Drubgyud Choeling Monastery has been officially opened on 21 November 2001.

HH 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje, compassionately granted requests to be present at Lumbini for the grand inauguration ceremony of the Drubgyud Choeling Monastery.

Shangpa Rinpoche: "I'm really pleased to say that the Opening ceremony went very well indeed.

On 20 November, HH 17th Karmapa arrived at Bairahawa airport at 3:30 pm. At the airport, HE Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, (one of the highest ranking Sakya Rinpoches), many Rinpoches, as well as the Chief District officer and many high government officials welcomed him at the VIP launge.

At 4:20 HH 17th Karmapa reached Drubgyud Choeling monastery, where about 4,000-5,000 people, including monks and nuns lined up to receive him. On entering the main shrine room, His Holiness made three prostration to the shrine, and then took His seat on His throne. The monks and nuns then started to chant auspicious prayers, and Ven Shangpa Rinpoche made offerings of Mandalas, body, speech and mind.

Next day, on the 21 November, at 6:30 am, His Holiness, together with many Rinpoches, performed the Consecration Puja and blessed the shrine, as well as monastery.

At 9:30am, the official opening ceremony took place. HH 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, and Mr Balbahadur KC, minister for culture, tourism, civil aviation, together unveiled the curtains and lit the lamps to inaugurate the Monastery. HE Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, HE Beru Khentse Rinpoche and many Rinpoches and Lamas were present throughout. There were about 5,000 to 6,000 people gethered at the monastery for the ceremonies. The event was broadcast live on the radio for the whole kingdom of Nepal.

When in the shrine room, His Holiness was seat on his high throne, and the Minister for Culture made a Khata offering to HH Karmapa whilst the Sangha of various traditions and schools made prayers to Lord Buddha.

After that, the event moved outside to the large tent, and His Holiness and the other VIP's took their seats on the stage. Mr. Loke Darshan give the first speech and after that the Minister give his speech. HH Gyalwa Karmapa then gave his profound speech. Following His speech, His Holiness and the Minister gave certificates to those who are involved in the monastery works, in recognition of their efforts and generosity.

After lunch at 2:30 pm, a Lama Dance, Nepali charya Dance, as well as Nepali and Tibetan Folk dances were performed.

On 22 November, His Holiness bestowed Dharma teachings and gave the Amitayus (the Buddha of Long Life) initiation to the public. There were about 6000 people eager to receive the empowerment. The initiation started at 9:00am and finished at 1:30 pm.

At 8:00 pm His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa gave certificates to those Lamas who had completed their studies at Vikrama Shila Buddhist Institute. Attending the ceremonies were H.E. Beru Khentse Rinpoche, Khenpo Chodrag Tenphel Rinpoche and many other Rinpoches.

In the evening of the 22nd, His Holiness, together with the Rinpoches and about 800 Sangha members made aspiration prayers at the Mayadevi Temple where Shakyamuni Buddha was born. More than 10,000 butter lamps were offered at the ceremony, at which thousands of people were gathered. The Lumbini gardern was entirely filled with devotees at that moment.

On 23 November, His Holiness visited Kapilavastu, and several other nearby holy places. In the evening, representatives from many temples at Lumbini from different countries and traditions invited His Holiness to visit, and to make prayers at their temple."

For pictures please visit: http://www.shangpa.org

author: Shangpa Rinpoche