News
Mindrolling College
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.
Annual summer retreat or monsoon retreat has been concluded for the year of 2021
Yarne, the Summer Retreat 15th Day of 6th Lunar Month to 30th Day of the 7th Lunar Month
This is the rain retreat for one and a half months from the 15th day of the 6th lunar month to the 30th day of the 7th lunar month. 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 the period. Khenpos and Lonpons gave teachings each day and ‘Sojong’ or confessions are offered by the sangha during this retreat. Many butter lamps are offered and pujas are done during the retreat. On the evening of the 30th, the last day of the retreat, selected monks give teachings and expound the Dharma to the community. The retreat is usually followed by a 3-5 day holiday break for the monks.
Gyen Shedrup la and Tenzin Nyima la
Gyen Shedrup la (1925-2021)one of the senior most Master (Nga Ramjamba) passed away on the 15th day of 2nd month of the Lunar calendar in Lhasa, Tibet. He was 96 years old.He is the last remaining Master of the previous generation of Mindrolling lineage. On the 22nd day of the 2nd Lunar month, his kudung will be taken to Mindroling monastery, Lhoka for cremation according to the tradition.
Brief life story of Gyen Shedrupla
After the cultural revolution in Tibet, Gyenla along with Lt. Tenzin Nyimala, revived all the Mindrolling rituals and ceremonies. They continued to teach to all the younger generations who were newly joined the monastery.
After Gyenla was invited to Mindrolling in Dehra Dun, India, he taught all the ceremonial rituals, ritual lama dances, chanting melodies, torma making etc always making sure the monks got it perfectly.
After completing his work, he returned Tibet. All the ceremonies and aspects of the ceremonies that continues to be followed today are the fruition of his contribution.
Lt. Tenzin Nyima la also had passed away a few years ago in Tibet. He too was invited to Mindrolling in India where he gave the oral transmissions of Rigzin Gyurme Terdag Lingpa’s Kabum to the sangha and then left for tibet. After arriving in Tibet, he stayed in solitary retreat till he passed away.
Mindrolling Sangha in Tibet, India and all the followers in the world are indebted to them for their diligence, patience, kindness and great efforts in giving this generations the continuity of Mindrolling rituals which will flourish till eternity. We as the the followers of this lineage are indebted to them. We feel a great sense of loss, deep gratitude and pride in their great contributions to the lineage.We hope that the guidance they have provided may continue through this generation and the future.
Gyen Shedrup la and Tenzin Nyima la were the last of the older generation of Mindrolling Sangha.