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News 2009 |
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.
September 2009
H.E. Khochhen Rinpoche Visited Taiwan
H.E. Khochhen Rinpoche visited Taiwan during the month of September where he bestowed empowerments and teachings for many people who attended. He also inaugurated the Mindrolling Monastery in Poli, Taiwan.
Summer 2009
H.E. Khenchen Rinpoche Visited Bhutan
This year's journey to Bhutan was short. Khenchen Rinpoche bestowed empowerments and inaugurated the retreat centre.
June 2009
Appointments Are Announced – Principal and Gekos
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Gyurme Sherab Wangchuk, a Shedra monk, has been appointed as Principal of the Primary and Secondary Schools. In this position, he will be in charge of the younger monks in their studies.
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Additionally, three Shedra monks have been appointed to Disciplinary Captain (Geko). There is one for the monastery and this year we have two Gekos for the Shedra due to the increased number of monks registered.
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Gyurme Tendar, Geko of the Monastery
Lopon Tulku Gyurme Dorji, Geko of the Shedra
Gyurme Rinchen Phuntsog, Geko of the Shedra
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Khenchen Rinpoche wishes to thank all of those newly appointed for accepting their respective responsibility and he hopes that they will do their best in these important positions and lead with wisdom in whichever way is best for the monastery and for the monks.
June 21, 2009
Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche's Anniversary Ceremony
Because Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche's scripture is one of the main studies of the Shedra, there is a special ceremony conducted each year. On June 21st, 2009, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche's (1846-1912) Anniversary was celebrated in the stupa shrine. The senior monks from the monastery and all the Shedra monks attended.
The group photo below shows the monks who are mainly responsible for organizing all of the ceremonies held in the Shedra.
The organizers are Tulku Lhendup Tengye, Tulku Gyurme Tenzin Losel, Gyurme Kelsang, and Gyurme Gundun Phelgye. This small group of monks organized the entire Anniversary puja, offerings, and meals of that particular day of the ceremony for all who attended. On behalf of the Shedra, Khenchen Rinpoche thanks them for their work on this particular event. He says, “It was very wonderfully done”.
June 2009
Lopons Graduate - Ngagyur Nyingma College
This year, three monks (two of which are tulkus) finished their nine years of study in the Shedra. After completing the
Nine-Year Curriculum, students are appointed the Lopon degree (or Acharya, in Sanskrit, meaning Master Teacher). They will now need to successfully serve the Shedra for three years; and those Lopons who pass the requirements, will be appointed the degree of Khenpo.
Three Shedra Monks have graduated from the Ngagyur Nyingma College with the esteemed Lopon (Acharya) status:
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Lopon Tulku Gyurme Dorji
Lopon Tulku Jurme Lhundrub Phelgay
Lopon Gyurme Tashi Chophel
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Khenchen Rinpoche congratulates the three new Lopons on accomplishing their goal. He wishes them success in their three-year service to the Shedra and/or monastery and that each one continues diligently in becoming a Khenpo.
June 2009
Annual Exam Results - Ngagyur Nyingma College
Results of the annual exams for the monks at Ngagyur Nyingma College have been released and although many monks did very well, only one for each grade group is deserving of standing in the First Position. As a thank you to the Shedra monks, Khenchen Rinpoche would like to congratulate those students who did well on their exams and especially recognize those who were outstanding in their studies and/or responsibilities to the college and monastery. He wishes the very best to all of you; and, to those who have been appointed a respected duty, he advises you to fulfill it wholeheartedly.
June 2009
Annual Exam Results - Secondary/Primary Schools
This year's Annual Exam Results are in for the
Primary and Secondary Monks' School of Mindrolling. Congratulations to all of the students who did well and especially to the Students shown below who received First Position in their respective grade group. Once all eight levels are completed, monks are eligible to join the Ngagyur Nyingma College.
June 7, 2009
New York - 1st Anniversary Parinirvana Ceremony
The monks from the Mindrolling monastery, who had formed an organization and settled in New York, invited Minling Khenchen Rinpoche for their First Anniversary Parinirvana Ceremony of H.H. Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche. The puja was held in New York on June 7th (15th of the 4th month of the Lunar Calendar), a very auspious day celebrating Buddha Sakyamuni's Enlightenment Day and Parinirvana. Rinpoche bestowed the long life empowerment to over 500 people who were in attendance.
The organization, along with Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, had meetings regarding future plans to continue an annual Parinirvana Anniversary puja and also to hold prayers for the long life, good health and elimination of obstacles for Dungsay Dhalha Gyaltsen Rinpoche, the son of H.H. Mindrolling Trichen.
May 25, 2009
Mindrolling Shedra Update
The new 2009 term of the Shedra began after the annual holiday. Although the monks started arriving early, classes officially started after the distribution of the annual 2008 term results.
- May 30th – Admission test administered for new students who applied to join the Shedra.
- June 1st – Younger monks given the 2008 annual term results for primary school.
- June 1st – A new Geko (displinary incharge) appointed.
- June 2nd – The 2008 annual term results of 2008 given to Shedra monks.
- June 4th – Changes of the Shedra faculty members confirmed.
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April 2009
Khenpo Wangchuk Begins 3-Year Retreat in Bhutan
Khenpo Wangchuk |
Khenpo Wangchuk has begun a 3-year retreat in Bhutan. From a very young age, he studied all the rituals of the monastery and later joined the Mindrolling Shedra for his higher education. He earned the title of Khenpo in 2005, being enthroned as one of the first four students to ever accomplish this status from the Mindrolling College. Since then, he has been teaching at the Shedra.
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At the conclusion of his 3-year retreat, he will return to the Shedra to continue teaching and guiding the younger monks.
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April 2009
Mindrolling Lhopons Invited to Teach in Dharamsala
Lhopon Thupten Tharchin and Lhopon Samten Gyatso have accepted invitations to to teach at Khawang Tulku Rinpoche's monastery in Dharamsala. Lhopon Tharchin and Lhopon Gyatso both finished their education at the Mindrolling Shedra and have been teachers of the Shedra monks.
April 2009
Khangyur and Tengyur Translation Project Begins
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has taken the initiative of translating the Khangyur and Tengyur into English within the next 25 years as part of a 100-year vision in order to preserve Buddhism from “global annihilation.” These are sacred teachings…Buddha’s own words.
photo credit:
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde
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"This is a very extensive project," according to Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche who will act as Interim Director of the Buddhist Literary Heritage Project. In March, at the Translating the Words of the Buddha Conference in Bir (Himachal Pradesh, India), nearly sixty translators (that included westerners and six incarnate lamas) pledged to work on this historical project. |
Realizing the immense scope and value of this inspiring project, Khenchen Rinpoche says that although it will take many years, it will be a great beneficial accomplishment and collaboration of ambitious effort. He agrees that it is a profound blessing that many more people will now begin, and continue, to have universal access to the true Buddha teachings, direct teachings...for generations to come.
For more information, you may visit these links to the Translation Project Conference and the Khyentse Foundation.
April 5, 2009
Mindrolling Retreat Centre Update
The lack of space in the Mindrolling Retreat centre, to manage and provide residence to the increasing number of monks eager to accomplish 3-year/3-month retreats has resulted in monks having to conduct their retreat at other monasteries. Upon seeing this lack of space and the difficulty it has caused, Tulku Ugyen Chophel Rinpoche, one of the Mindrolling’s Tulkus, has accepted the responsibility of constructing a new Retreat Centre on the campus of Mindrolling Monastery itself. The modern facility is designed to include 25 rooms for lodging and a larger shrine hall.
While the current retreat centre at Mindrolling,
Drubde Odsel Ling, continues to accommodate monk’s retreats at full capacity, construction for the additional retreat centre has already begun.
April 4, 2009
The Auspicious Day of Guru Rinpoche
The annual Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche Lama Dance was held, on the 10th day of the lunar calendar, the auspicious day of Guru Rinpoche. On that same day, the DVD of the Rinchen Terzod empowerment was released by Ngagyur Nyingma College of Mindrolling. The DVD, Mandala of Vidyadharas, includes exclusive footage of the ceremonies held in Mindrolling during the last month of 2008, the 1st Parinirvana Anniversary of H.H. Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche, the two Long Life ceremonies offered to H.E. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche and H.E. Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche and a few of the empowerments.
March 23-27, 2009
Long Life Ceremony for His Holiness Penor Rinpoche
H.E. Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, H.E. Minling Khenchen Rinpoche and Venerable Khochhen Rinpoche arrived at Namdrolling Monastery in the late afternoon of March 23rd. They were received with a ceremonial reception. On March 24th, the Long Life Puja from the Terma (treasure teaching) of Ratna Lingpa for His Holiness Penor Rinpoche commenced. The puja was conducted by H.E. Shechan Rabjam Rinpoche and H.E. Minling Khenchen Rinpoche. Approximately sixty Nyingma monastic monks were in attendance.
On March 26th, H.E. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche arrived and participated on March 27th, the last day of the puja. The puja began about 3:00 am and concluded around 8:00 am.
Due to the hospitalization of H.H. Penor Rinpoche in Bangalore, all of the Rinpoches attending the puja traveled there to offer the Long Life Offerings to His Holiness at the Colombia Asia Hospital.
March 16, 2009
Long Life Ceremony - H.E. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche
At approximately 4:30 am, the Long Life Ceremony for H.E. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche began. After the ceremony all the participants of the wang made their offering to H.E. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche and then most of the Rinpoches who attended the ceremonies departed to their respective monastries.
On March 17th, all the Rinpoches and monks of Mindrolling escorted H.H. Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche and H.E. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche to the Dehra Dun airport where they flew to Delhi. H.E. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche continued his journey to H.H. Penor Rinpoche's monastery in South India.
February 27, 2009
1st Anniversary of the Parinirvana of Minling Trichen
On Friday, February 27th, 2009 Mindrolling Monastery observed the First Anniversary of the Parinirvana of Kyabje Mindrolling Trichen.
The Kudung of Kyabje Mindrolling Trichen was escorted from the Ladrang (residence) to the main shrine hall of the monastery in full ceremonial procession at 7:00 am. The procession was led by all of the Rinpoches and other Teachers who have been receiving the Rinchen Terdzo Wang that has been bestowed over the past couple of months.
 
H.E Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche aaaaaa Ven. Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche
From 7:00-9:00 am, there was an audience of the Kudung for everyone attending. H.E. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche then presided over the Vajrasattva puja as the anniversary ceremony continued until evening. The Kudung was taken back to the Ladrang, around 5:00 pm, with the full ceremonial procession.
November 8, 2008 - March 15, 2009
Rinchen Terdzo Wang
The Mindrolling Monastery (in India) has been honored and blessed, for the second time, to conduct the Rinchen Terdzo Wang (empowerment) and Lung (oral transmission), known in English as the Precious Treasure Teachings of Terma. The ceremony continued for over four months. The Lung was completed by March 7th and the Wang completed on March 17th.
Thirty years ago, the Mindrolling Monastery's first Rinchen Terdzo Wang and Lung were conducted in the latter months of 1978 and continued for six months to completion. At that time, the Wang was bestowed by His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and the Lung was given by His Holiness Dodrubchen Rinpoche.
The Wang is being bestowed by H.E Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche. (left)
The Lung was given by Venerable Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche. (right)
  The Rinchen Terdzo wang is divided into four sections (as Lama, Yidam, Khandro and Cho Kyong Sungma). It is comprised of 60 volumes of texts for oral transmission and more than 800 wangs (empowerments).
Rinpoches wear sacred costumes for the Yamantaka wang (Lord of Life).
A few of the prominent masters receiving the wang are Kyentse Yansi Rinpoche, Dudjom Yangsi Rinpoche, Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, Khamtrul Yangsi Rinpoche, Tulku Penam Rinpoche, Yangsi Tulku Ugyen Rinpoche, Lhatul Rinpoche, Chogon Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Nechung Kuten Rinpoche. There are also many other Rinpoches, tulkus, khenpos, monks, and nuns from monasteries such as Namdrolling Monasteries, Shechen Monastery, Dorge Dhak Monastery, Shungseb Nunnery and many other monasteries from Nepal and Bhutan. There are approximately 3000 people attending (including Rinpoches, khenpos, monks, nuns and laypeople).
More Photos About the Wang to Enjoy
March 7, 2009
Long Life Ceremony - HE Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche
At 4:30 am, the Long Life Ceremony for H.E. Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche began. All the Rinpoches who have been receiving the Rinchen Terdzo Wang and Lung attended. The ceremony was held in the same shrine where the lung was bestowed. At 8:00 am, H.E. Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche attended the ceremony and all the long life offerings were offered to him. The ceremony ended at 10:30 am after all the Rinpoches, other monastics, and lay people presented their offerings. On March 8th, H.E. Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche left Mindrolling Monastery to make his journey back to his monastery in Bhutan. Lama Gyurcho and Lama Tsultrim escorted him to Delhi.
February 25, 2009
Pilgrimage Guide Is Released
The Shedra Lopon, Tulku Gyurme Dorge released his new book, "Pilgrimage Guide." His book of 200 pages, is a guide to holy places.
On this, the first day of Losar 2009, many Tibetans - monastics and laypeople alike - have decided not to celebrate. Inspired by the non-violent spirit of the Tibetan people many are joining in solidarity instead as a time to reflect, pray, and honor the courageous.
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Archived 2007-2008 |
August 16, 2008
Yarne Summer Retreat
The 45 days of Yarne, our annual summer retreat during the rainy season, commenced in the evening. During Yarne, a principal monastic event which has continued since Buddha's time, Khenpos and Lopons give teachings each day. Many butter lamps are offered and pujas are done during this retreat.
What is Yarne?
June 2, 2008
Anniversary of Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche
Jamgon Mipham Namgyal Gyatso was born to an aristocratic family in 1846 in Kham, a province of eastern Tibet. A puja in the stupa shrine hall and traditional debates by the shedra monks were held to commemorate the prominent Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma teacher. Also known as Mipham the Great, he was revered in Tibet as an emanation of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.
April 29, 2008
Umdze Jamphel Sheyen Begins Three-year Retreat
We are pleased to announce that Umdze Jamphel Sheyen departed for a three-year retreat at H.E. Dzongsar Khyentse's retreat centre in Bhutan. While at Mindrolling, he has made commendable achievements through his selfless contributions that will continue to benefit the dharma for all sentient beings. We will miss his daily dedicated efforts and would welcome his return to Mindrolling at the completion of this phase of his course of development.
April 25, 2008
Meeting Regarding the Gelongma Ordination
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As representative of the Nyingma Lineage, Khenpo Tsegyal attended a meeting in Dharamsala regarding the Gelongma Ordination. The four-day meeting, organized by the Department of Religion & Culture, was held to determine whether the ordination continues to exist. Gelongma Ordination, called Bhikshuni in Sanskrit, is the highest ordination for nuns. Representatives of all four major lineages participated in the meeting. |
April 11, 2008
Umdze Jamphel Sheyen Begins Three-year Retreat
We are pleased to announce that Umdze Jamphel Sheyen departed for a three-year retreat at H.E. Dzongsar Khyentse's retreat centre in Bhutan. While at Mindrolling for 23 years, he has made commendable achievements through his selfless contributions that will continue to benefit the dharma for all sentient beings. |
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He had been the Mindrolling Chant Master (Umdze)since the completion of his education and he had the full responsibility of making sure the Mindrolling traditional rituals remain as authuntic as they were in the past. He learned the traditional Lama ritual dances from Geylong Shedrupla and Geylong Tenzin Nyimala of the Mindrolling monastery in Tibet. Other rituals include all Mindrolling ceremonies, torma and mandala creation, and Lama dances. He is considered the most influntional monk from the younger generation at the Mindrolling monastery in India.
We will miss his daily dedicated efforts and we wish him the best and that he have no obstacles in his retreat. We hope that he may be able to return to Mindrolling at the retreat's completion to continue his responsibilities.
April 3, 2008
Dzongna Yangshe Rinpoche Gave Empowerment
Dzongna Yangshe Rinpoche gave the Long Life Empowerment to the Mindrolling Sangha and Lay people. In Dzongna Yangshe Rinpoche's previous incarnation, his name was H.E. Jampal Lodro Rinpoche also well known as Dzongna Rinpoche. In 1966, he, along with H.E. D.G. Khochhen Rinpoche, established the Ogmin Ogyen Mindrolling Monastery here in Dehra Dun, India.
March 31, 2008
Long Life Ceremony
On March 31st, the Mindrolling Sangha offered the Long Life Ceremony for His Holiness Penor Rinpoche.
March 30, 2008
Nara Kang Shak
On March 30th, the entire Mindrolling Sangha conducted the "Nara Kang Shak" ceremony.
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March 29, 2008
Thugje Chenpo - Led by H.H. Penor Rinpoche
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche was cordially invited to Mindrolling Monastery to lead the Thugie Chenpo (last day) ceremony to honor the Parinirvana of H.H. Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche. All Rinpoches, Tulkus, and the entire Sangha of Mindrolling attended the ceremony in the Mindrolling monastery. |
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March 24, 2008
Prayers for Tibet
Monks, nuns and lay people from different settlements and monastries around Dehra Dun, North India, gathered in the town's park and conducted a prayer vigil for the recent unrest and violence in Tibet. Later in the evening the community held a candlelight proccession throughtout the town. |
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March 10, 2008
Unrest in Tibet
Monday, March 10th marked the anniversary of the 1959 uprising against the Chinese rule of Tibet. Peaceful protests by monks and lay people were reported in areas of large Tibetan populations throughout the Tibetan capital of Lhasa and neighboring cities of Tibet which escalated into riots and violence. Throughout the world, there were protests by Tibetans.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama called for the end of Chinese force and for his fellow Tibetans not to resort to violence. He stays committed to taking the "Middle Way" approach and pursuing a process of dialogue in order to find a mutually beneficial solution to the Tibetan issue. He warned that Tibet faced "cultural genocide" and appealed to the world for help and support.
Since the upraising in Tibet and elsewhere in the world, the Shedra monks of Mindrolling are offering prayers in the Shedra shrine room every evening.
Complete Article
February 29-March 10, 2008
Annual Kagyed Drubchen
The annual Kagyed Drubchen ended its ten-day ceremony by receving siddhis, the empowerment of the Drupchen. Later that evening the sangha offered the Butter Lamp prayer led by Dorzin Rinpoche. The ceremony began on the 24th day of the first lunar month, and is based on the Kagyed De-Sheg Du Pa terma that is one of the treasure teachings discovered by the renowned Terton Nyang Ral Nyima Wozer and later revived by Terdag Lingpa. The ceremony was led by H.E. Minling Khenchen Rinpoche in the Mindroling stupa's ground floor shrine hall and was open to the public.
February 14-22, 2008
Annual Minling Dorsem
The 7-day Minling Dorsem (Mindrolling Vajrasattva), part of the Vajrasattva cycle of teachings discovered by Chögyal Terdag Lingpa, was led by H.E. Minling Khenchen. As H.E. Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche and H.E. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche arrived at Mindrolling Monastery, each joined in co-leading this year's Minling Dorsem.
February 7, 2008
Losar
Tibetan Year - 2135 Male Earth Mouse Year
H.E. Khenchen Rinpoche sent his best wishes and Tashi Deleg for the Losar.
July-September, 2007
Yarne Summer Retreat
March/April 2007
H.E. Trulshig Rinpoche Conducts Wang Ceremonies
H.E. Trulshig Rinpoche conducted the Wang ceremonies and empowerments from the Termas particular to Mindrolling’s Lineage which comprises Lama, Yidam, Dakini and procter practices.
 
H.E. Trulshig Rinpoche directed the annual Tsechu ceremony beginning with the annual Lama Dance of Guru Rinpoche's eight manifestations and the next day bestowed the Long Life empowerment to the monks, nuns, and many people from different settlements of the Tibetan community in Mindrolling Monastery. The next day were the empowerments by H.E. Trulshig Rinpoche from the termas including the Red Chenrize empowerment. These ceremonies continued for 37 days and were held inside the stupa.
February 2007
Happy New Year
Tibetan Year 2134 Female Fire Pig Year
Losar Ceremonies - week of February 18
H.E. Khenchen Rinpoche sends best wishes and Tashi Deleg for the Losar.
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H.E. Jampal Lodro Rinpoche
