On 26th July 2009 Sunday, This is the auspicious day chosen by His Holiness Kyabje Lati Rinpoche for my enthronement. This morning I (Khen Rinpoche) was wake up by Ven. Chabrila early morning around 4.30am and I cleaned myself and then did short prayer and wore the new set of robes and prepared myself. Then around 5am the reception group from Phukhang House came to receive me and I went to Phukhang Khangtsen with a short procession. On our arrival to Phukhang Khangtsen we had a short ceremony, in which we were offered tea and special sweet rice. After that we waited for the reception group from Gaden Shartse Monastery to come in to receive us. As soon as the reception team (consist of head of each Khangtsen and re-incarnated Rinpoches and the disciplinarian) arrived we get ready. Then Ven. Geshe Loten read the mantras from certain astrology and spiritual text to ward off any possible obstacles. Once that is over the procession started moving towards Main Shrine Hall of Gaden Shartse. On my arrival to the main shrine hall two monks from the roof top of the monastery blew the conch shell.
Then we entered in the hall and head of the Khangtsen stand in row at left lane and re-incarnated Rinpoche's in the right lane, I was standing in the middle of the hall. Standing there I did the prayers (while I did prayers chanting of Tara praises were going on). After the prayers I took the flowers and sprinkled it three times. Then I proceeded toward towards the altar and offered scarves to the throne of His Holiness Dalai Lama and then to the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and finally to the protector Setrap. After that I returned back to the throne of the abbot and matching my steps with the chanting of Palden Yonten I ascended to the throne of the Abbot. That was mait part of the ceremony. While siting on the throne of the Abbot of Gaden Shartse first time in my life I prayed for success and prosperity for the monastery and great accomplishments and high chievements for myself and every one. Then the ceremoney followed till the end of the prayer session.
Then from there I was received in the debate courtyard for other part of ceremony. In the debate courtyard I did inspection of lecture and debate by the monks. Once that is over I was received in the official residence of the Abbot of Gaden Shartse to do the part of the ceremony there. The procession led me to the residence and on arrival to there, we had another cup of tea sweet rice and scarf offering ceremony. After that the house of the Abbot we offered scarf thank you envelop to each and every member of the procession. These are the main procession and ceremony. After all this is over.
Then I was escorted to the Main prayer hall to meet the guests and receive thier congratulations. I was amazed to see an ocean of guests. I did'nt really expected that much of guests on this occassion, I felt good to have so many guests turned in and at the same time I was little worried about the lunch (is it going to be enough for all the guests). However, later I found the lunch was more then enough for all the guests. After the lunch from the house of Abbot we offered scarfs and thank you envelop to all the guests. That was the final part of the ceremony.
Then this evening the Education project hosted a special dinner to head of the departments of the monastery and all the guests from abroad, my parents and relatives. In this gathering I introduced each person and we had very comprehensive and friendly gathering. We discussed some important matters and exchanges gratitudes. It was very touching and heart warming experience. At the end of the dinner Education project offered presents to each guests.
With my best wishes and regards,
Gashar Khenpo Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden
E-Photo 1, E-Photo 2, E-Photo 3, E-Photo 4
Dinner-Photo Lunch-Photo
Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden Enthronement - 26/07/2009
