential as a human being. The Nyingmapa or Nyingma School has six main monasteries of learning and practice. Of the six, Mindrolling is one of the largest and most important practice and study centers in Central Tibet.

Since its establishment in 1676 by the great Dharma King Chögyal Terdag Lingpa, Mindrolling has attracted monks from the length and breadth of Tibet. Mindrolling is considered by all the great masters of Tibetan Buddhism, and especially by all the teachers of the Nyingma lineage as an inspiring example of practicing the pure and profound Dharma of Vajrayana Buddhism. An unbroken lineage of great masters continues up to this day and Mindrolling is known throughout the Dharma world, both as the lineage and monastery dedicated completely to Dharma activities and as a main center for maintaining the precious secret Vajrayana Doctrine.

Monlan Chenmo World Peace Prayers in Bodhgaya

Preparations continue for the upcoming Nyingma Monlam Chenmo also known as the Great World Peace Prayer Ceremony that is held annually in Bodhgaya. Since taking on the responsibility of sponsoring the Monlan Chenmo World Peace Prayers in Bodhgaya for the years of 2008, 2010 and 2011, His Eminence Khenchen Rinpoche has acknowledged that largely due to the kindness of donors, he has been able to fulfill his first term commitment for 2008. He is exceedingly grateful for each and every contribution and donation offered. The second term of Khenchen Rinpoche’s commitment to sponsor the World Peace Prayers will be held January 16th – 30th, 2010 and he prays for another successful event through the continued efforts of his supporters and donors.

For this coming year’s ceremony in 2010, Khenchen Rinpoche is dedicating the Monlan Chenmo World Peace Prayers:

In general, to all sentient beings in all different realms, especially in the human realm, for the fulfillment of their specific wishes;
To people who are deceased due to natural environmental disasters (i.e., tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, landslides, etc.), and to those deceased due to illness; and
To all people presently living and those who are yet to be born for long, healthy and peaceful lives

Khenchen Rinpoche includes a special dedication to our two prominent Teachers to whom he is extremely grateful, Kyabje Minling Trichen Rinpoche and Kyabje Penor Rinpoche (two most exceptional Teachers who have worked hard and tirelessly for the flourishing of the Dharma and who have benefited so many beings through so many different ways). Khenchen Rinpoche wishes to express his gratitude to them and prays that in the future we will have more Teachers like them who will be able to work tirelessly for the Dharma and for all beings. Khenchen Rinpoche would like to make supplication to Kyabje Minling Trichen Rinpoche to continue to bless us with his unceasing compassion and he prays for the swift rebirth of Kyabje Penor Rinpoche.

January 16, 2010
Nyingma Mönlam Chenmo

The annual Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, also known as World Peace Prayers, began January 16th and will continue for ten days. As usual, many people from around the world have come to attend the prayer event. During this time, individuals who are unable to travel to Bodhgaya can make wishes and aspirations for all sentient beings or for themselves wherever they are. Lots and lots of prayers and aspirations are needed now to benefit all sentient beings suffering in many different realms, especially people facing natural disasters or calamities. If you would like to dedicate Butter Lamps on behalf of someone, you may click the "Donate" button to the right.

October 16 through November 1, 2009
Annual Taiwan Travel

Khenchen Rinpoche would like to announce his annual travel to Taiwan. During his one month journey, he will be giving teachings and empowerments. Please click here to see full poster (untranslated).

August 5, through September 18, 2009
Yarne, the Annual Summer Retreat

Yarne, the summer retreat for 2009 started on the August 5th and lasted for 45 days (from the 15th day of the 6th lunar month to the 30th day of the 7th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar). Yarne is a principal monastic rite which has continued since Buddha's time. It is held in the summer during the rainy season and is commonly known as the "Summer" or "Rain" Retreat. The retreat is held in accordance with the instructions of the Buddha in the Vinaya Sutra directing all monks to observe certain restrictions and engage themselves in meditation and practices for this period. ‘Sojong’ or confessions are offered by the sangha on two occasions during this retreat. Many butter lamps are offered and numerous pujas are performed.

On the evening of September 17th, the last day of the retreat, senior selected monks from the Shedra (college) expounded the Dharma by giving teachings to many lay people of the community in attendance. Since the inauguration of the World Peace stupa, the Summer Retreats have been held in the shrine of the World Peace stupa.

September 18th is Gaye, a ceremony at the conclusion of the summer retreat. On this day, the monks are allowed to leave the monastery campus and may have meals in the evening. On the morning of the 19th, the monks go to the community to bless people in waiting as the lay people stand outside their homes to receive the blessings. This officially ends the summer retreat for the year of 2009. September 20th, 21st, and 22nd are holidays for the monks.