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.