HIS HOLINESS THE SAKYA TRIZIN'S
2011 VISIT TO THE U.S.

In June, 2011, His Holiness Sakya Trizin bestowed the profound Lam Dre at Tsechen Kunchab Ling. His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche bestowed the re-teaching of the Triple Tantra section of the Lam Dre and led guided meditation, and His Eminence Gyana Vajra Rinpoche re-taught the Triple Vision portion of the teaching. In addition, the temple was fortunate to be able to host H.E. Dungsey Akasha Rinpoche, H.E. Jetsunma Kunga Trinley Palter, H.E. Gyalyum Chenmo, H.E. Dagmo Kushog Tashi Lhakyi, Venerable Lama Kunga Rinpoche, Venerable Ngaglo Rinpoche, Mayum Sadultsang and other tulkus and lamas.

On June 19, His Holiness performed the opening ceremony for Tsechen Kunchab Ling's new temple building. This joyous event was attended by many members of His Holiness' noble Khon family, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Lobsang Nyidrak, and many tulkus lamas, monks, nuns, dignitaries from the Village of Walden, and over 4,000 people. Photos of these events will be available in the near future on Tsechen Kunchab Ling's website and in the next issue of Melody of Dharma.

Due to the generous and tireless support of Tsechen Kunchab Ling's members and sponsors, this year Tsechen Kunchab Ling was able to host His Holiness' bestowal of the profound Lam Dre teaching. Receiving the Lam Dre is of immense benefit both in this life and in future lives. During the Lam Dre, Tsechen Kunchab Ling was able to host a Tenshug or Long Life ceremony for His Holiness, during which His Holiness kindly accepted our request to remain long in this world for the benefit of beings. And on June 19, His Holiness presided over the Grand Opening Celebration of Tsechen Kunchab Ling's new temple building.

As demonstrated by these auspicious events, Tsechen Kunchab Ling is now no different, in regards to its blessings, from the main Sakya temple in Tibet. The main Sakya temple was built by members of the holy Khon family just as Tsechen Kunchab Ling was built by His Holiness Sakya Trizin. The same teachings and blessings have now been given in both temples. We should all rejoice in having had the opportunity to participate in the fulfillment of His Holiness' vision and now in having this holy shrine available to us for teachings and practice. The Lamas and sangha of Tsechen Kunchab Ling wish to thank all of the temple's supporters over the years in making these wonderful events possible.

Please look for photo galleries coming soon here !

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Wednesday, May 26  through Sunday, May 30, 2010
Vesak Intensive Practice Weekend
Vesak is the holiest month of the Buddhist calendar because it commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing into parinirvana.  Join us over the Vesak holy day for a four-day celebration of the Buddha’s life and teachings.

Each day, we will keep eight precepts, learn some of the little-known stories of the Buddha’s life, read sutras, make thousands of water offerings, and raise prayer flags all over the temple grounds. 

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Saturday, July 3 through Monday, July 5, 2010
Summer Festival of Dharma,
Himalayan and American Culture
Fourth of July Weekend for Dharma activities and Himalayan cultural fun!

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Saturday, July 31 through Sunday August 1, 2010
Building the Buddha throne for the new temple, and paint some of the detail work on the temple exterior.