News Update

Grand Welcome Ceremony for His Eminence Ling Rinpoche at Drepung Monastery

03 February 2025 12:12 AM indoremeripehchan

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Report : Ravindra Arya

Drepung, India

A historic and profoundly spiritual event took place on February 1, 2025, at the renowned Drepung Loseling Monastery in southern India. His Eminence Ling Rinpoche was given a grand and heartfelt welcome by the entire monastic community, including senior scholars, monks, teachers, Tulkus (reincarnated lamas), monastery administrators, and a large number of devoted followers.

A Joyous and Spiritual Reception

As Ling Rinpoche arrived at Drepung Loseling, he was warmly received by the monastery's abbot, chanting master, disciplinarian, and heads of all 24 khangtsens (monastic hostels), along with a large assembly of monks and lay devotees. The entire monastery was filled with an atmosphere of devotion, reverence, and joy.

The welcoming ceremony began with sacred prayers and traditional Buddhist offerings, including the presentation of khata (ceremonial silk scarves symbolizing purity and blessings), butter lamps, flowers, and auspicious offerings. The sound of Buddhist chants echoed throughout the monastery, creating a deeply spiritual ambiance.

Prayer Assembly and Religious Discourse

Following the reception, Ling Rinpoche proceeded to the main prayer hall of Drepung Loseling Monastery, where he bestowed blessings upon the monks and devotees. A special prayer gathering was conducted, during which the monastic community and followers recited traditional Buddhist hymns and engaged in religious rituals.

Ling Rinpoche delivered an enlightening discourse on compassion, moral discipline, meditation, and wisdom. He emphasized that through mindfulness and self-discipline, one can attain inner peace and contribute to spreading harmony and love in society.

The Spiritual Significance of Drepung Monastery

Drepung Monastery is one of the most important centers of the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, founded in 1416 by Jamyang Chöjé Tashi Palden, a prominent disciple of Je Tsongkhapa. It has been a significant institution for Buddhist philosophy, logic, and meditation studies for centuries.

In his teachings, Ling Rinpoche reiterated the monastery's historical and spiritual importance and encouraged the monastic community to remain committed to the pursuit of Dharma, study, and practice. He highlighted that the Sangha (monastic community) plays a vital role in preserving and propagating Buddhist teachings for the welfare of humanity.

Auspicious Conclusion and Future Aspirations

The event concluded with collective prayers and blessings from the monastic assembly. Ling Rinpoche’s visit is considered highly auspicious for the monastery and has provided profound spiritual inspiration to all attendees.

This grand occasion has further strengthened religious awareness, self-reflection, and devotion among the Buddhist community. Inspired by this sacred visit, the monastery plans to organize more teachings, meditation retreats, and Dharma discussions in the coming months to benefit followers worldwide.