November 17 was a very special day, as it was the sacred day of the celebration of Buddha Sakyamuni’s descent from Tushita heaven, and this is also His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chungtsang’s birthday. Moreover Jangchubling Monastery was inaugurated on that day.

The program for the celebration of Drikung Kyabgon Chungtsang’s birthday at Jangchubling monastery, Dehradun, started at 6:00am. All the Sangha members gathered at the monastery and with a big reception the images of both Holinesses were brought to the thrones from His Holiness residence. His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche led the program and the chanting master started the prayers of Guru Yoga. At the time of the Mandala Offering of Guru Yoga, His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche, His Eminence Tritsab Rinpoche, and the directors of Songtsen library, Kagyu College and Samtenling Nunnery made a Mandala offering to both Holinesses thrones. After that, Tulkus, Khenpos, Drubpons, His Holiness’ family members, foreign devotees, monks, nuns and hundreds of lay people offered khatags to His Holinesses thrones and to Garchen Rinpoche. Each of them received a blessing from both Holinesses thrones and Garchen Rinpoche. During the Puja, butter tea, sweet rice and breakfast were offered to all the participants. The ceremony ended with the long life prayers for both Holinesses – the sun and the moon – and aspiration prayers for the Buddhadharma.

After the Guru Yoga Puja, Garchen Rinpoche and all the Sangha members gathered in front of the tall prayer flag for His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chungtsang, to increase his wind element. His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche led the cleansing and blessing prayers for the prayer flag. At the end, each of them threw barley powder (Tsampa) into the air, which is symbolic of good luck and prosperity.

With lots of prayers  
Drikung Kagyu Winter Teaching Committee