Lotus News Online Magazine

Truly Blessed: Shedra 2009

This year, through the blessings of Kyabje Mindrolling Trichen, Lotus Garden had the great good fortune of hosting its fourth annual Shedra program which ran from June 25th through July 5th. Most of those present had experienced the great kindness of His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and Her Eminence Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche during the previous Shedras and it was a great honor to again receive their profound teachings.

Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche talking with the sangha during the Shedra
Photo Credit: Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche talking with the sangha during the Shedra

The 2009 Shedra began with the continuation of Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche’s teachings on the Uttaratantra-Shastra, Lord Maitreya’s comprehensive treatise on buddhanature. Having completed the text’s first four vajra points during previous Shedra programs, Rinpoche continued to expound on the fifth vajra point - enlightenment. Without a doubt all present were blessed by Rinpoche’s clear and lucid explanation of the text and aspired that these precious teachings be continually taught and studied at Lotus Garden and by the sangha at large, so that all might catch even a glimpse of the vast realization they represent.

Lopöns lead a review session
Photo Credit: Lopön Jann Jackson and Lopön Andre Papantonio leading the review for the Uttaratantra-Shastra teachings

Soon after the Shedra began, Lotus Garden was fortunate to be able to receive and host one of Mindrolling’s exceptional tulkus, Venerable Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche. Tulku Dakpa was visiting the United States for the first time and the entire sangha of Lotus Garden was delighted by Rinpoche’s warm, cheerful, and humble nature. Tulku Dakpa was one of the core coordinators of the Rinchen Terdzöd that was held this past year at Mindrolling Monastery in India and sangha members and residents were very grateful for his dedication in making it possible for many of them to attend and receive the Rinchen Terdzöd transmissions.

Welcoming Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche
Photo Credit: Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and the sangha of Lotus Garden welcome Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche

The main purpose of Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche's visit to Lotus Garden was to advise and guide the sangha in the traditional methods of filling and consecrating statues. He oversaw the sculpting of the sogshing, or life-force tree, that will be placed along with prayers and other auspicious substances inside the new 25 ft. buddha statue, soon to grace the pond at Lotus Garden.

Crafting of the shogshing
Photo Credit: Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche overseeing the crafting of the shogshing

During the second half of the Shedra, the sangha was delighted to again welcome His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche. With folded hands and traditional white scarves, the sangha members lined up to greet Rinpoche.

Sangha awaits the arrival of His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
Photo Credit: The sangha of Lotus Garden awaits the arrival of His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche and the nuns await arrival of His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
Photo Credit: Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche (center) with Ani Drolma, Ani Kalden, Ani Tenzin Lhamo, and Ani Jigmed awaiting the arrival of His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

The next day His Eminence was formally received in Lhawang Gatsal, the main shrine room, with a mandala and the traditional body, speech, and mind offerings.

Members of the sangha offer a mandala to His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
Photo Credit: Members of the sangha make a traditional mandala offering to His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche before the start of the teaching

This year marked the fourth year of Rinpoche’s teaching on Shantideva's great classic text, Bodhisattvacaryavatara, and Rinpoche expounded on the Wisdom Chapter, bestowing a detailed commentary which everyone felt was wonderfully clear and lucid. Rinpoche’s profound heartfelt commentary on the complex Ninth Chapter was a perfect balance of the traditional approach to Madhyamaka and a very contemporary presentation of this great classical text.

His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche during one of his teachings
Photo Credit: His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche during one of his teachings on the Wisdom Chapter of the Bodhisattvacaryavatara

It was a great inspiration for all to hear these precious teachings from a teacher who truly embodies the wisdom contained within them. His Eminence completed his teachings with the transmission of Shantideva’s beautiful dedication, the final chapter of the Bodhisattvacaryavatara.

Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Jetsün Dechen Paldrön with Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche
Photo Credit: Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Jetsün Dechen Paldrön with Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche and others during a teaching by His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

During the Shedra program two auspicious occasions were also observed. The Guru Rinpoche day of the month was celebrated on the 10th lunar day where the entire Sangha offered Ghanachakra according to the saddhana of Rigzin Thug Thig.

Chöpöns prepare for the Guru Rinpoche Feast practice
Photo Credit: The Chöpöns of Lotus Garden prepare for the Guru Rinpoche Feast practice
The sangha of Lotus Garden during the Guru Rinpoche Feast
Photo Credit: The sangha of Lotus Garden during the Guru Rinpoche Feast

On July 6, the final day of the Shedra, the sangha was delighted to celebrate the birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and offered butterlamps, flowers, khatags, many supplications and prayers for the long-life of His Holiness.

Offering long-life supplications and prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Photo Credit: Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Jetsün Dechen Paldrön and Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche offer long-life supplications and prayers on the birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
The sangha offers prayer and khatags to the throne of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Photo Credit: The sangha offers prayer and khatags to the throne of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

As the Shedra concluded, the participants seemed wistful that their time with the Rinpoches was coming to an end, but there was also great joy and a deep sense of having been truly blessed in receiving the nectar-like precious dharma from these great masters. It is the heartfelt aspiration of the entire sangha that we may all be able to continually practice these precious teachings and walk on the path of the authentic dharma enabling us to accomplish the two benefits for all mother sentient beings.

Sangha members offer khatags to His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
Photo Credit: Sangha members offer khatags to His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche at the conclusion of his teachings
Sangha members offer khatags to Kyabje Mindrolling Trichen's throne
Photo Credit: Sangha members offer khatags to Kyabje Mindrolling Trichen's throne in Lhawang Gatsal, the main shrine room

Report submitted by: Britton Bosarge, Chris Jarmon and Geoff Picus
Photos: ©2009 Mindrolling International

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