| The following article is from the Summer, 1997 issue of the Snow Lion Newsletter and is for historical reference only. You can see this in context of the original newsletter here. |
Excitement is building at Shechen Teimyi Dargeyling Monastery in Nepal as preparations are underway for the event that will herald the return of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to his monastery. The enthronement ceremony of Ugyen Tendzin Jigme Lhundrup, the Yangsi (reincarnation) of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, will take place in Boudhanath, Nepal at Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery on December 5, 1997.
The enthronement ceremony itself will be performed by Trulshik Rinpoche in the presence of Penor Rinpoche, Mindroling Trichen Rinpoche and many other lamas and disciples from all over the world. At the time of the enthronement the Yangsi will be four and a half years old. The enthronement ceremony marks his formal entry into the Monastery where he will now live and study under the guidance of Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche.
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991) was one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist masters of this century. His reincarnation was found by his close friend and disciple Trulshik Rinpoche in 1995, after a series of visions in which the name of the parents and the location of the child were revealed to him. The naming ceremony for the young tulku was performed by Trulshik Rinpoche in December, 1995, and the haircutting ceremony by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in February, 1996.
The monastery in Nepal was built by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche in the early eighties in order to re-establish the rich and unique traditions, rituals and dances of the original Shechen which was destroyed during the Chinese occupation of Tibet. In addition to being one of the best examples of traditional Tibetan architecture, it hosts one of the largest Tibetan libraries in the East. Over 170 monks reside at the monastery and receive a broad education through several courses of study. A new Shedra (monastic college) is under construction and the young tulku will eventually study there.
Visitors are welcome to come and participate in the events taking place from December 3rd to 8th which include: Long Life Ceremony, Enthronement Ceremony, Sacred and Folk Dances, and Photo Exhibition. A package tour including airfare, transportation, accommodations and reservations for the events is also available.
Reservations and accommodations in Nepal can be arranged through: [email protected] or Vivian Kurz, 109 Mowbray Drive, Kew Gardens, New York 11415, fax: 718-846-3751, tel. 718-846-8981. And through our website: www.fusebox.com/shechen