Out LOOK Tibet

Dharamshala: Venerable Tsering Phuntsok, Kalon for the Department for Religion and Culture, presided over the convocation ceremony of Khampa Gardrug Dharmakara Institute of Kagyud Monastery at Tashi Jong near Dharamsala on Monday.

Senior officials of the monastery, including Shedrup Nyima Rinpoche, Drukpa Choegon Rinpoche, Drubwang Dozong Rinpoche were present at the congregation of over 500 monks and lay community.

Following a customary prayer session, Drubwang Dozong Rinpoche spoke on the objectives of the monastic institute, while dwelling on the origins of Tibetan Buddhism in general and Durkpa Kagyud lineage in particular.

In his address, Kalon Ven. Tsering Phuntsok underlined the need for concerted efforts to preserve Buddhism, which he said is passing through a critical phase in Tibet.

Both the lay and monastic communities should use the art of contemplation and meditation in learning Buddhism as advised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he said.

During the ceremony, two teachers of the institute, Ven Jampa Yonten and Ven Ngawang, were honoured with titles of abbot.

Kalon Ven. Tsering Phuntsok and senior monastic officials conferred honourary degrees to students who excelled in Buddhist philosophy.

Drukpa Kagyud tradition is one of the eight lesser subsects under Kagyud school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Kagyud school was founded in the eleventh century by the Greater Translator Marpa, travelled to India and studied under Naropa, one of the most accomplished Indian Vajrayana masters of the time.

Marpa brought these lineages to Tibet, passing them on to his foremost disciple Milarepa (1040-1123), the most celebrated and accomplished of Tibet's tantric yogis, who achieved the ultimate goal of enlightenment in one lifetime.

The Drukpa Kagyud founded by Choje Gyare Yeshe Dorjey also known as Ling Repa (1128-1189), is headed by His Eminence Drukchen Rinpoche, who has re-established his monastery in Darjeeling, India.

--Based on report filed by Department of Religion and Culture