In addition to the main Buddha image, a fine set of large statues (see photos below) and a very large thangka of the Five Founders of the Sakya Order, and other images destined for the shrine room of the new temple building were also filled with blessings and consecrated. The newly consecrated statues join a fine set of Hevajra, Vajrayogini, 21 Taras and other tutelary deities in the current shrine room ready for installation in the new temple when construction reaches that stage.

His Holiness Sakya Trizin's Birthday Celebration Is Held at the Temple
SEPTEMBER 2, 2007
On Sunday, September 2, many gathered at the temple in Walden to join with Lama Kalsang and others in prayers, food, and fun in honor of His Holiness’ birthday. This year events at the temple included chanting of Green Tara mantra and long life prayers for His Holiness Sakya Trizin and other Dharma activities, prayer flag raising, folk dancing and singing, and great Chinese, Tibetan, and Western food.

His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, eldest son of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin was in residence for over two weeks in June. Visit the photo gallery for many images of his activities.

Tsechen Kunchab Ling Hosts
His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche
APRIL 13-17, 2007
His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche, abbot of Ngor Ewam Choden Monaster, was in residence at the temple for five days in April. His Eminence bestowed the Hevajra Empowerment and teachings on the Hevajra Sadhana, performed a Vajrapani Peaceful Fire Puja, oversaw the creation of White Mahakala Wealth Vases and consecrated them, and performed a special ceremony to bless pets and vehicles.

Groundbreaking Ceremony
for the New Temple MARCH 29, 2007
On a beautiful, auspicious day selected by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, people gathered from all across the country for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new temple building. His Holiness blessed the assembly with expressions of encouragement and guidance by way of a videotaped address. The ceremony began outside in front of a shrine near the spot that marks the front door of the new building. Members and friends of the temple were joined by local officials and neighbors to listen to words of welcome and inspiration by Venerable Lama Kalsang Gyaltsen, Venerable Lama Pema Wangdak, and Venerable Lama Migmar Tseten. Reverend Ani Kunga Chodron served as master of ceremonies. The remarks placed the project within the historical and spiritual context of Tibetan Buddhism in general and specifically the Sakya Lineage.

Other speakers included Walden Mayor Becky Pearson; Larry Hibbard, the project's architect; Mark Annunciato of Liam Construction (the builder); temple benefactors and members Dean Willard; and Silvia Yueh of Sakya Thupten Dargye Ling in Minneapolis , Minnesota . Following the speeches and prayers, participants dispersed to the construction location and, using the ceremonial shovel offered to the temple by Mark Annunciato, turned the ground along the perimeter of the new building, placing flowers in each direction and doorway. As the grand finale, the builder’s backhoe gracefully removed a scoop of earth from the hillside where the new building will rest.

Lunch, special appreciation awards, and offerings inside the temple followed the outdoor ceremonies. In his comments, Lama Kalsang noted, "We hope the new temple makes a unique contribution to this community and offers people a beautiful place for contemplation and meditation. May it bring peace and happiness to all who visit and continue to deepen our friendship with the wonderful people here in Walden." (Quote Source: Paul Bello, Walkill Valley Times, April 4, 2007)

>view or print the Groundbreaking Commemorative Program (pdf)

Vesak Day MAY 31, 2007
Vesak is the holiest day of the Buddhist religious calendar, as it celebrates the enlightenment and parinirvana of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni. This year Vesak Day fell on Thursday, May 31 and Tsechen Kunchab Ling celebrated with prayers and special activities all day long, sponsored by the Upper Mustang Society of the U.S.A.

Vassar Students Attend Weekend
Course at the Temple APRIL 30-31, 2007
Students from nearby Vassar College  participated again this April in a highly-successful weekend course designed to introduce the students to life at a Buddhist temple. The 25 undergraduates in the academic fields of Buddhism, Asian Studies and Philosophy of Religion spent two nights and three days at the temple, studying philosophy and meditation, making prayer flags, carving prayer stones, gardening, cooking and participating in other regular temple activities.

The program is jointly sponsored with the temple and the Vassar Department of Religion, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, and Office of Field Work. This group of students was the second to visit the temple this year; the first having participated in February. Since the beginning of the course three years ago, the program has introduced temple life to over 150 Vassar students who receive academic credit for their participation.

>Click here for comments by the Vassar College students

Activities included hanging prayer flags, offering incense, performing traditional Tibetan folk dances, singing, games and a picnic on the temple grounds. This gathering has become an annual event at the temple.

At the 2005 event, Mrs. Karma Chozom, President of the Association, said, "The goal of our Association is to preserve Tibetan culture for the next generation. This is very important here in the United States where children learn American culture in the schools. This is the fifth year that we have been able to celebrate at Tsechen Kunchab Ling. We enjoy coming here because in this traditional temple setting we have the opportunity to preserve and transmit our religious and cultural heritage and enjoy the day together." Quote Source: Cho Trin, Vol.2, No.1, p.61.

Vassar Students Attend Weekend Course FEBRUARY 23-25, 2007
Twenty-five students from Vassar spent a weekend with us learning about life at a Tibetan Buddhist temple as part of their college academic curriculum. See the April 30-31 article above for details on this popular and successful program, which has benefited more than 150 students over the past three years.

Losar (Tibetan New Year) Celebration FEBRUARY 18, 2007
Over 800 people gathered at the temple to celebrate the Tibetan New Year at an event organized by the United Sherpa Association from New York. Participants offered prayers, prayer flags and incense; performed three sacred dances; and joined in traditional folk dancing, singing and a picnic to welcome in the Year of the Fire Pig.