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 Chogyal 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 Doctrined.
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Winter
After Rinpoche’s program ended in New York, He travelled to Tokyo, Japan. There in Sawara, Chiba, Rinpoche inaugurated the Samye Chokhorling, New Nyingma monastery. He gave teachings and Rigzin Thugthig wang in Tokyo where many people attended.
On the last day, the Guru Padmasambhava Tsok/feast offering prayer is held. Annualy almost 10,000 people, including monks and nuns from all around the world would attend this great prayer.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed as a result, this great annual prayer has not been held in Bodhgaya. So, we at Mindrolling Monastery, to ensure the continuity of the Monlam Chemo or the Great World Peace prayer ceremony, have been conducting it here since 2021.
The 33rd prayer ceremony began on the 9th February and will be held for 3 days. The last day of the Monlam, puja for all the deceased, Shitro, will be done. All sangha members of Mindrolling Monastery are attending this. This year too H.E. Minling Khenchen Rinpoche will be the full sponsor during these prayers including the offerings made to each participants and to all staffs each day.
Mindrolling sangha celebrated the birthday of HH Minling Trichen‘s on 29th November. H. E. Khochen Rinpoche, H. E. Tulku Penam Rinpoche along with Rinpoches, Tulkus, Khenpos and whole sangha attendent the birthday ceremony prayers.
HH Dalha Gyaltsen Rinpoche, the son of 11th HIs Holiness Minling Trichen Jurme Kunzang Wangyal and Yum Sonam-la (his mother), was born in Tibet in 1959 while His Holiness was in the Gesar retreat, so he was named Dalha Gyaltsen. When His Holiness had to flee Tibet due to the Chinese invasion, Yum Sonam-la and the young Son Dalha Gyalsten were unfortunately not able flee with His Holiness. While growing up in Tibet, His Holiness studied under many qualified Teachers and his interests included Tibetan medicine. Years later, His Holiness traveled to Mindrolling Monastery in India and received numerous teachings and transmissions from some of the most accomplished great masters of that time.
These included His father His Holiness Minling Trichen Rinpoche, His Holiness Dilgo Khyenste Rinpoche, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, His Holiness Trulshig Rinpoche and Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok. His Holiness resides in Tibet where he returned after studying in India for many years.
Regardless of all the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, monks attending the Ngagyur Nyingma College, Mindrolling, have been following the full curriculum of the college as usual. All monks followed protocols of COVID-19 when attending the classes. As is the norm at all institutions of Tibetan monasteries and colleges, free education, meals and lodging are provided to all monk students. In addition to this here at Mindroling college, H. E. Minling Khenchen Rinpoche gives pocket money of Rs.500 monthly to each monks.