(by Kim Abbey: An interview with H.E. Dagmo Kusho on June 13,2012)
The members of the Sakya Tsechen Ling/Center (Oakland, California) hosted the visit of our revered Head Lama, His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinpoche, during the Memorial Day weekend, from May 25, 2012 to May 29, 2012. H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche was accompanied by Her Eminence Dagmo Kusho, Ven. Khenpo Jampa Tenphel and Ven. Tulku Yeshi. Sakya Tsechen Center was established about a year ago by H.E. Dhungsey Ratna Vajra Sakya (elder son of His Holiness Sakya Trizin). The members of the Center requested that H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche bestowed to the San Francisco bay area Tibetan community the four armed Chenrezi Initiation, which was held on May 26th.
Scheduled for the following day was a request from the Tibetan Association of San Francisco. They expressed their wish that Dagchen Rinpoche lead a special public prayer service for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, for world peace and to relieve the suffering of all beings (especially those in Tibet). At the prayer service everyone recited the noble “Aspirations of Samantabhadra” prayer, Chenrezi mantra and other dedication prayers.
The Tibetan Association of San Francisco was founded as a means to preserve and to teach to the Tibetan-American children their unique culture– its language, arts, and customs. Currently, the association is located in a school, where they rent space to meet and practice on a weekly basis. Members and their children joyfully demonstrated their talents by performing traditional dances and singing Tibetan songs at a Welcome Ceremony honoring H.H. JD Sakya and his entourage. His Holiness and the entourage were all very pleased by the heart warming welcome and enthusiasm of the dancers and singers. H.E. Dagmo Kusho was especially delighted to see children, as young as 3 or 4 years old, performing in beautiful costumes the traditional Tibetan dances and singing songs in the Tibetan language.
Her Eminence also shared that the entourage was invited to a wonderful picnic on the water’s edge. The community set up Tibetan tents, prayer flags and served delicious foods. Everyone had a fun time visiting, eating, laughing and talking.
His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya, H.E. Dagmo Kusho as well as the Lamas, wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Sakya Tsechen Center and the Tibetan Association of San Francisco. Also, they especially want acknowledge Losang Dengpa, who translated for His Holiness and accompanying them throughout the visit. This San Francisco bay area visit was most memorable!