Ven Ganden Tri Rinpoche visited our Khangtsen

Long Life Prayer Offerings to His Eminence 102nd Gaden Tripa Rizong Se Rinpoche by Sera Jey Ngari khangtsen

His Eminence the 102nd Gaden Tripa Rizong Se Rinpoche Thupten Nyima Lungtok Tenzin Norbu, the Supreme Spiritual Head of Gelukpa Buddhist Tradition has graciously blessed Sera Jey Ngari Khangtsen on Monday, 6th Sep, 2010 on invitation of Ngari Khangsten’s Gen and the Chief Adminirators. Prior to the ceremony, the entire Khangtsen building was finely decorated with the multicolored Buddhist and Tibetan national flags and the surroundings was neatly cleaned, painted with traditional eight auspicious signs and the fresh flowers and welcome banner were put up. The interior of the assembly hall was beautifully decorated with Thankas and strings of flowers to honour the auspicious occasions.

On the 6th Sept, the reincarnated high lamas, Geshes, the Admisnistrative officials and monks of Ngari offered warm receptions and welcome to Tri-Rinpoche with Khatak ( traditional scarves), incenses and flowers in the hands of every monks. Then, Khangtsen held Long Life Prayer Offerings in the prayer hall with mandala offerings, tea bread and money offerings to all. The ceremonial function was honoured, as His Eminence the 102nd Gaden Tripa, Se Rizong Rinpoche from Himalayan region, for being attained the Supreme Throne Holder of Gelugpa Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and May His Eminence live hundreds of years for the promotion of Budhha Dharma across the globe. The current Abbots of Sera Mey, Sera Jey, Dzonkar Choede, the Chief Disciplinarian of Sera Jey, the representatives of Sera Lachi and Sera Jey monastery, Denma, Hadong and Tsador Khangtsen were also present to honour the special occasion, and was followed by simple Luncheons to all the guests and dignitaries.

In the afternoon, His Eminence has paid a brief visit to Khangtsen’s newly built hostel and housing project site. All the monk’s living rooms were consecrated and blessed by His Eminence. A new sapling was planted with deep prayer to cover the surroundings with greenery in the future and to encourage the student the importance of environment protection to save our fragile planet. The students were immensely delighted and satisfied with His Blessings and group pictures.

Gaden Tri-Rinpoche gave Teachings at Geshe Ngawang Sangye's Residence.

His Eminence has graciously bestowed the explanation(Shedtri) of Yamantaka Pachik text and the Atisha's Lamp on the Path to Enlightenment( Jangchup Lamdon ) which is the source of the Lamrin Tradition in Tibet, to the monks of Ngari Khangtsen at the request of Geshe Ngawang Sangye & Geshe Ngawang Zangpo( Geshe Palden) in the newly built Teaching Hall. Gaden Tri Rinpoche has also planted two saplings in the premise of Geshe Sangye's new residence where Geshe la conducts spiritual classes to hundred of monks students of Sera jey on daily basis.

Offer prayers for Ladakh flood victims

Dear friends of the Ngari Khangtsen.

On the 6th of August 2010, a terrible tragedy occurred in Ladakh. Due to a sudden rainstorm, huge floods have affected 30% of Ladakh’s villages, endangering people with rising waters and mudslides. Over 150 people are known to have died, and 600 are still missing. Roads and communications have been damaged, and it is 4th day running that most villagers have been without power. Reports are coming in of people trapped in homes, of dead bodies that cannot be attended to, and of people feeling helpless. We are contacting you to ask if you can help us reach out to these people.

Perhaps because communications have been cut so completely, the world is not receiving much information about the devastation. The famous river “Singey Tsangpo” is now being called “Sad Tsangpo,” and reports of the dead, of ruined houses and vehicles, and of animals that have been killed or are also still in danger are beginning to reach us. Some of the stories are too painful to repeat in a message like this.

The long-term effects are also going to be extremely painful. This is high-tourist season in Ladakh, but no tourists will be going there now. In addition to the reduced income, the loss of visitors also means that very few people will come to know how painful conditions are right now. Visitors tend to help get the word out, but that won’t happen now. We are very worried about how conditions are developing. Hospitals have been damaged by the rising waters, and rescue efforts have been only partially successful. Some clinics and other medical facilities have been completely washed away.Your support and help could be very much appreciated.

BACKGROUND: Ladakh is part of the Jammu & Kashmir states in northern India, and the two main districts comprising the state are Leh and Kargil. Leh has an area of 45110 Sq Km, which makes it geographically the largest district in India. The district is bounded by Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in the West, China in the north and east, and Himachal Pradesh to the southeast. It is at a distance of 434 Kms from Srinagar, the closest Indian city. In addition to the town of Leh, Ladakh is comprised of 112 villages. The total population of Ladakh is just over a quarter-million people.

Here are some links, if you want to start informing yourself about this issue:
http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/aug/06/slide-show-1-flash-flood-ravages-ladakh.htm
http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50693920100807

We are praying for the safety of that person and all others. Until power and communications can be restored, we won’t really know. Here in Sera, we are arranging the prayer every day during our evening sessions for the people of Ladakh.

Please contact us @ serajeyngarimonks@yahoo.co.in for more information.

With best wishes and prayer,

Secretary
Sera Jey Ngari Education Society.