A great start to kick off the new year: Our fellow Shugdenpas in the East were fortunate to receive initiations and teachings from one of the greatest Lamas of our time, His Eminence Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche, who spent the best part of January 2015 in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Yongyal Rinpoche’s dharma mastery and attainments are well documented in his biography, proof of his pure dedication towards the Dharma since he was enthroned at the age of 6. A student of many illustrious masters including H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is the Abbot of Serpom Monastery in India and the founder of the Lamrim International Dharma Centre in Los Angeles.

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche willingly took on the responsibilities and challenges of guiding the monks of Sera Mey’s Pomra Khamtsen when they had no choice but to leave Sera Mey Monastery and form Serpom Monastery, in order to keep their commitments and practice of Dorje Shugden. It is a reflection of Yongyal Rinpoche’s sincerity, devotion and limitless compassion that he tirelessly shouldered the burden of ensuring all 600 monks of Serpom Monastery were adequately provided for, both in terms of their basic needs as well as their spiritual education, in addition to guiding his own Dharma centre in Los Angeles.

This precious erudite son of the Gelug lineage has traveled widely, like his predecessors, to spread the Buddhadharma and Lama Tsongkapa’s tradition far and wide. In January 2015 alone, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche gave the initiations and commentaries of Yamantaka, Guhyasamaja and Vajrayogini to lay and ordained practitioners at Thoesam Norling Buddhist Centre in Taipei, Taiwan, followed by a Medicine Buddha initiation in Taipei’s Tsongkapa Centre.

A few weeks later while in Hong Kong, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche then gave teachings on the ten preliminaries and the initiation and commentary of Cittamani Tara.

Like all illustrious reincarnations, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is spearheading the growth of the Buddhadharma and bringing it to greater heights. With his tireless dedication to preserve the lineage and benefit all sentient beings, it is no wonder that Yongyal Rinpoche is highly revered in the Buddhist world, and to receive initiations or teachings from such a compassionate lama is truly a precious encounter.

Below are some wonderful pictures of Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche’s enlightened activities. We extend our gratitude to all our contributors for sending in pictures and news – may we bring the activities of great Lamas such as Yongyal Rinpoche to many others throughout the world.

Admin

TAIWAN: Three Days of Initiations in Thoesam Norling Buddhist Centre, Taipei

On 4 January 2015, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche gave the initiations and commentaries of Yamantaka, Guhyasamaja and Vajrayogini to ordained and lay practitioners in Thoesam Norling Buddhist Centre in Taipei, Taiwan. It was a joyous three day event and an auspicious way to start the new year.

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche and his students liberating animals before starting the pujas and initiations

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche (centre), Achok Rinpoche (left) and Sharpei Rinpoche (right)

A group photo with Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche’s Taiwanese students

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche and his loyal and dedicated assistant, Achok Rinpoche

Abundant offerings set up for the initiations

Offering body, speech and mind to Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche

Many Taiwanese students flocked to the centre to receive initiations from Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche

From left to right: Ven Achok Rinpoche, Ven. Serkong Tritul Rinpoche, Ven. Dromtug Rinpoche

TAIWAN: Medicine Buddha Initiation in Tsongkapa Centre

On 10 January 2015, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche also gave a Medicine Buddha initiation in Taipei’s Tsongkapa Centre, a much needed practice in today’s world which is divided by war, suffering and abuse.

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche arrives in Taipei’s Tsongkhapa Centre

Warmly welcomed by the members of the centre

Wearing a traditional lama’s coat

The Ven. Panglung Kuten makes offerings of body, speech and mind to Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche remained in Taiwan for many days giving teachings and initiations to the sangha and laity present

Dorje Shugden lamas continue to teach and uphold the pure lineage of Je Tsongkapa, regardless of the obstacles presented by the ban

HONG KONG: The Ten Preliminaries and Cittamani Tara Initiation

On 25 January 2015, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche gave teachings on the ten preliminaries and the initiation and commentary of Cittamani Tara. Yongyal Rinpoche also gave regular teachings while staying in Ven. Geshe Tenzin Palchok’s dharma centre in Hong Kong.

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche gave teachings on the ten preliminaries and Cittamani Tara initiation

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche (left) and Ven. Geshe Tenzin Palchok (far right)

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche also gave private teachings to a small group of students at Ven. Geshe Tenzin Palchok’s dharma center

Ven. Achok Rinpoche (right) arrived in Hong Kong from India, after giving a set of initiations and teachings to the monks and lay people in Serpom Monastery.

On 17 January 2015, Serpom Monastery was scheduled to host a series of initiations for both monks and lay devotees. The initiations were originally planned to be conducted by Serpom Monastery’s Abbot, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche, who would be travelling to India from USA via Taiwan for the teachings.

Unfortunately, following the recent turn of events on 15 January 2015, when Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche was denied entry into India despite being in possession of a valid 10-year visa, the administrators of Serpom Monastery, who had been preparing months ahead for the event were left in a tight spot, and the hundreds of devotees that had flown to India specifically to receive the teachings were deeply disappointed.

However, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche’s unsurpassed compassion and wisdom in disseminating the Dharma for many years ensured that the initiations continued as planned, through his close student and trusted assistant, H.E. Achok Rinpoche. Achok Rinpoche, despite his youth, is an extremely qualified Lama who has received a multitude of teachings, initiations and empowerments from many eminent masters.

With the blessings of the lineage masters, Achok Rinpoche sat confidently but humbly on the throne in Serpom Monastery, and conferred the Yamantaka empowerment and commentary from 17-18 January 2015, which he had received from Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche and Geshe Yeshe Wangchuk. This was followed by White Manjushri and Medicine Buddha initiations on 19 January 2015. Achok Rinpoche also took the opportunity to visit Serpom School and Serpom Library, two important departments of the monastery.

We at DorjeShugden.com pray that all obstacles to the growth of our lineage will be pacified, and for unjust circumstances, such as the denial of entry and deportation of Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche from India, to cease. We appeal to all Shugden practitioners to lend your strength to lift the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice.

A nice group photo of H.E. Achok Rinpoche and the new initiates

Photos: Achok Rinpoche arrives in Serpom Monastery

A grand welcome greeted the arrival of H.E. Achok Rinpoche in Serpom Monastery.

H.E. Achok Rinpoche arrives in Serpom Monastery

Many monks and lay people waited in anticipation to greet H.E. Achok Rinpoche

Photos: The Initiations

H.E. Achok Rinpoche gave three days of initiations and empowerments in Serpom Monastery’s prayer hall.

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Photos: Visiting Serpom school and Library

On 20 January 2015, H.E. Achok Rinpoche and Geshe Tenzin Palchok visited Serpom school and library, two important departments within Serpom Monastery.

H.E. Achok Rinpoche is greeted by monks and lay devotees

The role of great Dharma masters to protect and uphold the pure Dharma has been particularly significant through the turmoil of the past decades, where we witnessed the exile of Tibetan communities from their homeland as well as the internal disharmony surrounding Dorje Shugden’s practice. Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is one such great master who has dedicated his entire existence to turning the Wheel of Dharma consistently and sincerely.

Biography

Venerable Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche was born in Eastern Tibet in 1948. H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang recognized the young boy as the 4th reincarnation of his lineage, leading to his enthronement at the age of 6 in Sera Monastic University.

Yongyal Rinpoche studied and mastered the five major topics of Buddhist philosophy for more than 20 years and subsequently was awarded the highly respected Geshe Lharampa degree, the equivalent of a doctorate degree of the highest honor, when he was 32 years old.

Yongyal Rinpoche then completed his tantric studies at the prestigious Gyüme Tantric University, and received key oral transmissions and initiations from some of the most illustrious lamas including Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama.

Staying true to Lama Tsongkapa’s unsurpassed lineage, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is thus a living treasure vase of Dharma wisdom and the primary holder of the precious Ganden Oral Tradition. All things manifest for a reason and as history unfolds, we have witnessed how Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche played a vital role in protecting, upholding and spreading Buddha’s teachings over the past few tumultous decades, as chaos hit Tibetan Buddhist communities around the world with the events of 1959 and the implementation of the Dorje Shugden ban.

As Tibetan Buddhism struggled to regroup and rebuild after the fall of Tibet, Yongyal Rinpoche was a beacon of hope and strength in the monastic community, tirelessly teaching at Sera Monastery in India for 14 years. After accepting many requests from his home monastery, Yongyal Rinpoche went to Eastern Tibet in 1993 where he taught and gave initiations to countless spiritual aspirants for two years. Rinpoche has also given teachings tours in other parts of the world, including Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and America.

Thus it came as no surprise that Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche was elected as the first Abbot of Serpom Monastery in 2008, when the monks of Pomra Khangtsen separated from Sera Mey Monastery so that they could continue with their practice of Dorje Shugden in safety and peace, keeping pure samaya with their Gurus.

Under Yongyal Rinpoche’s leadership, Serpom Monastery has grown in leaps and bounds since its difficult beginnings, and have since established many key initiatives that contribute towards the preservation of Tibetan Buddhism. Amongst these are the Serpom Buddhist Education Development Department established in 2008, which is responsible for monastic education and examinations. The Serpom Health Point was also set up in the same year to provide free medical care for the monks who are often denied such services from the surrounding community. The Serpom Thoesam Norling School was established in 2009 to equip young monks with modern education such as Tibetan culture, Literature, English, Mathematics and Science, amongst others.

Over the years, Yongyal Rinpoche has quietly and steadily contributed towards the works and lives of many other great masters, for instance:

• In 2004, Yongyal Rinpoche officiated at the cremation ceremony of Sermey Khensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche. It was also Yongyal Rinpoche who inspected the Dung Srek Kang (burning house) and witnessed the sindura powder that formed.
• In 2008, Yongyal Rinpoche along with Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche officiated the hair-cutting and final enthronement ceremony of the young incarnation of Domo Geshe Rinpoche
• In 2011, Yongyal Rinpoche was to give novice monk vows to the current incarnation of Zemey Rinpoche in Chengdu, China but respectfully requested Gaden Trisur Lungrik Namgyal who was present to give the vows instead.
• In 2012, Yongyal Rinpoche conferred novice monk vows on the current incarnation of Domo Geshe Rinpoche in Shar Gaden Monastery, India.
• At the request of Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche, Yongyal Rinpoche ordained the former Resident Director Rae Barkley (Ani Tsering Lhamo) of Trijang Buddhist Institute.

In 2010, Yongyal Rinpoche founded the Lamrim International Dharma Center in California. Rinpoche is currently based in the USA and is listed as a teacher for many established American Buddhist centers including Dagom Gaden Tensung Ling Buddhist Monastery in Indiana and Gadenpa Buddhist Center in New York. Yongyal Rinpoche is also the guru of many up-and-coming lamas such as Venerable Achok Rinpoche, who recently gave a series of teachings and oral transmission of Lama Tsongkapa and his two disciples at Serpom Monastery in conjunction with the month of Saga Dawa. Imparting the Dharma to future generations of Dharma teachers is the most fundamental and effective method to ensure that the Dharma remains whole and unbroken and Yongyal Rinpoche is doing exactly that.

Yongyal Rinpoche continues to uphold his practice of the precious Protector, Dorje Shugden despite the difficulties and dangers during the present time.

All of us at DorjeShugden.com make this virtual offering of a butterlamp to the incomparable master, His Eminence Yongyal Rinpoche, requesting him to remain for another 1,000 years to continue turning the wheel of Dharma and benefiting countless beings.

More about Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche

• His Eminence Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche of Sera Mey Monastery
• Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche’s First Visit to Shar Gaden
• Long Life to Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche & Domo Geshe Rinpoche
• H.H. Gaden Trisur & Yongyal Rinpoche visiting in Chengdu, China

Yongyal Rinpoche with Zemey Rinpoche, another great master who was dedicated to Dorje Shugden to the end of his lifetime

Yongyal Rinpoche at the enthronement ceremony of Geshe Domo Rinpoche

Yongyal Rinpoche with Zawa Rinpoche, to whom Rinpoche gave strong support for the growth of Dharma

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche with Achok Rinpoche and entourage

2nd from left: Zemey Rinpoche, center: Yongyal Rinpoche, 2nd from right: Geshe Wangchuk

Lama Jampa Ngodrup confers initiation of Shugden onto Zemey Rinpoche

Kyabje Zemey Choktrul Rinpoche receives Dorje Shugden initiation (sogtae) with two other young Tulkus from Lama Jampa Ngodrup at Yangding (Shugden) Monastery in Daocheng County, Sichuan, China. Thousands that day received Dorje Shugden’s sacred initiation also after four days of sacred Lam Rim teachings by Lama Jampa Ngodrup. You can see the large crowds that excitedly attended the Lam Rim teachings and Shugden initiation (photos below).

This young incarnation of Zemey Rinpoche is now officially reconnecting with his protector of many lifetimes through this initiation. Remember Zemey Rinpoche was the root guru of the current Dalai Lama’s translator Geshe Thupten Jinpa. His Holiness Dalai Lama rejects Zemey Rinpoche, yet takes his student as his translator.

Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche is a well sought after Tulku in Tibet and belongs to the same monastery as His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche who resides in France.

Lama Jampa Ngodrup confers initiation/teachings at Yangding Monastery

We rejoice Zemey Rinpoche’s incarnation re-connects with Dorje Shugden. It shows clearly if you practice Shugden you do not go to the Three Lower Realms, as the CTA would like us to believe. The Tulku system is alive, well and very much sought after in Tibet. Many lamas, teachers and people place great hopes in these great Tulkus who have been incarnating with full control life after life to benefit the Buddha Dharma.

Of course there are many level of Tulkus and attainments. It is wonderful to see Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche returning to us and walking in the footsteps of his great predecessors.

Mana

See video of Zemey Rinpoche’s much anticipated enthronement ceremony at Yangding Monastery: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/?p=376

Interesting note:

Story told by Zemey Rinpoche’s changtso himself:

The previous Zemey Rinpoche escaped to India together with the Dalai Lama, when in India, Zemey Rinpoche established the monastic education including arranging the syllabus. 

Trijang Rinpoche then was aging, so Trijang Rinpoche told the monks in Gaden openly that Zemey Rinpoche’s knowledge and attainments are the same as his, so he said the monks should go and invite Zemey Rinpoche to teach in Gaden and be their guru. 

Trijang Rinpoche’s students then went to invite Zemey Rinpoche with hand-written letter by Trijang Rinpoche, Zemey Rinpoche sent an application letter to Dalai Lama and then went straight to Gaden to assume his position without waiting for Dalai Lama’s approval. 

Later Dalai Lama went to Gaden, and Zemey Rinpoche had written a book about DS and monks were distributing it, every monk had it, but it was not given to the Dalai Lama because Dalai Lama had started to speak against DS. So the Dalai Lama was upset about this and started to suppress and ostracize Zemey Rinpoche. 

Then after Trijang Rinpoche passed away, Dalai Lama completely ousted Zemey Rinpoche and openly spoke against a great teacher like Zemey Rinpoche. Zemey Rinpoche was recommended by Dalai Lama’s own guru Trijang Rinpoche himself.

Crowds at Yangding Monastery receiving Shugden initiation
from Lama Jampa Ngodrup

Lama Jampa Ngodrup with
His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Lungrik Namgyal

Lama Jampa Ngodrup with His Eminence Yongyal Ripoche
(Abbot of Serpom Monastery)

His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche, Zemey Rinpoche and Geshe Tendar

Zemey Rinpoche (red robes) on the entourage to visit Beijing
with HH Dalai Lama and tutors

Young Zemey Rinpoche incarnation
with Yongyal Rinpoche and Lama Jampa Ngodrup

Lama Jampa Ngodrup at Yangding Monastery

These videos were taken on the 16th of December 2011 and shows the arrival of Kyabje Yongyal Dorje Chang just before the official opening of Serpom Monastery on the 18th of December 2011.

See the monks and lay people respectfully making traditional khata offerings to Kyabje Yongyal Dorje Chang.

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(Part 2 of 11) Debate session between monks of Serpom Monastery and Shar Gaden Monastery

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(Part 3 of 11) Inauguration and Consecration of the Assemply Hall of Serpom Monastery by Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche, followed by Mangja Puja

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(Part 4 of 11) The Invocations of Dharmapalas Dorje Shugden, Jowo Chingarwa, Setrap and Kache Marpo in the Assembly Hall of Serpom Monastery

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(Part 5 of 11) The Opening Ceremony of Serpom Monastery

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It was presided by the chief guests:

His Eminence Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche

His Excellency Shri S.A. Ramdas (Honorable Minister for Medical Education from Health & Family Welfare Department and Mysore Distric Minister)

Shri Venkatesh (Member of Legislature Assembly) with participation by local authorities, chairmen of Indian organizations, venerable monks, and delegates and guests from 18 different countries

(Part 6 of 11) The Opening Ceremony of Serpom Monastery

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The ceremony was presided by the chief guests:
His Eminence Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche
His Excellency Shri S.A. Ramdas (Honorable Minister for Medical Education from Health & Family Welfare Department and Mysore Distric Minister)
Shri Venkatesh (Member of Legislature Assembly) with participation by local authorities, chairmen of Indian organizations, venerable monks, and delegates and guests from 18 different countries

(Part 7 of 11) Serpom monks engage in Buddhist studies in a systematic way, and therefore Buddhist education is making rapid progress.

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It goes without saying that it is a good example for Buddhism in general

(Part 8 of 11) On the occasion, Dungkar Samten Choeling Monastery from Darjeeling presented Buddhist traditional Cham dance.

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The Cultural Dance Department of Shar Gaden Monastery performed Tashi Shopa and Snow Lion dance

(Part 9 of 11) Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche has kindly given oral transmissions, commentaries and empowerments to thousands of devotees at Serpom Monastery

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(Part 10 of 11) Serpom Monastery and devotees offered Long Life Puja to Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche

(Part 11 of 11) Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche paid visit to debate session and various departments of Serpom Monastery

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Zemey Rinpoche’s ladrang

Previous Zemey Rinpoche

Current Zemey Rinpoche

Zemey Rinpoche with Yongyal Rinpoche

Previous Zemey Rinpoche’s stupa

A tenshug is a special ritual offered to high lamas to create the necessary merits and conditions for them to extend their lives. When a teacher is manifesting illness or uncertainty in living, students should arrange a tenshug offering done in all it’s completeness.

When the teacher lives long, the Buddha Dharma will grow and benefit many. The Buddha Dharma’s growth is dependent on teachers. The importance of the teacher cannot be overly stressed.

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is the current abbot of Serpom Monastery in Bylakuppe. He is a high incarnate Tulku. He is making his historic first visit to Shar Gaden Monastery in Mundgod. The occasion was to grant the novice ordination on Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche who in this video is seven years old.

At the same time Shar Gaden Monastery took this precious opportunity to offer tenshug to both Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche and Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche. These two incarnate tulkus are highly precious to the lineage of Lord Tsongkapa’s virtuous way the Gelugpas.

In this video, you may watch the actual tenshug ceremony led by the abbot of Shar Gaden Monastery Geshe Lobsang Pende who makes offerings on behalf of all sentient beings to Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche and Kyabje Domo Geshe to live a long and stable life turning the wheel of Dharma continuously.

Tenshugs generate powerful energy, merits and blessings that create causes for teachers to live. Not only live but turn the wheel of Dharma. The ceremony is beautiful as well as authentically traditional. May these great masters live 1,000 years and more.

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His Eminence Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is a student of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and HH Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. He is a very learned master with many practices. He is a most qualified teacher from Serpom and is Serpom Monastery’s first and current abbot.

Here he is making his first visit to Shar Gaden Monastery to confer the novice monk vows on the Kyabje Domo Geshe Choktrul Rinpoche. He is recieved with the highest honors and respects as accorded to such a great master such as himself.

You are fortunate to see this video of the Shar Gaden sangha with great respect receiving Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche’s visit to their Monastery.

Shugden Strikes Back!

Welcome to Serpom Monastery!

There are some moments in history that the world looks back on with a sense of awe, and Serpom Monastery’s grand opening is set to become one of them.

This auspicious occasion was more than any other monastery opening. It was an inspirational reminder that despite the dark and difficult times for Shugden practitioners, there are still people with deep faith who will follow in Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen’s footsteps to open new monasteries and propagate Tsongkhapa’s tradition.

Based in South India, Serpom Monastery is the home and school for 600 devoted students of the unbroken Gaden lineage. With its strict academic and spiritual curriculum, this monastic community has produced hundreds of elite scholars over the years.

Thus clutching our precious invitations to the opening, it was with a great deal of excitement and anxiety that a group of us packed and left for India on 15 December 2011, just a few days away from the upcoming Lama Tsongkhapa Day celebration.

Landing in Bangalore on a cool winter’s morning, we were greeted with the smell of Indian spices and masala tea, and a convoy of cars to take us and other pilgrims to Bylakuppe.

It was a journey of spectacular countryside views and green fields of hardworking farmers toiling for their livelihoods. It was difficult to imagine that this starkly beautiful place is the epicenter of a ban that has caused millions to suffer and has torn apart the Buddhist community.

After six hours of coffee, bumpy roads and irrepressible picture-taking, our group finally caught a glimpse of one of the world’s most controversial (and influential!) monasteries.

Located on a hill, Serpom’s traditional monastic features made us gasp in awe, as prayer flags fluttered in the wind and the Dharma wheel perched atop the monastery caught the sun. A cool breeze blew through as the smell of sang offerings reached our noses. We cast our eyes over the hundreds of monks and lay practitioners that had gathered in two rows to welcome guests. It was a reassuring sight to see that we are not alone in our practice of Dorje Shugden…

The sound of long horns travelled into the clear blue sky, chased by the sound of clarinets and cymbals played by monks in the most respectful manner. A golden parasol had been prepared to welcome the abbot of Serpom Monastery, His Eminence Yongyal Rinpoche. A man radiating compassion and pure guru devotion, Yongyal Rinpoche was recognized by HH Trijang Dorjechang as the fourth of his line of incarnations.

In this incarnation, Yongyal Rinpoche has been an inspiration to Dorje Shugden practitioners everywhere, as a monk who persevered in his faith and practice, and has held on to his vows despite the ban.

It must have brought tears of joy to Yongyal Rinpoche’s eyes to lay eyes on Serpom and watch the years of hard work and struggle culminate in the establishment of a monastic institution. In fact, Serpom Monastery is more than just any other monastery – because it arose at a time when the sangha community have become segregated, Serpom Monastery is proof that unity and harmony are key to reviving the Buddhadharma in this Kaliyuga age.

His Eminence then graced and blessed the main prayer hall (gompa) for the very first time, alongside thousands of monks he led into the gompa. For those of us who were visiting a Tibetan monastery for the first time, the experience could not have been more authentic – no expense had been spared on the gompa, with a stunning altar as the focal point.

The altar was made all the grander with large statues of the founder of our lineage Lama Tsongkhapa in the middle, Buddha Shakyamuni on the left and Medicine Buddha on the right.

The monks lined up and made offerings to the images, as Yongyal Rinpoche entered a small room which we guessed to be a chapel for our precious protector Dorje Shugden. It was an exciting moment – who would have thought that in the midst of the ban, Dorje Shugden’s practice continues to grow.

It was only much later that the gompa was opened to the junior monks, guests and lay practitioners. Finally we had a good view of the gompa! We had only just arrived at Serpom and already we were in complete awe at how grand the event was. We could only imagine what the main opening ceremony in two days’ time would be like…

In fact the whole opening ceremony was planned over five days, from 18th December until 22nd December 2011 with commentaries and teachings, debate sessions, food, prayers and speeches from dignitaries to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

The most highly anticipated event however, was the planned trance-taking session when the King himself would enter the Oracle, and come to bless the monastery that would preserve and spread his practice. Never in our lives had we had the chance to meet the King himself, so it was definitely high on our to-do list in this spiritual journey!

The days flew by and before we knew it, it was 18th December 2011. At exactly 6am, with our eyes filled with sleep but our bodies trembling with anticipation, we joined thousands of other devotees to witness Buddhist history being made.

Thousands of monks young and old congregated for the main opening ceremony; squeezed in to the gompa were high lamas, tulkus, Geshes, abbots and lamas from different monasteries and countries. Joining them were guests and sponsors from Taiwan, China, Tibet, America, France, Switzerland, Australia and Italy, all gathered for one reason – to spread the dharma.

Of course His Eminence Khen Rinpoche was also there, to cut the ribbon and lead the monks into the prayer hall for a puja that would bless the gompa. As the puja started, you cannot imagine how excited we were to witness the very first spiritual activity being conducted in the monastery. But that was not to be the end of our day because in just two hours’ time, we were about to meeting the great King Dorje Shugden himself.

8am came swiftly and the gompa was still filled with monks. It was the crème de la crème of the Tibetan Buddhist world, with the presence of many high lamas in the audience. Present there were:

• Yongyal Rinpoche
• Zawa Rinpoche
• Shar Gaden’s Khen Rinpoche (the present abbot)
• Achok Rinpoche
• Khuten-la from Gaden
• Rabten Choeling
• Representatives from Dromo Geshe Ladrang
• Representatives from Gangchen Ladrang
• Representatives from Trijang Ladrang
• Representatives from Geshe Thubten Trinley Rinpoche
• Representatives from Chatri Rinpoche
• Representatives from Phegyeling

And then it was time for the world renowned Chojela to take trance! For the first time, we saw the beautiful setting of the Oracle throne and outfits, and the different hats for the deities; for the first time, we saw that in these modern times, the monastic institutions have not lost an inch of the traditional practices and authentic lineage that has been passed down for thousands of years.

Heralded by the sonorous chants of monks reciting auspicious prayers, Chojela entered the room in his golden brocade robes. Thousands of attendees rose to make three prostrations to pay their respects for they were about to meet the King, who would enter an Oracle personally trained by His Holiness Dromo Geshe Rinpoche and His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang. The room quickly filled with the smell of sang offerings as attendants moved forwards to assist Chojela in putting on the remainder of his outfit.

It did not take long – the outfit went on, the chanting continued, a jerk, and the King had arrived in the Oracle. Holding his sword to perform a Vajra dance, Dorje Shugden then took his seat on the throne as all the high lamas, monks and guests lined up to pay their respects and receive a blessing. Leading them was Yongal Rinpoche, who stepped forwards first to make body, speech and mind offerings to Dorje Shugden himself.

Being forever compassionate, the King stayed for quite some time to bless everyone who were there to meet him. It was such a huge honor to meet him – here in front of us was the statue come to life, in all of his Enlightened glory. Trembling with compassionate energy, we had no doubt that Dorje Shugden was here to fulfill his promise to protect the Dharma in an uncommon way.

As the main protector of the monastery, Serpom will be preserving the unbroken lineage that is being passed down to thousands every year. It was clear that the King was pleased to know this – throughout the trance, the King (via the Oracle) kept hitting his breastplate as if to say, “I am with you. I will fulfill your needs.”

Then 15 minutes later, it was all over. Dorje Shugden left, and the monk attendants surrounding the Oracle moved to change the Oracle’s hat, in anticipation of the arrival of the next wrathful Protector.

With a shrill cry, it was clear to all when Lord Setrap had arrived. With a stamp of his spear to announce his arrival, Setrap did a Vajra dance before settling to bless the monks…if you can call it settling!

Bursting with wrathful energy, Setrap jerked as he blessed the monks but five minutes later, the energy was too overwhelming for the Oracle’s body that compassionately, Setrap left.

Again, the monk attendants moved to change hats and before we knew it, Protector #3 had arrived. Wearing a red tasseled hat, Chingkar Jowo, Serpom’s female Protector, was gentle and peaceful, and able to stay to bless the crowd one by one. It was something our group had never seen before, a female Protector so we felt very blessed to connect with her for the first time.

When the monk attendants moved forwards for the final time, our group were almost bereft with excitement because we all knew who was coming next…Kache Marpo! He entered the Oracle, remaining in the Oracle’s body almost imperceptibly as he walked over to Yongyal Rinpoche to pay his respects, before sitting on the throne to bless the crowd and give a Dharma talk.

Even though it was in Tibetan, and none of us could understand a word, just to be in the presence of such holy beings was a true blessing. It was in itself unusual, to say the least, to receive a Dharma teaching from Kache Marpo – none of us had ever received a teaching from a Buddha himself, much less Hayagriva!

Finally Kache Marpo left, and the electrifying energy that ran through the hall was gone. The whole trance had only lasted approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, but it was the best hour and a half of our lives. Thousands of people had had the opportunity to meet four Protectors, including the King himself. It truly was a blessed session, every single minute of it.

Later in the afternoon, there was an official speech giving ceremony by Lharampa Jampa Khetsun, monastic spiritual advisor followed by His Eminence Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche. His Excellency S.A. Ramdas then spoke about integrating Dharma in our lives, regardless of whatever religion we are, to help us to have a more meaningful existence.

He also said that Buddhism has existed in India since Buddha’s time, and we must continue the legacy as Buddha’s wish was to benefit all sentient beings regardless of what religion or sect they came from. It was a comfort for Dorje Shugden devotees to hear this voice of support from an Indian government official, as we continue to suffer because of the practice and sect we come from.

Honorable Karnataka Minister, Shri K. Venkatesh (Member of Legislative Assembly for the Periyapatna Constituency) also gave an inspirational speech followed by the Venerable Abbot of Shar Gaden Monastery. Their speeches were succeeded by an award presentation, where the Serpom Peace Awards were presented to Mr Venkatesh MLA.

As we left Serpom in the strong heat of the Indian afternoon, we could not help but wonder – why is such an Enlightened, elite Buddha banned? How can Setrap, who is accepted by the mainstream monasteries like Gaden, enter the same person as Dorje Shugden, if Dorje Shugden is a spirit?

More thoughts flew threw our minds. We had met so many compassionate, gentle lamas throughout our stay here…could it be possible that such high lamas and elite masters propitiated a spirit? Why would so many high lamas, many of whom were previously promoted by the Tibetan government, fly from all around the world to attend this monastic opening? Why would a spirit help so many people over the years, and not ask for anything in return?

We could not help but chuckle at these thoughts as we travelled down the bumpy Indian roads on our way home. May Dorje Shugden’s practice grow, we were so blessed to be there.

(Read another account of the Serpom Grand Opening here: dorjeshugden.com/?p=10965)

Watch the video of Serpom Monastery’s opening ceremony

Photos of the Event

Monks on the road to welcome their abbot, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche

Young monks and Tibetans lining up on the road to Serpom’s entrance

Banner at the entrance

The entrance arch

Main building of Serpom Monastery

Leading Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche to the prayer hall

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche with Achok Rinpoche and entourage

Monks in the monastery compound with sang burning

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche addressing the monks

Winter debate on the eve of Serpom’s Inauguration Ceremony

A new generation of scholars at the inter-monastery debate

Monks waiting for Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche to do the ribbon-cutting ceremony

Arrival of Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche

Main entrance to the Prayer Hall with 5-colour khatas

Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche and monks entering the Prayer Hall

Sangha of Serpom ready for puja

Tibetan guests entering the Prayer Hall

Making khata offerings during the opening

View of Serpom Monastery

Serpom Monastery main building (side view)

Image of Dorje Shugden in the Prayer Hall, next to the main entrance

The seat of the oracle

Headgear for the various protectors

Escorting the oracle into the Prayer Hall

Monks playing the long horn, ready to invoke the Dharmapala

Arrival of Indian officials and guests at the Prayer Hall

The abbot and the Indian VIPs

Inauguration speech by His Excellency Shri S. A. Ramdas, Honorable Karnataka Minister and Mysore District Minister

Presentation of Serpom Peace Awards to His Excellency Shri S.A. Ramdas and Shri K. Venkatesh, Member of the Legislature Assembly. The abbot and the Indian VIPs