Luding Foundation

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche – Bestowal of the Precious Lamdre Teachings

info@ludingfoundation.org — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:18:51 +0000

On 18 October 2024, His Eminence (HE) Luding Khen Rinpoche commenced the precious Lamdre teaching cycle at Ngor Monastery, Manduwala Uttarakhandt, India.

In attendance were esteemed Rinpoches, Khenpos and ordained Sangha, including HE Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche, Khenpo Kunchok Gaylsen and Khenpo Palden Chosam.

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche commenced the Lamdre bestowing the following three preliminary initiations on the Lamdre participants:

Unishavijaaya,

Parnashavari and

Varjapani.

During the morning session of the Lamdre teachings, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche gave the main teaching; in the afternoons, Khenpo Kunchok Gaylsen gave the reteaching; and in the evening session, Khenpo Palden Chosam gave the meditation instruction.

On 12 December 2204, all participants of the Lamdre performed the White Tara of Dolkar Yizhin Khorlo long life puja, made prayers and offerings to HE Luding Khen Rinpoche.

We pray that Rinpoche's precious dharma activities will bring happiness to all beings.

info@ludingfoundation.org — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 11:03:22 +0000

Anniversary of the Late Khenchen Rinpoche's Entrance into Parinirvana

The Late Luding Khenchen Rinpoche

His Eminence Vajradhara Luding Khenchen Rinpoche (the Late Luding Khenchen Rinpoche) entered into Mahaparinirvana on December 28, 2022. The Late Luding Khenchen Rinpoche was one of the most highly respected and learned teachers of the Sakya tradtion of Tibetan Buddhism. At the age of 24 in 1954, he was enthroned as the 75th abbot of Ngor Ewan Chodan Monastery.

His Holiness Sakya Kyabgon Gongma Rinpoche and many esteemed Rinpoche's of the Sakya Royal Family and principal Sakya lineages performed pujas at Bodhgaya to commemorate the Mahaparinirvana of the Late Luding Khenchen Rinpoche.

In remembrance of our Precious Guru's entrance into Mahaparinirvana, Monks at Ngor Monastery, Manduwalla performed the Siddhi Puja of Red Yamataka Pujas together with the Lamdre Guru Puja. The monastic Sanga of Mangtro Monastery also performed rituals for three days from December 17 to 19, 2023. The rituals included theRememberance of the Guru and recitation of Samantabhadra's aspiration prayers.

His Holiness Sakya Kyabgon Gongma Rinpoche presiding over the ceremony performed to commemorate the Mahaparinirvana of Loppon Sonam Tsenmo and the Late Luding Khenchen Rinpoche at the Sakya Mahakaruna Triyana Dharma Chakra vihara, Bodhgaya.

His Holiness Sakya Kyabgon Gongma Rinpoche presiding over the ceremony performed to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Mahaparinirvana of the Late Luding Khenchen Rinpoche at the foot of the Bodhi Tree of the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya.

Pujas were performed by the venerable monks of Ngor Monastery and the Sakya Institute of Vajrayana and light offerings were made at Ngor Monastery to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Mahaparinirvana of the Late Khenchen Rinpoche.

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Nepal, July 2023

info@ludingfoundation.org — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 11:20:08 +0000

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche

From July to September 2023, His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche successfully conducted the renowned Lamdre teachings in Upper Mustang. These teachings, held at the Pal Ewam Namgyal Choede Thupten Dhargyeling Monastery, were an extraordinary event for the Upper Mustang community and beyond.

The event began with the arrival of His Eminence Khondung Abhaya Vajra Rinpoche, His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche, khenpos, and their entourage at the Lo Namgyal Choede Monastery.

On July 3, 2023, His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche commenced The Precious Lamdre Teachings at Pal Ewam Namgyal Choede Thupten Dhargyeling Monastery. This rare historical event unfolded as an opportunity for the Upper Mustang community to receive profound teachings.

The teachings were further graced with an auspicious blessing on July 5, 2023, when a unique phenomenon occurred - the sun's radiations encircled by a rainbow with a single ray of blue light, signifying the beginning of The Precious Lamdre Teaching.

On 13 July, 2023, His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche successfully completed the first part of Lamdre teaching gracefully, the Nang Sum (Triple Vision), which explains the Sutrayana path.

On July 14, 2023, His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche bestowed the SEMKYE and later the LOBMA JEZIN upon Lamas and the general audience.

An auspicious day, Chokor Dhuchen Day, fell on July 21, 2023, which commemorates Buddha's first turning of The Dharma wheel after attaining Enlightenment. It marked the conclusion of His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche's retreat following the Lam Dre Teachings. His Eminence then gave the Hevajra Cause Empowerment as part of the Lam Dre Teachings.

On 22 July, 2023, King Jigme Senge Palbar of Lo, along with his entire entourage, visited Namgyal Choede Thupten Dhargyeling Monastery to visit His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche. His Majesty generously offered wholesome meals to all the monastic sangha and local communities attending the Lamdre teachings. This was truly a remarkable and benevolent gesture that brought joy and gratitude to all those present.

His Eminence continued to offer invaluable teachings, including the precious Triple Tantras “Lamdre Gyued Gsum” on August 2, 2023.

His Eminence Khondung Abhaya Vajra Rinpoche

HE Luding Shabdrung

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche with King Jigme Senge Palbar of Lo and entourage

The Lamdre teachings reached their conclusion on August 24, 2023, at Lo-Namgyal Monastery in Nepal. To celebrate this auspicious moment, blessing pujas were held and the event was dedicated to the benefit of all sentient beings.

On August 25, 2023, after the successful completion of the two-month-long Lamdre Teaching program, the Lomanthang Rural Municipality expressed its gratitude and devotion through a "Tenshug" ceremony. This ritual is a heartfelt expression of devotion and appreciation to spiritual leaders and aims to invoke long life and prosperity.

From August 26 to 28, 2023, at Nangjia Monastery in Nepal (Uangmu Tang), His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche performed an elaborate Mahavairocana ritual alongside esteemed Lamas, Tulkus, and Khenpos. This sacred ceremony was dedicated to the well-being of all living beings, both current and departed.

On August 27, 2023, at the conclusion of the Lamdre Teachings, His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche distributed Thangkas sponsored by the Monastery and offered Lamdre certificates to Monastic Students and Lay Community members at Nangjia Monastery.

September saw His Eminence's continued spiritual journey, as he visited Guru Padma Jungney’s holy site at Gar Gongpa on September 1, 2023, and the newly built Shedrup Dhargeyling Monastery in Ghami village, Mustang, on September 3, 2023. His presence was marked by presiding over the Mahakala puja and granting the Tara and Maani initiations to villagers.

On September 9, 2023, His Eminence Ngor Luding Khen Rinpoche joined the journey, visiting the Pema T’sal Sakya Monastic Institute, where he received warm welcomes and mandala offerings from the monks, seeking his longevity for the benefit of all sentient beings.

His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche's teachings left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of the region, and his profound advice and blessings continue to resonate with the Sangha members and local devotees. The Upper Mustang community is profoundly grateful for the spiritual enrichment brought about by these teachings, and the legacy of this historic event will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche with all monastic and lay attendees of the Lamdre "Gyud Gsum" at Lo-Namgyal Monastery Nepal

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche

Please view the wonderful Facebook posts below for more information and photos of HE Luding Khen Rinpoche in Mustang, Nepal, July to September, 2023:

Commencement of the Lamdre "Gyud Gsum", 3 July 2023

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche bestowing the Semkhe Dhompa, 14 July 2023

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche and King Jigme Senge Palbar of Lo, 22 July 2023

Bestowal of the Triple Tantras, 2 August 2023

Conclusion of the Lamdre, 24 August 2023

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche's visit to Nyamdok Village, 1 September 2023

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche's visit to Jomson, 7 September 2023

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Nepal – June 2023

info@ludingfoundation.org — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:51:07 +0000

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche

In a series of auspicious events held at the Sakya Tharig Monastery in Boudha, Phulbari, Nepal from 2 to 26 June 2023, our esteemed Guru, His Eminence (HE) Luding Khen Rinpoche, has been presiding over a range of empowerments, teachings and ceremonies.

On May 27, 2023, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, where he was warmly received. One of his first engagements was an afternoon tea invitation extended by HE Thartse Khen Rinpoche at a restaurant located near the King's Palace in Kathmandu.

Ghantapa Chakrasamvara Empowerment

From 6 to 11 June, at the Sakya Tharig Monastery in Boudha, Phulbari, Nepal, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche bestowed the Ghantapa Chakrasamvara Empowerment. In attendance were numerous esteemed individuals, including HE Khöndung Abhaya Vajra Rinpoche, HE Luding Shabdrung, Jamyang Choekyi Gyaltsen, Khenpo Dr. Jorden Lak, Byoma Kusuma Buddhadharma Sangha members, tulkus, khenpos, monks, nuns, a large gathering of the Mustang lay community and hundreds of devoted Chinese practitioners.

Rinpoche's Birthday

Adding to the occasion's significance, June 12 marked the birthday celebration of our revered Guru, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche. The festivities were attended by dignitaries such as Dungsay Abhaya, Luding Shabdrung, Sonam Palden (Rinpoche's Niece), as well as monastic and lay Sangha members. The birthday celebration served as an opportunity to express gratitude to HE Luding Khen Rinpoche for his tireless efforts in propagating the Precious Buddhadharma for a more enlightened world.

Vajrayogini Blessing

From 13 to 16 June, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche bestowed the Vajrayogini Blessing at the Sakya Tharig Monastery. In attendance were respected Khenpos, tulkus, monks, nuns, lay devotees from various monasteries and nunneries, and numerous lay practitioners.

On June 14, prestigious figures such as Tharig Tulku's tutor Khenpo Palsam, Ratna Ama, and members of the Byoma Kusuma Buddha-Dharma Sangha, all gathered to receive the Vajrayogini Blessing.

15 June marked the presence of foreign devotees from Asia, who also received the Vajrayogini Blessing. In the evening, attendees from America, Europe, Asia, and local Nepali devotees came together to partake in the ceremony, following which the Dolpa Bentsang School's supervisor, principal, staff, and students received the Manjushri prayer transmission and protection blessings, along with valuable guidance from HE Luding Khen Rinpoche.

On June 16, Asian devotees actively engaged in the final day of the Vajrayogini Blessing, drawing profound inspiration from HE Luding Khen Rinpoche at Sakya Tharig Monastery. This concluded the series of Vajrayogini Blessings bestowed by HE Luding Khen Rinpoche.

From 17 to 23 June, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche delivered Vajrayogini teachings at the Sakya Tharig Monastery. In attendance were respected and esteemed individuals, including Dhüngsey Abhaya, Luding Shabdrung, Semo Sonam Paldren, and numerous khenpos, tulkus, monks, nuns, foreign attendees, and local Nepali devotees. In the afternoon, Khenchen Palden Sangpo expertly interpreted the teachings to thousands of attendees, enriching their understanding of the profound Vajrayogini practice.

These empowering events have provided an exceptional opportunity for spiritual growth and enlightenment, fostering a sense of unity and reverence among devotees from various backgrounds. The teachings and empowerments bestowed by HE Luding Khen Rinpoche continue to uplift the spiritual potential of all recipients and propagate the Precious Buddhadharma for the betterment of humanity.

Cremation of His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche

info@ludingfoundation.org — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:45:41 +0000

On 16 February 2023, the physical body of His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche was cremated at Ngor Monastery, Manduwala, Uttarakhand, India.

His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche presided over the cremation ceremony.

Esteemed Masters of the Sakya Lineage, including His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, His Holiness Avikrita Vajra Rinpoche, His Holiness Asanga Rinpoche, His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche, His Eminence Thartse Khen Rinpoche, His Eminence Khangsar Shabdrung Rinpoche, His Eminence Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche, and many other Rinpoches, Khenpos and high lamas, monks, nuns and esteemed members of the lay community were in attendance.

A detailed chronology of the cremation ceremony, including all events and preparation leading up to the cremation of His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, is available at facebook.com/ngor.luding.

The Masters of the Sakya Lineage presided over numerous and extensive pujas dedicated to His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche in the weeks leading up to the cremation. His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa also paid his respects to His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche by visiting Ngor Monastery.

Hi Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche was the 75th abbot of Ngor Ewan Choden Monastery and was head of the Ngor lineage from 1954 to 2000.

The Cremation Ceremony

Events and pujas that took place during the weeks preceding the cremation ceremony

The Passing of His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche

info@ludingfoundation.org — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 06:52:48 +0000

With a heavy heart, we inform you that in the early dawn of the sixth day of the 11th month of the Male Water Tiger Year of the Tibetan Calendar (Wednesday, 28 December 2022), at Bodhgaya, His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche entered into the Dharmadhatu and has since parted from his physical body.

His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche was the 75th abbot of the Ngor Ewam Choden Monastery and was head of the Ngor lineage of the Sakya tradition from 1954 to March 2000.

His Eminence was born in 1931 and was aged 91 at the time of his passing.

The text below is the letter published by Ngor Luding Ladrang on 31 December 2022:

To the ears of all related devotees,

Here we have a very heart rendering news to share…..

The Lord and protector of all of us, our Root Guru, possessor of threefold kindness, the owner of the ocean of Tantra, the great Bodhisattva, guidance of Vinaya, the great Shasta, His Eminence Ngor Luding Khenchen Vajradhara Jamyang Tenpae Nyima Tashi Gyaltsen Palsangpo is physically no more with us.

As it is said in Uttaratantrashasta, “getting sick, ageing and facing death are completely eradicated by Aaryas, from the beginning-less time they have accomplished the state of abandonment and realization by actualizing the state of the Four Buddha kayas”, in ultimate level there is no birth, ageing, sickness and death for the Aaryas.

As it is further stated in Uttaratantrashasta “due to seeing the perfection Aryas had gone beyond the mundane state of birth etc. However by benevolence and compassionate attitude, they display birth, ageing, sickness and death”, in order to guide the devotees who grasp hard onto the perception of immortality into the Dharma, the exalted beings display an elusive art of birth, sickness, ageing and death.

As such, the Dharma Lord, our Root Guru, Vajradhara has displayed entering into a deep meditation in Dharmadhatu on Wednesday, in the early dawn of 28th December, corresponding to 6th of 11th month of male water Tiger year of Tibetan calendar of 17th cycle of sixty.

Hence, all His devotees pay hard in one voice, that may all pure and sacred enlightened thought of the Lord be accomplished and all obstacles on route to traversing Paths and Bhumis be eliminated.

Ngor Luding Ladrang
31. 12. 2022

Tibetan Letter

Chinese Translation

English Translation

You can read a brief biography about His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche on this page.

Mangtro Monastery, Ladakh

info@ludingfoundation.org — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 08:12:05 +0000

In late June 2022, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche, Niece Sonam Paldren and entourage visited Mangtro Monastery. The Monastery is located 26 kilometres southeast of Leh in Ladakh, northern India, on the banks of the Indus River and is one of the few Sakya monasteries in the region.

On 30 June, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche, Niece Sonam Paldren and entourage arrived at Mangtro Monastery Ngonpar Gawe Phrodrang and were warmly received by monks and local villagers who performed the mask dance of the Eight Families of Mahakala.

On 3 July, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung, Sonam Paldren and entourage visited Mangtro village. The Village President gave a guided tour and explained the different activities around the village.

On 5 July, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche and entourage visited Kidmang Sakya Monastery. During this visit, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche gave a Dharma talk to the Sangha and lay community and bestowed a Longlife Empowerment to all the local villagers.

On 6 July, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche and Sangha visited a local cemetry where they performed performed a blessing ceremony.

HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, HE Luding Shabrung, Sonam Palmo and entourage at the Mangtro cave holy site

On 7 July, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche, Sonam Paldren and entourage hiked to the Mangtro cave holy site. At the cave, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche and entourage performed the Female Makzor Gyalmo Dharma protector puja and also hung prayer flags.

8 July, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche and entourage visited Mangtro Monastery. During the visit, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpochse and entourage made Offerings to the Mahakala Shrine and performed the Mahakala Puja in the shrine room.

On 10 July, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, together with HE Luding Khen Rinpoche and the Mangtro Monastery Sangha, performed the Long Life Deity White Tara Puja. The puja was a grand event and was attended by villagers of the Ladakh Sakya Pa Tradition committees from Leh, as well as Skyitmang, Choglamtsal, Egu, Jabuk, Choshot and Pheng committees. Offerings of the Tenshuk were made to HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche and HE Luding Khen Rinpoche. Puja master Ponlop Tulku Rinpoche lead the recitations.

On 11 July, at Mangtro Monastery HE Luding Khenchan Rinpoche gave a precious Dharma talk and HE Luding Khen Kushon Rinpoche gave a Longlife Empowerment to the Sangha and local community.

In a show of appreciation towards Mangtro Monastery and its sangha, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche and Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche sponsored an all-day event of celebrations, activities and buffet for the Mangtro Sangha and village communities.

Below is a collage of photos of the White Tara Long-life Deity Puja held at Mangtro Monastery.

Below is a collage of photos of HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, HE Luding Shabdrung, Sonam Palden and entourage at Mangtro Monastery, Ladakh.

Below is a collage of photos of the celebrations performed at Mangtro Monastery marking the conclusion of the visit of HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche and HE Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche.

Dakini Day, 23 June 2022

info@ludingfoundation.org — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 08:13:00 +0000

23 June 2022 was Dakini Day and the anniversary of the Parinirvana of Vajra Dhara Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo of Ngor Monastery. This day was also the day two of The five Sadhana Rituals, which were at Ngor Monastery and the Sakya Insitute of Vajrayana(SIV).

At the Ngor Monastery Main Shrine Hall, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche and HE Luding Shabdrung with Loppon Choekyi Wangpo performed the Hevajra Sandhana; at Sapen Lakhang, HE Ngor Penlop Tulku Rinpoche performed the Vajrapanjara Sadhana; and at The 1,000 Buddha shrine hall, Loppon Dhoundup performed the Manjuvajra Sadhana.

Additionally, two mandalas were performed at SIV by Khenpo Kalsang Gompo and Loppon Sonam Gyatso.

Below are photos of the pujas conducted at Ngor Monastery and SIV on Dakini Day.

Visit to Dolma Phrodang

info@ludingfoundation.org — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 08:23:00 +0000

Message from HE Luding Khen Rinpoche

On 2 June 2022, during the holy month of Saga Dawa, His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche paid a respectful visit to His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche and the Sakya Holy Royal Family at Dolma Phrodrang, Rajpur, India.

Below is a collage of photos of His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche with His Holiness Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche and the Holy Royal Family at Dolma Phrodang.

Losar Tashi Delek

info@ludingfoundation.org — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 10:11:55 +0000

Losar Tashi Delek from Ngor Luding Ladrang of Ngor Pal Ewam Chodan

HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche

HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche sends Losar Tashi Delek greeting from Bodhgaya in the Year of the Water Tiger.

"May this year be the most auspicious year for you,
"May you be with good health and wealth,
"May your mind be happy and at ease,
"May all your Dharmic endeavours be wish fulfilling for all living beings,
"May peace and harmony prevail in the ten directions."

HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung and sister Sonam Palden

Losar - Bodhgaya pilgrimage

On first day of Losar, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, HE Abhaya Vajra Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung and sister Sonam Palden, Khenpos, the Luding Sangha and many ordained Sangha and lay community members made offerings of new Robes, yoghurt, and fruits to Tathagata Buddha Shakyamuni at Mahabodhi Stupa Main Shrine, Bodhgaya.

Shortly after making offerings to Lord Buddha, HE Luding Khenchen Rinpoche presided over the 16 Arhat Puja, together with HE Abhaya Vajra Rinpoche, HE Luding Khen Rinpoche, Luding Shabdrung, Khenpos, as well as the Sangha and lay community.

Losar - Ngor Monastery, Manduwala India

During the first day of Losar at Ngor Monastery, all the Monks had a day of enjoyment and fun competition. The head judge was HE Thartse Khen Rinpoche and all Genlaks (teachers), so that prizes could be awarded to the winning participants.

Both the lay community and resident monks attended the Losor celebration and very much enjoyed the festivities at Ngor Monastery.