By Venerable Khenpo Jampa Tenphel
Translated by Tsering Gaga and Laura Ellis
On Saturday June 20th, and Sunday, June 21st, a Tenshug Puja (ceremony) was held for H.H. Sakya Gongma Dagchen Rinpoche’s long life was held at Sakya Monastery.
Prayers began on Saturday with lamas and monks performing White Tara prayers (Drolkar Yishin Norbu). Those in attendance included: H.E. Dagmo Jamyang, Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Rinpoche, Ven. Tulku Yeshi, Ven. Khenpo Jampa Tenphel, Lama Tashi (Dagchen Rinpoche’s representative at his center in Taiwan; Taiwan Dechen Choling Gi Gutsa), Lama Migmar and Lama Tenzin. Venerable Khenpo Jampa was the main chant leader, Dorje Lopon.
Prayers continued on Sunday, Father’s Day. Again, lamas and monks performed the long life practice and with music and incense, “invited” H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche, “Turner of the Dharma Wheel,” to enter the shrine room with music and incense. The Sakya Dhungseys, Jetsunmas and all Sakya Dagmos were also invited to enter the shrine room. Together with patrons, Larry and Teresa Lamb, and Sakya Monastery members and friends, Dagchen Rinpoche was welcomed to his lion throne.
With purity of body, speech and mind, mandala offerings were made to Dagchen Rinpoche that he may live long. Offerings were made first by the Sakya family, followed by Kathog Rinpoche, Lama Tashi Rinpoche , Taiwan Sakya Center President, Sonam Yangkyi, Sakya Monastery board members, Tibetan Association of Washington members, and Sakya Monastery members.
Venerable Tulku Yeshi then read a passage from Dagchen Rinpoche’s autobiography. This was followed by the formal request for Rinpoche to live long, performed by Venerable Khenpo Jampa. Rinpoche replied that because of the pure intentions of disciples’ request, and because of their prayers and devotion, by that power he said that he will live long.
The Tenshug overall went very well and was blessed with auspicious signs and good fortune.