Luding Ladrang | Bodhgaya Pilgrimage | February 2019
On 2 February 2019, His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, His Eminence Luding Khenpo and His Eminence Luding Shabdrung, together with the Luding Ladrang (Luding House) of Ngor Monastery, arrived in Bodhgaya. They were joined by Sakya khenpos, monks and lay disciples for their pilgrimage.
Many ordained and lay disciples came from Sikkim, Nepal, Yishu, Kyegu and overseas to join the Luding pilgrimage.
On 5 February, Losar (Tibetan New Year), HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khenpo and HE Luding Shabdrung, monks of Luding Ladrang and other khenpos, monks and lay disciples (the Luding Members) visited the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya to pay their respects to Buddha Shakyamuni and make offerings and prayers. In the Stupa grounds, the Luding Members performed the 16 Arhat Puja for the long life of our Dharma teachers, the flourishing of the Buddhadharma and world peace.
On 7 February, HE Luding Khenpo bestowed the White Tara Six Rays Initiation, which was sponsored by Khenpo Sonam Gyaltso. The Initiation was performed at the new Luding Ladrang in Bodhgaya and there were many participants, including tulkus, rinpoches, khenpos, monks, nuns and overseas lay disciples. In the afternoon, HE Luding Khenpo bestowed the Vajrapani Bhutadamara Initiation, which was also sponsored by Khenpo Sonam Gyaltso and had a large attendance of monastic and lay disciples.
On 9 February, the Luding Sangha arrived at the Mahabodhi Stupa and made an offering of gold paint to be painted on Buddha Shakyamuni. A beautiful golden kharta and new robes were also offered to Buddha Shakyamuni.
On 11 February, Her Eminence Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding and Se Kushok arrived at the new Luding Ladrang in Bodhgaya and received a warm greeting from Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, Luding Khenpo and Luding Shabdrung. Her Eminence then joined the daily prayers and processions at the Mahabodhi Stupa with the Luding Members for the remainder of the pilgrimage.
On 19 February, The Day of Miracles, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, bestowed full monastic ordination on HE Dungsey Abhaya Vajra Rinpoche at Mahabodhi Stupa.
HE Luding Khenpo lead many pujas and prayers during the pilgrimage, both at the Mahabodhi Stupa and at the Luding Labrang, including 16 Arhat, Green Tara and Mahakala pujas.
HE Luding Khenpo would like to share this message on this occasion of Tibetan Lunar New Year of the Hog year in 2146 (Tibetan calendar):
“My profound best wishes to all our Dharma friends around the world. I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Losar Tashi Delek and pray that may you fulfil all your Dharma aspirations in the most auspicious ways in order to benefit all sentient beings peacefully, joyfully and meritoriously.”
