October 30 was a very special day called Lhabab Duchen (the day Buddha Shakyamuni descended from Tushita Heaven). That day was also very special because it was His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgön Chungtsang’s birthday, as well as the day of inauguration of the Drikung Kagyu Institute, blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1992.


Schedule of Events:

At 6 am the members of Drikung Kagyu Institute, Kagyu College, Samtenling Nunnery, and Songtsen Library, gathered at Jangchubling Monastery. His Holiness the Kyabgön Chetsang’s mother also attended, as well as their family members, and His Holiness the Kyabgön Chungtsang’s older brother’s daughter from the Lhagyari family, Namgyal Dolkar la, who lives in the Tibetan Colony at Dehra Dun.

During the big reception, the Drikung Kyabgön Chungtsang’s image (kupar) was brought down to the main temple from the private residence (zimchung) and placed on the throne. Thereafter the puja of Lama Chöpa (Guru Yoga) started with butter tea, sweet rice, and breakfast being offered.

At the time of offering the Mandala, there were delegations led by Chagdzö Tsulwang of the Office of His Holiness (Labrang) and the delegations of the Drikung Kagyu Institute, Songtsen Library, Kagyu College, and Samtenling Nunnery. They all offered Mandalas to both Holiness’ thrones and to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s throne. Afterward, all the members who were present, offered Kathags to the Holinesses’ thrones.

After the Guru Yoga puja, all the members gathered in front of the displayed prayer flag for longevity for the Drikung Kyabgön Chungtsang and other Holinesses. Gradually all the traditional pujas, such as removing obstacles and others were performed. At the end, the members threw roasted barley flour (Tsampa) into the air.

At 9.30 am, all the members gathered at the hostel ground of the young monks of Jangchubling Monastery.

Khenpo Konchok Mönlam gave a brief introduction about this special day and the importance of celebrating the Guru’s birthday. The festivities continued with many sports competitions played by students of the Drikung Kagyu Institute and its branches. Everybody enjoyed playing or watching the games and at the end, the principal of Kagyu College distributed presents to those who won in the games competitions. After completing that program, at 12 pm everybody enjoyed a delicious lunch and the program ended.

Report prepared by
Khenpo Rangdol
Principal of Kagyu College