The Celebration of the 60th Birthday of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and the third Anniversary of Songtsen Library On August 1st His Holiness Drikung Kyabon Chetsang Rinpoche was sixty years old. One year back, Venerable Yen Rinpoche of the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center of Taiwan expressed his wish to bring 530 of his disciples to celebrate His Holiness’s 60th birthday and celebrate the Third Anniversary of Songtsen Library in Dehra Dun. Disciples from Drikung Kagyu Monasteries in and out of the country had also expressed their wish to offer a Long Life Prayer for His Holiness, therefore it was arranged to celebrate this occasion on the 1st and 2nd of August 2006. For a few days long life prayers were said by monks and nuns before this special day. We were most fortunate that His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche was able to join us from Tibet. Venerable Tongden Rinpoche from Ladakh and many senior, Rimponches, Khempas and monks from Drikung monasteries in Ladakh, Nepal, Tibet and other parts of the world had come for this gathering. At 6AM the Long Life Prayer offered by Yen Rinpoche and his disciples took place at Drikung Kagjud Institute Jangchubling Dorji Ying Monastery. A maroon and gold, water-proof awning covered the courtyard of the monastery and the place was beautifully decorated with golden marigold garlands and garlands of green leaves. There were bouquets of gladiolus and carnation flowers hanging on the tent poles and a crowd of over two thousand people had gathered under this dome. In the center of the courtyard was a large, raised platform. Musicians from Ladakh played the ceremonial Daman (drum) and Surna ( wind instrument) and two monks played the Gyaling (religious wind music), and they welcomed His Holiness at the gate of the monastery with H. E. Trisab Rinpoche and senior staff of the monastery standing in line. The two monks playing the Gyaling led the way and His Holiness walked up on the central platform between two lines of men and women from Ladakh and elsewhere, dressed in their most beautiful traditional costumes and jewels. Amidst swirling incense smoke he arrived at his throne, which was placed outside on the verandah of the temple. Eight Taiwanese girls dressed in beautiful multicolored Tibetan costume with smart, white boots offered the eight auspicious symbols to His Holiness with a song to celebrate His birthday, and the Mandala offering was then made by their teacher Venerable Yen Rinpoche. At 10.30AM the venue was moved to Songtsen Library to commemorate the Third Anniversary of the founding of the Library. His Excellency the Governor of Uttaranchal, Mr. Sudarshan Agarwal presided at the gathering as the Chief Guest. His Holiness Taklung Shabdung Rinpoche of Taklung Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, His Excellency Prof. Samdong Rinpoche and other Lamas and dignitaries were present. The Governor and Kyabgon Rinpoche inaugurated the ceremony by lighting two lamps in front of a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The Library Director, Dr. Tashi Samphel welcomed the guests. The Governor in his speech wished His Holiness a happy birthday and a long life. He also mentioned that he was very happy that there is such a wonderful library not only for the people of this State but for students of Tibetan and Himalyan studies from all over the world. The hall was packed with guests, and song and dance performances took place after the speech of the Chief Guest. Hundreds of guests were viewing the program on Plasma screen while sitting outside in a huge tent in the garden. There were two kitchens set up. The VTC of TCV Sela Qui and the Library Chef and his team served an excellent lunch for all the two thousand guests at the Library. The afternoon event was back at Janchubling Monastery. His Holiness was once again welcomed to the sound of the Gyaling, the Daman and the Surna. A most vivacious Lion Dance from the Taiwan group greeted His Holiness on the platform of the Monastery. Members of the Glorious Jewel Buddhist Center presented a huge Birthday Cake to His Holiness and children of the Sambhota Hostel sang “Happy Birthday”. Monks distributed pieces of the cake to as many participants as possible. A book on pilgrimage site of Tsari, a holy mountain in Tibet, which represents the Mind of Chakrasambhava, published by Songtsen Library was released by His Holiness, and H. H.’s father, Mr. D.N. Tsarong released a CD on Tibetan Opera Songs, sung by the late famous singer Jampa Sangda, which Mr. Tsarong had taped many years back. Messages of birthday wishes were read out and His Holiness Kyabgon Rinpoche thanked all the guests for making this a special day. He emphasized that this year was Buddha Shakyamuni’s 2550 years of His passing away and we should especially remember Him and His Teachings. He said that his prayers were with everyone. Till 5PM cultural programs by members of the Taiwan Buddhist Center, members of different villages from Ladakh and performers from the Tibetan community in India sang and danced for the audience. It was a joyous and a most entertaining afternoon. A Tug of War between the Taiwanese men and monks from D.K. Institute, ladies from Taiwan and the nuns from D.K. Nunnery and young monks from Jangchubling and young boys and girls from Taiwan took place. Amidst much cheering and glee, a light shower fell and the day came to an end. His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche offered the first Mandala and wished His Holiness Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche a Long Life. It took four hours for Different Lamas and Representatives from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Private Office, the Tibetan Government in Exile, Representatives from the Heads of Buddhist Schools, Drikung centers from abroad, Representatives from Ladakh and Nepal, monasteries and disciples from the Tibetan community offered prayers, gifts and scarves to wish His Holiness a long life. At noon lunch was served to all the guests and till dinner cultural performances took place. There was also the final of the football tournament to commemorate H. H. The Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche’s birthday at the grounds of Dekyling Tibetan Settlement. Many spectators had gathered at the tournament and the winner of the silver cup was the team from the Tibetan settlement at Clement Town. His Holiness’s disciple from Malaysia, Reverand David sponsored the games and the prize, and KushoYeshi Dorjee organized this event with his friends. H.H. KYABGON CHETSANG RINPOCHE GIVES LONG LIFE AMITAYU INITIATION FOR THE PUBLIC At 8 AM the courtyard of Jangchubling Monastery was once again bustling with people. Amidst soothing sound of prayers and ritual music, Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche kindly gave a long life Amitayu initiation for the public on the lineage of Machik Drupai Gyalmo. The first mandala offering was made by disciples from Lebanon. It was only at 12 noon the last person from the public was personally blessed by His Holiness. There were smiles everywhere and contentment in every heart. We were very fortunate that the monsoon weather did not dampen our spirits. The rain began in the evenings and poured throughout the night and it stopped in the mornings. Sometimes during the day, rays of sunshine peeked out of the clouds and warmed our hearts. These days were exceptional and most moving. We are sure everyone will retain these wonderful memories throughout their lives. We pray for the long life of His Holiness Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and may all his wishes be fulfilled. |
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