10-1-2135 (16 February, 2008) Namdroling Monastery. The giant thankga of Guru Rinpoche and cham (lama dance) of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche took place today, as is the yearly tradition. A giant statue of Guru Rinpoche is rolled out for the public to see. The eight manifestations and Guru Tsengyed (eight manifestations) are held by the monastery entrance. Participants are allowed to offer katag at the conclusion of the dance. Click to see more pictures.

Giant Guru Rinpoche, surrounded by his dakas and dakinis

1-1-2135 (7 February, 2008) Namdroling Monastery. At 3:00 am in the morning, the conch shells sounded and the gong boomed over the temples, villages and fields in Bylakuppe, calling the assembly of Namdroling Monastery to the Golden Temple to present a greeting katag to His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. Khentul Gyangkhang Rinpoche, Mugsang Kuchen Rinpoche, Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche, and all of the tulkus, khenpos, lopons, monks, nuns, local villagers and visitors filled the temple, katags in hand, to offer to His Holiness on the first day of the Tibetan New Year. We have been very fortunate to receive some pictures and video of this event. Please click below to view. For a slide show of the events, click here.

The images below show the assembly inside the Golden Temple. The first image is a view down the center of the temple, where His Holiness Penor Rinpoche sits on the Dharma Chair, while the monks and nuns chant the Auspicious New Year Prayers. Subsequent photos are of the monks participating in the prayers and practices of Auspiciousness for the coming year.

2008 Losar Assembly in Golden Temple

2008 Losar Assembly in Golden Temple

29-12-2134 (5 February, 2008) Namdroling Monastery. At the conclusion of the Drupchen, the torma is brought out to the field behind the Hospital and set afire. These photos show the ceremony.

Gutor Torma

Symoblic Burning of Obstacles for All Beings