KHÖNDUNG GYANA VAJRA SAKYA
DHARMA ACTIVITIES
2019
14th October
Nepal Tour
Rinpoche returned yesterday from his trip to Nepal. The tour was carefully planned to include remote villages with substantial Buddhist communities. The journey was arduous, with difficult access on foot to mountain settlements and very basic conditions. But for Rinpoche and his group of monks, it was every bit worth it.
None of the villages that Rinpoche went to had ever been visited by a Lama before, and so needless to say, all their community members were ecstatic and revelled in this unprecedented occasion.
When he reached Kathmandu, Rinpoche exhorted the heads of Buddhist institutions there to invest more effort in reaching these communities, where the Dharma has continued to flourish through the years in spite of their isolation.
12th October
Sakya Nunnery
Rinpoche visited the Sakya Nunnery at Boudha, Kathmandu, and gave advice to its young nuns.
In the evening, Rinpoche hosted a dinner at IBA and was joined by Chogye Tripa Rinpoche and other high lamas, khenpos and representatives from Sakya monasteries in Kathmandu.
10th October
Swayambunath
On his return to Kathmandu, Rinpoche stopped at Swayambu and performed the consecration of a new Mahakala statue and a shrine hall.
10th October
9th October
Dhading District
Today Rinpoche travelled to the Gurung village of Khalte in the Dhading District, high in the mountains west of Kathmandu.
The Gurung people of Nepal are one of the most important Gurkha tribes and are generally Buddhist.
8th October
Timal Yarinag
Yesterday, Rinpoche visited the Timal Yarinag cave. This cave is considered one of the most important Guru Rinpoche pilgrimage sites in Nepal and bears his footprint. Guru Rinpoche spent a long time in meditation here.
This morning, Rinpoche bestowed a Long-Life empowerment to the hundreds of local devotees who had gathered here for Rinpoche’s blessing, after which he returned to Kathmandu.
7th October
Auspicious Meeting
His Eminence has breakfast with H.E. Luding Khen Rinpoche before setting out to the Timal Yarinag cave in the Kavre District, east of Kathmandu.
6th October
IBA
In the late afternoon, Rinpoche was greeted with a traditional welcome at the International Buddhist Academy, where he met with a group of young students from Dolpa.
Later, Rinpoche attended a dinner hosted by the Nepal Buddhist Association at the Hyatt Hotel. Also present were H.E. Luding Khen Rinpoche, H.E. the 26th Chogye Tripa Rinpoche, H.E. Tharig Tulku Rinpoche and several other high lamas.
6th October
Avalokiteshvara Initiation
Today, Rinpoche bestowed the Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara Initiation according to Bikshuni Palmo in Panch Gatay Khola, Indrasarobar. Rinpoche also performed a land blessing.
5th October
Refuge Vows
Rinpoche concluded his visit to Hetauda with the bestowal of the Vajrakilaya Blessing and of the Refuge Vows to those assembled.
Many young monks were present. Rinpoche was very pleased to discover that they are going to normal school during the day.
He stressed how important it is that monks receive both a lay and a religious education, and how crucial it is that they be well educated if they want to benefit their community.
2nd October
Hetauda
Rinpoche and his entourage arrived yesterday evening in Hetauda, one of Nepal’s largest cities, some 3 1/2 hours southwest of Kathmandu.
This morning, Rinpoche was accompanied by religious and lay followers in a procession through the streets of the city to the Jigten Shiwa Choeling temple, where Rinpoche is conducting a 3-day Vajrakilaya Drupchod.
1st October
Kathmandu
Rinpoche arrived this morning at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
In the afternoon, on the invitation of Sridhar Rana Rinpoche, His Eminence gave the Vajrakilaya Torma Initiation at the Byoma Kusuma Centre, Bishalnagar.
29th September
Tenshug for H.H. Trichen Rinpoche
A throng of devotees came together today to celebrate the 75th Tibetan Birthday of His Holiness Gongma Trichen Rinpoche.
At his side were H.H. the 42nd Sakya Trizin and Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, along with members of their families. Also present were Phuntsok Phodrang Dungseys a well as Sakya lineage holders and high Lamas.
All of our Sakya Academy students were also present to celebrate this very special occasion with His Holiness.
26th September
Tenshug Preparation
Today is the beginning of the preparation for a Tenshug ritual to be held in honour of His Holiness Gongma Trichen Rinpoche’s Tibetan Birthday on 29th September. The ritual is presided over by H.H. the 42nd Sakya Trizin, Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and Khöndung Avikrita Rinpoche. Also in attendance are H.E. Thartse Khen Rinpoche and H.E. Chogye Thipa Rinpoche, as well as other high Sakya Lamas. The Tenshug is being offered by the Tibetan Markham community.
24th September
Refuge Vows Ceremony
Today, Rinpoche gave 60 Sakya Academy young monks their Refuge Vows and spoke to them on what it means to be a Buddhist.
Rinpoche also distributed prizes to the five Sakya Academy monks who did their Vajrakilaya exam over the past two weeks. They did very well, winning 1st, 2nd and 5th place in the exam results.
23rd September
Award-Giving Ceremony
His Holiness Gongma Trichen Rinpoche and Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche presided over the Sixteen-Arhat Puja and the distribution of awards to monks and nuns from different Sakya institutions who did best in their Scriptural Studies. Special awards went to those monks who excelled in their final Vajrakilaya exam. Among the five award-winners were three Sakya Academy students, who ranked 1st, 2nd and 5th in their exam results.
20th September
Conclusion of the Vajrakilaya Puja
His Holiness Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin and Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche presided over the conclusion of the Grand Annual Vajrakilaya Puja at the Sakya Centre. It is the most important yearly ritual for the Sakya School. Also in attendance was Phuntsok Phodrang Khöndung Avikrita Rinpoche.
As occurs each year, the ritual culminated in the dismantling of the Mandala and the blessing of the assembly by the Phurbas.
This was followed by the distribution of Tsok, this year for the first time, plastic-free.
14th September
Grand Annual Vajrakilaya Puja
His Holiness Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, His Holiness Gongma Trizin Rinpoche and Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche are presiding over the 11-day Grand Vajrakilaya Puja at the Sakya Centre, Dehradun.
Among the monks taking the ‘Dumpa’ – final Vajrakilaya exam, are five Sakya Academy monks.
2nd September
Vajrakilaya Initiation
The last stop on Rinpoche’s Spanish Teaching Tour was Sakya Gephel Ling, in Barcelona, where Rinpoche gave the 2-day Vajrakilaya Initiation.
Rinpoche also gave teachings on how to maintain a calm mind amidst the trials and tribulations that we encounter in our lives. Rinpoche’s students were deeply touched by his compassion and by his ability to explain the Dharma in simple terms and making it relevant to their lives.
29th August
Vajrakilaya Torma Initiation
Rinpoche visited Casa Virupa, in the Tabertet hills, another nature reserve in the Barcelona region, which boasts breathtaking views. Amid this inspiring landscape, Rinpoche bestowed the Vajrakilaya Torma Initiation.
27th August
Vajrapani Initiation
Rinpoche spent two days at the Monasterio del Garraf, a sizeable monastery situated in a nature reserve near Barcelona. Here, Rinpoche bestowed the 2-day Vajrapani wangchen.
25th August
Group Photo
Rinpoche and his students during his teaching programme at Fundación Sakya in Pedreguer, Spain.
24th August
Vajrapani Initiation
His Eminence gave the Vajrapani Bhutadamara Initiation to followers at the Fundación Sakya.
23rd August
Ngondro Cycle of Teachings
Rinpoche is currently bestowing initiations and teachings pertaining to the Ngondro Cycle.
These precious teachings are being conferred at Sakya Foundation in Pedreguer, Spain.
19th August
Sakya Drogon Ling
Today, Rinpoche visited the Sakya Drogon Ling centre in Denia, Spain, where he bestowed the Long-Life and Vajrakilaya initiations to centre members and other Dharma followers.
18th August
Rinpoche arrives in Spain
Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche has arrived at the Fundación Sakya in Pedreguer, Spain for a very special 10-day programme of teachings and initiations.
Throughout these precious days, Rinpoche will be bestowing several important empowerments as well as sharing with students valuable advice, in his own particular style, always so deeply relevant to our daily lives in these complex times.
9-11th August
1st European Sakya Monlam
From the 9th to the 11th of August, the First European Sakya Monlam Festival of Prayers for World Peace was celebrated in Antwerp, Belgium.
It was conducted by His Holiness Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, assisted by Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and H.E. Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche.
This was an historic occasion for members of the Sakya community, who travelled from all corners of Europe to celebrate together this age-old tradition.
2nd August
Rinpoche arrives at Sakya Academy
In the evening, Rinpoche arrived at his residence at Sakya Academy, where teachers and students had gathered to welcome him.
All so happy to see their Guru again!
2nd August
Rinpoche returns to Rajpur
Today Rinpoche returned from his Asian Dharma tour. He arrived at the Sakya Dolma Phodrang in Rajpur in the evening, where he was greeted by his family, Phodrang members, and lamas and monks from Sakya Centre. Everyone was overjoyed to welcome him back.
2nd August
Advice from Rinpoche on spiritual practice
It does not matter how long the practice is that you do, what counts is the quality of practice when you do it and how you put your practice into your daily life. Find the right teacher, find the right place where you feel comfortable and where you feel open, where you don’t have hesitation towards your teacher. If you find that right teacher, then I think you should follow his or her advice and then just practise without any hesitation. It doesn’t mean that you have to give up your work or you have to do retreats for years and years. But you can do short sessions, 15 minutes, half an hour, one hour, according to your capacity.
29th July
Conclusion of Grand Puja
Today was the conclusion of the Grand Vajrakilaya Puja at the Gig Lok Monastery in Hong Kong.
Rinpoche and his entourage return to India the day after tomorrow.
A few days thereafter, Rinpoche begins his European Dharma Tour.
25th July
Grand Vajrakilaya Puja
Today was the first day of the Grand Vajrakilalya Puja at the Gig Lok Monastery.
24th July
Vajrakilaya Initiation
Yesterday and today, Rinpoche bestowed the 2-day Vajrakilaya Wangchen at the Gig Lok Monastery in Hong Kong.
22nd July
Greetings Hong Kong
Today, Rinpoche and his monks arrived in Hong Kong, the last stop on the first part of their Phurdup tour, and where they will be spending 8 days. They return to India on 1st August.
22nd July
Farewell Singapore
After nearly 3 weeks of an intense programme of initiations, pujas and teachings, Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and his monks leave Singapore.
17th July
Black Mahakala Jenang
Today, Rinpoche bestowed the Black Mahakala Jenang. After the initiation, Rinpoche gave a short talk on happiness and compassion in our daily lives.
Rinpoche stressed the importance of spiritual practice and of devotion. He said the most precious offering that we can make to our Guru is our spiritual practice, even if it’s only for a few minutes every day, as long as it’s done with a pure heart.
With pure practice, gradually compassion arises and negative emotions cease to control us.
14th July
Last Day Phurdup
Today was the last day of the Grand Vajrakilaya ritual at Sakya Tenphel Ling, Singapore.
11th July
Tibetan Birthday
Today was Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche’s Tibetan birthday.
There was a celebration at Sakya Tenphel Ling to mark the occasion.
Other Sakya centres also offered their good wishes to Rinpoche from afar.
7th July
Vajrakilaya Wangchen
Yesterday Rinpoche began the bestowal of the 2-day Vajrakilaya Wangchen at Sakya Tenphel Ling in Singapore.
5th July
Rinpoche’s Birthday
Today, the western Birthday of Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche was celebrated at Sakya Tenphel Ling, Singapore.
May he and his respected family live long years of health and happiness, and may all his noble activities be blessed with unmitigated success.
4th July
Farewell Mongolia!
Today Rinpoche and his entourage leave Mongolia. They travel to Singapore, where they will be conducting Vajrakilaya and other activities for the next 2 1/2 weeks.
30th June
Shalshi Empowerment
Today, Rinpoche bestowed the Four-Headed Shalshi Empowerment at the Beejin Monastery in Khujirt, Central Mongolia.
29th June
Black Hat Dance
Today Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche conducted the annual Black Hat Dance ceremony at the Erdenezu monastery in Kharkhorin.
As Rinpoche performed the ritual, participants were amazed to witness the clear skies suddenly break into thunder and lightning.
This Vajrakilaya ritual is considered to purify defilements and avert obstacles.
27th June
Vajrakilaya Torma Ritual
Today was the first day of the Vajrakilaya Torma Throwing Ritual at Erdenezu Monastery in Kharkhorin.
26th June
Kharakhorum
Today, Rinpoche gave a teaching at the Kharakhorum Museum in Kharkorin, central Mongolia.
Kharakhorum was the ancient capital of the Mongolian empire under Genghis Khan.
23rd June
Rigsum Gompo
Today Rinpoche bestowed the Rigsum Gompo initiation at the Gaylu monastery in Erdenet, in northern Mongolia.
17th June
Thangton Gyalpo Empowerment
On this the last day of their stay in Ulaan Baatar, Rinpoche and his monks performed the 16-Arhat Puja, followed by the bestowal by Rinpoche of the Thangton Gyalpo Long-Life Empowerment.
The group leaves tomorrow for Dakhan, in northern Mongolia.
16th June
Conclusion of Vajrakilaya
Today, Rinpoche conducted the conclusion of the Vajrakilaya teachings at the Sakya Pandita Dharma Chakra centre in Ulaan Baatar.
14th June
Samantabhadra Puja
Rinpoche conducted the Samantabhadra Puja for the much beloved Ven. Choe Phuntsok, who passed away peacefully last night at Sakya Centre, at the age of 96.
Affectionately known as ‘Trunyi la’ (Secretary), Ven. Choe Phuntsok was the oldest monk at the monastery, and served for several years as Private Secretary to His Holiness Gongma Trichen Rinpoche.
13th June
Dinner… Mongolian Style
12th June
The Phagpa Pillar
Rinpoche and his monks took some time off their Vajrakilaya programme to visit the outskirts of Ulaan Baatar.
The group performed a land blessing ceremony at the site of Phagpa’s Pillar, a testimony to the special Sakya-Mongolian historical relationship.
The pillar was erected to mark 750 years since the introduction of the Phagpa Script into Mongolia by Sakya Founding Master Chogyal Phagpa.
It was inaugurated on the 31st of May 2019.
11th to 16th June
Grand Vajrakilaya Puja
Rinpoche is conducting the Grand Vajrakilaya Puja at the SPDC centre in Mongolia.
(Click here to watch the video).
9th June
Vajrakilaya Empowerment
Today, Rinpoche bestowed the Vajrakilaya Empowerment at the SPDC centre in Ulaan Baatar.
8th June
Vajrakilaya Empowerment
Today was the preparation day of the Vajrakilaya Empowerment at the Dharma Chakra Monastery in Ulaan Baatar.
6th June
Arrival in Mongolia
Gyana Vajra Rinpoche arrived in Ulaan Baatar this morning, along with his entourage of monks. (See short video of Rinpoche’s arrival).
This is the second leg on Rinpoche’s 2019 Asian Phurdup Tour.
He and his monks will be visiting several monasteries in Mongolia over the coming month.
5th June
Farewell to Taiwan
The Vajrayana Sakya Manjushri sangha bids farewell to Gyana Vajra Rinpoche and his entourage as they leave for Ulaan Baatar, the next stop on their Phurdup tour.
It has been an intense and truly fruitful three weeks for all, and everyone is already yearning for Rinpoche’s return.
2nd June
Last Day Phurba Grand Puja
Today was the last day of the Vajrakilaya Grand Puja held at the Vajrayana Sakya Manjushri Center in Taiwan.
30th May
Day 4 – Phurba Grand Puja
29th May
Phurba Grand Puja
Today was the third day of the Grand Vajrakilaya ritual.
28th May
Phurba Grand Puja
Today Rinpoche conducted the second day of the Grand Vajrakilaya ritual.
27th May
Phurba Grand Puja
Today was the first day of the Vajrakilaya Grand Ritual at the Vajrayana Sakya Manjushri Center.
This ritual is central to the Sakya Tradition and is the most important annual ritual performed at the Sakya Centre, Dehradun as well as at the main Sakya Monastery in Tibet.
Vajrakilaya embodies the enlightened activitity of all the Buddhas and is renowned as a purifying force and as a remover of obstacles to wisdom and compassion.
23rd May
Vajrakilaya Sadhana Teaching
Rinpoche continues his four-day programme of the Vajrakilaya Sadhana explanation and group practice at the Vajrayana Sakya Manjushri Center, Taiwan.
21st May
Vajrakilaya Sadhana teaching
Today, Rinpoche gave an explanation of the Vajrakilaya Sadhana at the Vajrayana Sakya Manjushri Center, and gave precious guidance on how to practise it.
19th May
Vajrakilaya Wangchen
Today, Rinpoche bestowed the Vajrakilaya Wangchen at the Vajrayana Sakya Manjushri Center in Taiwan.
17th May
Saraswati Initiation
Rinpoche began his teaching programme in Taiwan with the initiation of Yang Chen Ma, or Saraswati, consort of Manjushri and goddess of poetry, music and wisdom. She is one of the 21 Taras.
In a short teaching preceding the initiation, Rinpoche stressed the importance of right motivation in receiving initiations, and in spiritual practice in general.
With an excellent translation, graciously provided by Phula Rinpoche, the assembly gathered at the Vajrayana Sakya Manjushri Center to receive Rinpoche’s teaching included HE Thartse Rinpoche, high lamas and students from Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the USA
(Click here for video)
Offtime….
14th May
Arrival in Taiwan
Rinpoche arrived in Taiwan with his entourage early this afternoon. This is the first stop on his Phurdup tour of Asia.
There to greet him were HE Thartse Rinpoche and Phula Rinpoche, along with a fervent group of devotees who extended him an elaborate traditional welcome.
29th April
Minneapolis, MN
Rinpoche joins His Holiness the Sakya Trichen Rinpoche and Her Eminence Gyalyum Chenmo in Minneapolis in a brief visit before returning to India.
28th April
Woodside, NY
At the request of Tsechen Association NY and NJ, Rinpoche presided over a Tara puja in the morning for the longevity of our teachers. In the afternoon Rinpoche bestowed the White Tara Long-life initiation to over 1500 faithful at the Phuntsok Deshe Tibetan Community Hall in Woodside, New York.
26th April
Seattle, WA
Today, Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche bestowed the Mahakala empowerment at the Sakya Monastery in Seattle.
Among the assembly receiving the precious empowerment was Her Eminence Dagmo Kushok Sakya.
21st-22nd April
Kensington, California
Invited by the Ewam Choden Tibetan Buddhist Centre, Rinpoche bestowed the Vajrakilaya Torma and Vajrapani Bhutadamara empowerments to an assembly of devotees.
13th – 14th April
Minneapolis, Minnesota
On 12th April, Rinpoche arrived in Minneapolis. The following day, at the request of Thupten Dhargye Ling, Rinpoche led the Tara and Mahakala pujas. On the 14th, Rinpoche bestowed a Long-Life empowerment and imparted general instructions to the public at the Minnesota Tibetan Community Hall.
6th – 7th April
Tsechen Kunchab Ling, Walden, NY
Rinpoche began his Dharma Tour with the 2-Day Vajrakilaya Empowerment at Tsechen Kunchab Ling.
Rinpoche gave some precious advice on the importance of spiritual practice in our lives. Click here to receive these essential instructions.
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4th April
Rinpoche arrives in New York
First stop on his international Dharma Tour
