Lotus Direkthilfe

From May 10th until May 12th the sand mandala of the Kalachakra deity has been created by the lamas of Benchen Phuntsok Darjeling monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. This short video material documents briefly the process of mandala making – three days in three minutes. Many thanks to lama Karma Tsultrim Jungne, lama Sonam Wangda, lama Karma Döndrub, lama Gyurme Phuntsok, Lama Söpa Gyatso, lama Tempa Yeshe, lama Tsultrim Tendar and all the other lamas involved.

Best wishes and Tashi Deleks

Yesterday, on May 11th the offering of light lamps called Marme Mönlam took place at the Benchen Darjeling monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. This special offering is being made Friday every week since Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche’s passing into parinirvarna until the cremation ceremony. It is considered to be beneficial for dispelling the darkness of ignorance of all beings.

Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche’s cremation ceremony will take place in Benchen Darjeling monastery, Kathmandu, Nepal on the 23rd of May, 2012. At the moment, the construction of the Phur Khang (“cremation stupa”) as well as of the White Tara palace surrounding it are running at hight speed. Tempa Yarphel, Jimba Lodrö and Sherab Wangchuk, Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche’s attendants supported by traditional Tibetan Buddhist artists and other workers are taking thorough care of the preparations.

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At the moment the Kalacakra Mandala is prepared by the Lamas of Benchen Monastery in Kathmandu. The extensive ceremonies of Kalacakra will be performed until the 22nd of May – one day before the cremation of Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche’s Kudung.

The practice of Kalacakra is considered to be important as it is one of the Buddhist practices that are said to be especially conducive to world peace and happiness of all sentient beings.

Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche was adviced by His Holiness the 16th Karmapa in the 1970’s, that he should create a place near the Swayambhu Stupa in Kathmandu where the practices of Kalacakra could be performed. Therefore these rituals are also vital for the development of Benchen Phuntsok Dargyeling monastery.

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For Lotus Direkthilfe,

Tim Tashi & Thea D. Boldt

Video & Editing by Karma Sherab Wangchuk © 2012 Benchen Monastery

Recent news by Agnieszka Zych from the Karma Kamtzang Association Poland

The Prajna Paramita Lung (reading transmission of the text) transmitted by His Eminence Drubwang Sangye Rinpoche Nyenpa is being carried on in Benchen monastery in Kathmandu. Today, on April 8^th, the Prajna Paramita Abhisheka was given. The monastery is experiencing a real siege of monks and nuns from many other monasteries, including five Tulkus and about twenty Khenpos and Dorje Lobpöns. The special guest is the General Secretary of Tsurphu Labrang representing His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa. His Holiness Karmapa is personally sponsoring the event. His Holiness has also sent a Kathak to Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche, that has been placed by Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche directly around the Kudung’s neck.

There are also many lay people receiving the Lung: Tibetans and Nepalese, as well as a large group of Western students. The main Lhakang (shrine hall) is admitted only to monks and nuns due to lack of space. On the first floor and in the old Lhakang large screens are placed on which you can see Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche. A sound system makes Rinpoche’s voice heard in every corner of the monastery.

The Kudung of Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche continues to reside in the Tara Temple at the highest level of the old monastery. It is surrounded by rows of offerings. Day and night the monks sing a special mantra invoking the blessing of the Guru, chanted only when a great master passes. The same mantra was sung, for example, after the Parinirvana of His Holiness the 16^th Gyalwang Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. In addition, there are different pujas recited every week untill the cremation ceremony. At the moment the Sadhana of Gyalwa Gyamtso (Jinasagara) is being performed.

Each day, at a certain scheduled time, flocks of people are queuing to bow before the Kudung, to offer a Kathak and to pray to receive Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche’s blessing. Kyabje Rinpoche’s disciples from all over the world are arriving every day, even those who have not been in Kathmandu for many years. In the evening, after the Lung, everyone gathers in the temple with the Benchen monks chanting prayers. At night, light from butter lamps offered around the monastery illuminates the yard.

Delegations carrying an official invitation to attend the cremation ceremony were sent from Benchen monastery to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness the Karmapa, and to all the great Rinpoches of not only the Kagyü lineage, but also to Nyingma, Sakya, Jonang, Gelug and Bön masters. The cremation ceremony will be held on May 18^th.

(Translation from Polish to English by Tim Tashi Boldt & Thea Boldt)