by Khenpo Jampa Tenphel Rinpoche
Today is the 86th birthday of His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinpoche, founder of Sakya Monastery in Seattle and Lamdre lineage holder of the heavenly Khon family. When we celebrate his birthday, we are not simply celebrating the life of one man, we are celebrating the 900 year unbroken lineage of the glorious scholars of the Sakyapa tradition. We are celebrating the incredible wisdom and profound realization of the Five Founding Lamas. We are celebrating the unbroken direct transmission of the Lamdre teaching from Mahasiddhi Virupa. His Holiness Dagchen Rinpoche brought our Sakyapa tradition here to America and established his seat in Seattle, Washington. Since then he has continuously bestowed teachings, empowerments and blessings for the development and cultivation of the Dharma here in this new world. With body, speech and mind he manifests the Rigsum Gonpo: Chenrezi, Manjushri and wrathful Vajrapani. I would like the thank the president, the board and the members of the Sakya Tsechen Association for hosting this event and inviting me to celebrate the life of one of our great living lamas for the first time here in New York. Let’s continue our life practice in accordance with the instructions of our wonderful, compassionate gurus. Happy Birthday to His Holiness Dagchen Rinpoche! Now let’s dedicate the merit of our rejoicing and celebration to wish long life to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness the Sakya Trizin and of course His Holiness Dagchen Rinpoche, as well as peace on Earth and the preservation of the Tibetan culture and spirit! Thank you!