Mindroling Monastery, Dehradun, India
The Enthronement Ceremony at Mindrolling Monastery was celebrated on 31st July, 2014, coinciding with the fourth day of the sixth lunar month, led by Kyabje Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, the monks and nuns of Mindrolling Monastery and lay devotees. Firstly, Lama Tenkhyab addressed the assembly about the successful and unmistaken reincarnation of the Third Drubwang Penor Rinpoche and then everyone offered the mandala of body, speech and mind, and made long life prayers. All the devotees offered ceremonial scarves before the holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche inside the main stupa.
Palyul Chokhorling, Bir, India
The Enthronement Ceremony at Palyul Chokhorling was held for three days starting from 31st July. In the morning, the sangha community of the monastery performed the purification ritual. Then the holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche was carried in a procession clockwise around the temple, led by Rigo Tulku Rinpoche, senior lamas from nearby monasteries and senior members of the parliament of the Central Tibetan Administration as well as monks and more than one thousand lay devotees, each holding significant symbols and incense in their hands. After placing Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait inside the main temple, the general secretary of the institute, Lopon Longsal, gave a history of Penor Rinpoche’s previous lives—starting from the great Pandita Vimalamitra to the present Penor Rinpoche—for 30 minutes. Then the monastic administration served the gathered guests and devotees with tea and sweet rice while Rigo Tulku Rinpoche offered the mandala of body, speech and mind, along with long life prayers. Students from the nearby schools performed cultural dances from the afternoon and for the whole day the monastery provided food to the entire gathering. There was a grand feast with various games played by monks for the next two days.
Thegchog Wodsal Palyul Choling Kathmandu, Nepal
The Enthronement Ceremony at Thegchog Wodsal Palyul Choling Monastery was held on 31st July, 2014. At 10 AM, the holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche was received inside the prayer hall, where more than four thousand disciples, led by His Eminence Dzongnang Yangsi Rinpoche, senior khenpos, lopons and loponmas from various Nyingma monasteries, as well as the members of the Nepal Buddhist Palyul Society attended the ceremony. Dzongnang Rinpoche offered a mandala and chanted long life prayers for Yangsi Rinpoche followed by the offering of auspicious scarves before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait. In the afternoon, there was a cultural program initiated by Dzongnang Monastery. The show was hosted by Dolma Sherpa. The performers from various part of the country delighted the audience with different traditional dances of Tibetan, Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Nyeshang and Yolmo origin, etc. Popular Nepali singers like Tulsa Waiba, Dipen Gurung, Indira Yonjan and Tsering Sherpa also performed during the show, followed by a praise verse to Yangsi Rinpoche. On 1st August, all the monks and nuns were given a two-day picnic at Godavari.
Also, on 13th November, 2014, a grand Enthronement Celebration was held during Trulku Thubzang Rinpoche’s conferral of the Ratna Lingpa empowerment cycle. Led by Tulku Thubzang Rinpoche, Dzongnang Yangsi Rinpoche, Khenchen Pema Sherab and Khenchen Namdrol Tsering, more than a thousand monks, nuns and lay devotees circumambulated the Boudhanath Stupa, carrying Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait.
Palyul Ogyen Dorje Choling Pharping, Nepal
The Enthronement Ceremony at Palyul Ogyen Dorje Choling Monastery was celebrated on 31st July and it continued for three days. The monks of the Shedra and Dratsang performed the Rigzin Duepa ritual. The three-day ritual was presided over by Khenpo Dorje, and other senior lopons and lamas. On the last day of the celebration, the holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche was received inside the main temple. The assemblage of monks and lay devotees made a mandala offering and long life prayers to Yangsi Rinpoche. The ceremony was followed by the offering of auspicious scarves before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait and the programme ended with dedication prayers.
Nubri Tsogye Yangwen Dechen Chokhorling & Pal Ngagyur Padma Dodjoling, Nubri, Nepal
The Enthronement Ceremony took place on 31st July, led by Khenpo Pasang Tenzin along with around 100 monks and laypeople. Long life prayers and auspicious scarves were offered that afternoon.
Nubri Ribum Ngagyur Palyul Jangchub Dargyeling, Nepal
The Enthronement Ceremony was celebrated on 31st July, by making long life prayers and expressing devotion with auspicious scarf offerings led by Khenpo Kunzang along with 200 monks and more than 300 lay devotees.
Palyul Dongag Legshed Chophel Ling, Ilam, Nepal
The Enthronement Ceremony at Palyul Dongag Legshed Chophel Ling—the name given by H.H. the Third Penor Rinpoche—was held for three days starting from 31st July. The holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche was brought inside the main temple where the prayer for venerating the Elders and the cleansing ritual were led by the head lopons of the monastery along with more than thirty monks. There was a grand feast celebration for the next two days and the ceremony ended with various auspicious and dedication prayers.
Padmai Gatshal Choiling School, Kathmandu, Nepal
The Enthronement Ceremony at Padmai Gatshal Choiling School was held on 31st July, with the performance of the purification ritual and long life prayers for Yangsi Rinpoche. The ceremony began with an introductory speech by Lopon Jangbu Sherpa on the swift and unmistaken reincarnation of H.H. Drubwang Penor Rinpoche, followed by the offering of auspicious scarves, the cutting of cake (as a mark of auspiciousness) and many other cultural programmes. The celebration continued for the whole day.
The Tsechu Association, Darjeeling, India
The Enthronement Ceremony was held on 31st July, led by the head lama of Tsechu Monastery, Khenpo Dawa Gyaltsen, presiding over all the monks and more than eight hundred lay devotees. Khenpo and the gathered devotees paid their homage by offering auspicious scarves before the holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche and ended the ceremony successfully with various auspicious prayers.
Palyul Samten Tashi Choling, Mirik, India
The Enthronement Ceremony at Palyul Samten Tashi Choling, Mirik, started on 30th July with various cultural programmes presented by the local people. On the next day, led by the head of the monastery, Khenpo Dzogchen, all the monks and lay devotees carried Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait around the town of Mirik, starting from Krishnanagar to the main temple. The monks performed the Innermost Guru practice and offered a mandala followed by the offering of auspicious scarves by the devotees.
Ngesang Dongag Jangchub Dargyeling’s Branch, Assam, India
The Enthronement Ceremony at the branch of Ngesang Dongag Jangchub Dargyeling was celebrated on 31st July, led by Venerable Khen Rinpoche Tsering Dorje along with 40 monks. More than one thousand lay devotees also attended the ceremony. The ceremony was preceded by the holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche being received inside the prayer hall. Khenpo then offered a mandala before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait while devotees made long life prayers. All the gathered disciples offered auspicious scarves to the throne of Yangsi Rinpoche. Khenpo offered 500 rupees along with lockets displaying the images of both the previous and present Penor Rinpoche to each of the devotees gathered there as a gesture of auspiciousness marking the swift return of H.H. Penor Rinpoche.
Ngagyur Taksham Ogyen Samten Choling, Kollegal, India
The Enthronement Ceremony at Ngagyur Taksham Ogyen Samten Choling was held on 10th August (the 15th day of the sixth lunar month). The ceremonial procedure was carried out with a purification ritual and then long life prayers for Yangsi Rinpoche. Khenpo Pema Chophel offered a mandala to Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait and then lopons, monks and lay devotees offered auspicious scarves. The monastic committee hosted a grand feast for all the monks and devotees gathered there for the next two days.
Lhabab Jangchub Choling, Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Lhabab Jangchub Choling Monastery celebrated the Enthronement Ceremony on 31st July, led by the lopons and monks of the monastery. The holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche was received inside the main temple. The ceremony proceeded with the offering of a mandala and auspicious scarves by the monks and lay devotees. They made long life prayers for Yangsi Rinpoche and then hosted a three-day grand feast for the monks.
Kathok Wodsal Ling, Yuksam, West Sikkim, India
The Enthronement Ceremony at Kathok Wodsal Ling Monastery was held on 6th August (the 10th day of the sixth lunar month), led by Kyabje Domang Yangthang Rinpoche, Khyentse Tulku, Sang Ngag Drubde Monastery’s Dorje Lopon, and lamas, along with many other monks from nearby monasteries. Thousands of lay devotees including the students from nearby schools also attended the celebration, which started with Lhatsun Namkha Jigme’s Rigzin Sogdrub (Life Attainment of the Vidyadharas)—transmitted from Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal as pure vision—and then continued for the whole day with the offering of auspicious scarves and long life prayers.
Palyul Dechen Gawai Ling, West Sikkim, India
On 31st July, the actual enthronement day of Yangsi Rinpoche, the Enthronement Cereemony started at 8 AM. The assembly of Palyul Dechen Gawai Ling Monastery of Palyul Lhatrul Rinpoche carried the large holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche in a ceremonial procession to the temple and placed it on the golden throne. Then, the assemblage made a mandala offering of body, speech and mind before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait, along with the prayer for venerating the Elders. Butter tea and sweet rice were served to the gathering. From noon, an entertainment programme was organized to mark the historic event. Local leaders and many other people attended the ceremony.
Ati Foundation, Thimphu, Bhutan
The Ati Foundation organized a day-long Enthronement Ceremony on 31st July. The festive day began at 7:30 AM. Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait was placed on a throne followed by a mandala offering of body, speech and mind, for longevity. Khenpos, lamas, lopons, monks, nuns and devoted laypeople gathered in the congregation hall to offer ceremonial scarves before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait. A half-day feast offering was presided over by Khenpo Tshewang Sonam. The afternoon session was marked by a variety of entertainment shows involving traditional and modern dances. More than a thousand people gathered there to celebrate the enthronement day of His Holiness the Fourth Padma Norbu Rinpoche. Bhutan’s renowned celebrities like actress Dorji Wangmo, singer Lhamo Drukpa, comedian Gem Dorji and others joined the festive celebration. The historic celebration ended at 4 PM with indelible memories of joy and happiness.
Rangjung Woesel Choeling, Tashigang, Bhutan
The Enthronement Ceremony at Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery was celebrated on 31st July and 10th August. Kyabje Dungse Garab Rinpoche led the celebration, where his Khandro, khenpos, tulkus, lamas, lopons and monks along with hundreds of devotees from the surrounding area were present. Khenpos, lopons and nuns from the Thegchog Kuenzang Choden Nunnery were also present. They all made long life prayers to Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait, and offered a mandala and ceremonial scarves.
Tamzhing Konchogsum Lhalung Dongag Shedrup Gatsel Ling Institutek, Bumthang, Bhutan
On 31st July, to mark the joyous occasion of Yangsi Rinpoche’s enthronement, the chief lama, khenpo, lopons, monks and local people gathered in the main temple of Tamzhing Konchogsum Lhalung Dongag Shedrup Gatsel Ling Institute’s main temple at 5 AM. Then the assemblage made a mandala offering of body, speech and mind before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait followed by the offering of ceremonial scarves. The celebration went on until noon.
Ngagyur Dongag Kunzang Choeling, Gelegphu, Bhutan
On 31st July, to mark the joyous occasion of Yangsi Rinpoche’s enthronement, the family of Ngagyur Kuenzang Choeling Monastery gathered in their main temple at 6 AM. The day began with Bhutanese traditional porridge. Then the assemblage made a mandala offering of body, speech and mind before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait, followed by the offering of ceremonial scarves. The celebration continued until 5 PM.
Dongag Wodsal Dargyeling,Khomshar, Bhutan
The Enthronement Ceremony began at 9 AM. The total strength of more than seventy khenpos, lopons and monks attended the historic day. Local leaders and officers from different departments and their families, more than 200 students and teachers from Khomshar Primary School and around one thousand other local people attended the celebration. The day’s programme was marked with the offering of a mandala of body, speech and mind followed by a variety of lama dances, Bhutanese traditional dances and songs, as well as modern songs.
The Arya Taray Foundation, Thimphu, Bhutan
The Arya Taray Foundation organized a day-long Enthronement Ceremony. Around five hundred people attended the celebration. The day was marked with a mandala offering of body, speech and mind before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait, followed by a variety of entertainments.
Palyul Padma Mani Centre, Toronto, Canada
The Enthronement Ceremony at Palyul Padma Mani Centre was celebrated on 9th August, led by Tulku Dawa Gyalpo, Khenpo Kunzang Dechen and other senior khenpos and tulkus along with hundreds of devotees from the surrounding area. They all made long life prayers to Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait, and offered a mandala and ceremonial scarves.
Pelob Tsogpa, Wollerau, Switzerland
Students of H.H. Penor Rinpoche in Switzerland celebrated the Enthronement Ceremony on 31st July. They invited Venerable Khenpo Sangay Rangjung and made long life prayers as their homage to Yangsi Rinpoche. Pelob Tsogpa hosted a two-day enthronement feast for the guests and devotees gathered there.
Thubten Rabsal Dharma Centre, Taiwan
The Enthronement Ceremony was held on 31st July, led by Khenpo Rigzin Dorje and his students. The holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche was received inside the main prayer hall and the assembly made a mandala offering as well as long life prayers. More than one hundred devotees from nearby places gathered to pay their homage to Yangsi Rinpoche and offer auspicious scarves before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait.
Nyingma Palyul Darthang Centres, Taiwan
On 31st July, the actual enthronement day of Yangsi Rinpoche, from the morning, the students of the Nyingma Palyul Darthang Centres in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung cities gathered for Enthronement Ceremonies of Yangsi Rinpoche. The assemblages made mandala offerings of body, speech and mind before Yangsi Rinpoche’s holy portrait followed by the offering of ceremonial scarves. The day was marked with a great sense of joy.
Dolpo Retreat Centre, Taiwan
The Enthronement Ceremony at the Dolpo Retreat Centre, Samten Choling, was held on 31st July led by Shakya Lama, Nyima Lama, other Dolpo khenpos, 20 Dolpo monks and more than 40 lay devotees from the centre. They marked the day with the monks performing the Rigzin Duepa puja in the morning and then later, the holy portrait of Yangsi Rinpoche was received inside the prayer hall. The gathered disciples offered ceremonial scarves followed by long life prayers for Yangsi Rinpoche.
Note: The editors offer our sincere apology for not being able to collect all the information from every centre around the world that held an Enthronement Ceremony for Yangsi Rinpoche, as in certain cases we could not establish communication in time. We acknowledge and deeply appreciate all your auspicious efforts.
