Torma in the Golden Temple for Anniverary of Mipham Rinpoche
Every year since 1981, the Ngagyur Nyingma University (Shedra) has taken responsibility for organizing a prayer ceremony based upon Jampal Gyu Lug, the traditional Manjushri Tantra practice, in commemoration of the great Nyingma master Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche. This year marks the 97th anniversary, which occurs on the 29th day of the Fourth Tibetan Month, since the passing of Mipham Rinpoche (1846-1912). A feature of the ceremonies includes dharma discourses presented by senior students followed by their juniors, as a means to display and explicate various aspects of the Buddha’s teachings, and Nyingma doctrine in particular. Onlookers are invited to enjoy these presentations during the early morning tea break.
The evening ceremonies begin with a recitation of the “Names of Manjushri,” Manjusrinamasamgiti, and as the sangha chants the words “the banner of Dharma will be hoisted perfectly” from the Chekyi Gyaltsen Legpar Tsug prayer, the presentation of dharma discourses continues. These are followed by the ceremonial “Standing for Debate at the holy gathering,” Tsoglang, in which two monks formally debate before the assembly of esteemed religious leaders, scholars, and onlookers. The day of observance concludes with Ts’ig-Zang, a chanting of “Noble Words” that includes the “Four Noble Truths” of the Buddha, and Zangchod, a prayer of dedication.