Teachings and talks in Tawang
In the morning of 22 June 2017, from Bomdila His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche headed to Tawang. Prior to leaving Gontse Gadhen Rabgyeling Monastery, Bomdila, His Eminence Rinpoche planted tree and performed the blessing Ground Rites, for the monastery’s construction of a new Lamp-offering Shrine.
At the request of the local ordained and lay public at Dirang, His Eminence Rinpoche bestowed at the Kalachakra Temple, Dirang, a blessing-transmission andcommentarial teaching on Bodhisattvas’ Declaration of Downfalls, and on the importance of motive and dedication prayers.
At a place close by Sela, at the request of the local devotees, His Eminence Rinpoche performed a consecration-blessing of the Compassion Maṇi Temple.
Upon arrival at Jang, Tawang Deputy Commissioner, Jang District Commissioner, and others welcomed His Eminence Rinpoche and accorded a formal tea-reception at the government Guest House. Thereafter, at Lhawu, His Eminence Rinpoche bestowed at Thupten Choeling Girls’ School, Lhawu, atransmission-blessing of Manjushri praise Your Intellect.
With welcoming devotees throughout on the way, upon arrival at Gadhen Namgyal Lhatse Monastery, Tawang, His Eminence Rinpoche was accorded revered welcome at the monastery.
On 23 and 24 June 2017, at the request of Gadhen Namgyal Lhatse Monastery, Tawang, His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche bestowed at the monastery’s main Congregation Hall, commentarial teachings on Jey Tsongkhapa’s text The Three Principal Aspects of the Path. At the start of each session His Eminence Rinpoche advised on the need to set altruistic motive and an appropriate conduct in listening to the sublime teachings, as instructed in The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment.
At the request of the monastery, His Eminence Rinpoche also bestowed a Permission-empowerment of the four-armed Avalokiteshvara, with two retinues, in the tradition of Atisha.
At the conclusion of the teachings His Eminence Rinpoche gave specific advice to the ordained, on the need to put into practice Vinaya guidelines on ethics; the need to recognise what are the concordant facilities and what are the adverse factors for one’s studies and practice; and on conservation of the environment.
On 25 June 2017, organised jointly by District Administration, Tawang, and Tawang Monpa Employees’ Society, His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche gave a talk, at Kalawangpo Conventional Hall, Tawang, on the requested theme of “The Importance and Relevance of Religion in 21st Century.”
At the start, Mr. Sangye Phuntsok, Tawang Deputy Commissioner, gave a welcoming speech, followed by appreciation awards conferred from the hands of His Eminence Rinpoche to the students from Tawang District who have secured high academic results.
Thereafter His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche gave the talk, pointing out that: Religions have emerged for human needs; there is no superiority or inferiority with the various religions, each is distinct; these days the essence of the spirituality with the religions have faded and they depend on mere nomination and organisational discipline; prior to talking about whether or not things are related with importance of a religion, it is important to recognise that religion; with that, one needs to decide by having done scrutiny by oneself; and other related points. At the conclusion, His Eminence Rinpoche answered questions.
Mr. Dhondup (Secretary, Tawang Monpa Employees’ Society) gave a gratitude speech. At the talk were Tawang Deputy Commissioner and affiliated staff members, Superintendent of Police and affiliated personnel, army dignitaries, teachers, students, and others, totalling over a thousand attendees.
In the evening His Eminence Rinpoche met with the staff member of Jamtse Gatsel-ling, based near Lumla, Tawang District, and answered their questions. Likewise, His Eminence Rinpoche spared time for the request by the local alumni of Sarnath Central University for Tibetan Studies, and had informal conversation with them. His Eminence Rinpoche also spared time for dignitaries, members of non-governmental organisations in Tawang area, and devotees, seeking audience.
In the morning of 26 June 2017, upon departure from Gadhen Namgyal Lhatse Monastery, Tawang,the District Commissioner and the ordained congregation of the monastery accorded revered see-off to His Eminence Rinpoche.
Near Sela, on the way, His Eminence Rinpoche was offered stop-over tea, and at Dirang the general public welcomed His Eminence Rinpoche and served lunch. Upon arrival at Bomdila, His Eminence Rinpoche was welcomed to Gontse Gadhen Rabgyeling and offered stop-over tea. At Tenzingang Gyuto Monastery, the monastery’s officials welcome His Eminence Rinpoche.
On 27 June 2017, His Eminence Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche headed to Guwahati, from Tenzingang, and thereafter arrived in New Delhi, by flight.
On 28 June 2017, at prior requests, His Eminence Rinpoche spared time for dignitaries coming for audience.
On 29 June 2017, His Eminence Rinpoche departed New Delhi and arrived in Dharamshala.