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.

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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.

22 January 2015 was a landmark day for all Dorje Shugden practitioners around the world. For the first time in history, learned monks from Shar Ganden Monastery and Serpom Monastery were presented with their Geshe Lharampa certificates from the Gelugpa Buddhist University.

This Geshe Lharampa ceremony, which took place in Serpom Monastery, is significant because it’s the first of its kind for Dorje Shugden practitioners ever since the monasteries of Shar Ganden and Serpom separated from Ganden Shartse and Sera Mey respectively, due to the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice.

Ever since the Dorje Shugden ban was enforced in 2008, Shugden monks were unable to receive the Geshe Lharampa degree (the equivalent of a PhD. in Buddhist philosophy) regardless of how qualified they might be, just because the existing Gelugpa University refused to issue such a degree to Shugden monks solely due to their religious beliefs.

Fortunately, through the compassion, effort and diligence of dedicated high lamas and monks from the Dorje Shugden tradition, this void has since been filled with the founding of the Gelugpa Buddhist University in Mysore, India. And it is the Gelugpa Buddhist University who, understanding the importance of producing esteemed teachers for the growth and continuation of the pure lineage of Lama Tsongkapa’s tradition, issued certificates for all qualified Geshe Lharampas of Serpom and Shar Ganden Monasteries.

The certificate-presentation ceremony was presided over by none other than H.E. Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende, the Abbot Emeritus of Shar Ganden Monastery, and H.E. Achok Rinpoche, close student and trusted assistant of Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche, the Abbot of Serpom Monastery.

As the proceedings unfolded, the relief and joy of the monks was almost palpable as many Geshes have waited more than 5 years for this special day. All stalwart Dorje Shugden practitioners should rejoice at this wonderful news and extend deep appreciation to all who made this event possible.

May many more great geshes and scholars continue arising from the Dorje Shugden strongholds of Shar Ganden and Serpom, a testament to their great faith and dedication in preserving the precious lineage of Je Rinpoche. And may a tantric university for Dorje Shugden practitioners arise very soon, so that those denied entry into Gyuto and Gyumed Tantric Universities may have a place to further their studies of Buddhist tantra.

The new Geshe Lharampa certificate for Dorje Shugden practitioners received after 4 years of intensive studies

Certificate for Dorje Shugden practitioners after 2 years of studies

H.E. Gyara Rinpoche receives his Geshe Lharampa certificate from Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende

Shar Ganden chantmaster, Geshe Lobsang Jinpa, receives his certificate

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

DorjeShugden.com is pleased to share these pictures of Achok Rinpoche giving teachings and oral transmission of Lama Tsongkapa and his two disciples at Serpom Monastery in India, in conjunction with the month of Saga Dawa.

Celebrated throughout the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, Saga Dawa is the threefold festival that celebrates the birth, death and nirvana of Lord Buddha and is considered the most important time of the year for Buddhist practice.

It is said that the month of Saga Dawa is so sacred that any merit accumulated through the performance of a good deed or religious practice is doubled during this time. The middle of the month, the full moon day, is the most important and on this day, merit from worthy acts is said to increase by 100,000 times.

Such worthy acts may include going on pilgrimage to sacred places, making offerings, circumambulating and prostrating around Buddhist monuments, or engaging in retreat. In the monasteries, the monks engage in the reading of sutras, Cham dance rituals and other auspicious practices. Saga Dawa is also a particularly auspicious time for the giving and receiving of teachings, such as in the case of Achok Rinpoche.

Born in eastern India in 1976, Ven. Achok Rinpoche was recognized as the 4th reincarnation of Achok Rinpoche of Lithang in Tibet. Until 10, he focused on the memorization of basic ritual texts. From the age of 11, he began his formal education in Buddhist philosophical studies including Madhyamic, Abhidharma, Paramana and Vinaya all based on the works of Lama Tsongkapa and his disciples, under the personal guidance of his Spiritual Guide, Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche. In 1998, at the age of 22, Achok Rinpoche sat for the examinations of the Gelugpa Cultural Society and obtained the Geshe Lharampa degree with the highest honor, making him the youngest monk to obtain such a high honor outside of Tibet.

An erudite young lama of the Gelugpa tradition, Achok Rinpoche currently lives in the USA and gives regular teachings at the Gadenpa Buddhist Center in New York. We at DorjeShugden.com rejoice that Achok Rinpoche is turning the Wheel of Dharma in Serpom Monastery, and pray for the growth of Rinpoche’s dharma activities and the flourishing of Je Tsongkapa’s lineage.