His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Gaden Shartse Monastery

Dagyab Rinpoche with HH Dalai Lama

During his teachings, HH Dagyab Rinpoche would always mention and quote His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is one of his precious gurus. When Rinpoche was here in Singapore last month, he advised us that if we have the opportunity, we should attend His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teachings, for his teachings are very clear and concise. Rinpoche said His Holiness is the best teacher, the greatest guru, lama and practitioner, and that there would no other lama greater than His Holiness in the future. We should treasure his teachings and make the connection with him in this lifetime. 

I would like to share some photos from His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Gaden Shartse Monastery in Mundgod, India, last year 2011.  I have asked the Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery, Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden's permission to share a few of these photos, which are from his own collection.

Abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery, Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, welcoming His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Bangalore Airport in Feb 2011.

Photo taken from His Holiness the Dalai Lama's website.  His Holiness the Dalai Lama arriving at Gaden Shartse Monastery in Mundgod India, to a huge reception of 1500 monks as well as many other students and devotees.

The gathering of the audience for His Holiness' teachings spilled over from the main gompa all the way outside the monastery grounds that a huge tentage had to be constructed to accomodate the crowd.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the high throne seat of the main gompa of Gaden Shartse Monastery. So touching to have His Holiness graced Gaden with his holy presence.

Photo taken from His Holiness the Dalai Lama's website. His Holiness the Dalai Lama giving teachings and initiations.

Gaden Monastery offered a long life puja for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The long life puja was led by Abbot Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, who was accompanied by reincarnate lamas, His Holiness Zong Rinpoche (right) and Shartrul Rinpoche (left). Zong Rinpoche's predecessor, the venerable Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, was a well known high lama in the Gelugpa tradition and is known as a powerful tantric master. Shartrul Rinpoche is the reincarnation of Sharpa Choje Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Nyima. 

Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden and HH Zong Rinpoche. 

Monks offering long life torma to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's private meeting with Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden and Geshes.

Posing with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

Gaden Shartse Monastery Abbot Khen Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden (left) sending His Holiness the Dalai Lama off. 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama & the late Kyabje Lati Rinpoche

When we mention Gaden Shartse Monastery, I always recall my late guru, Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, who passed away into parinirvana 2 years ago at the age of 88. Lati Rinpoche was synonymous with Gaden Shartse Monastery in this lifetime. He was also the Spiritual Director of Gaden Shartse Dro-Phen Ling, Singapore. He was very highly respected in the Gelugpa tradition and when he was alive, the livelihood of all the 1500 monks was always his main concern. His immense kindness has touched the lives of many disciples, students and devotees all over the world.  

Lati Rinpoche was the Spiritual Advisor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and served His Holiness faithfully till his parinirvana in 2010.  His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, "I have had close association with this authentic spiritual teacher for over 50 years and have enjoyed a bond of pure faith and commitment". I am touched with His Holiness' complete trust and concern for Lati Rinpoche and Gaden Shartse Monastery, and our connection to His Holiness, serving him as our ultimate guru. After all, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the guru of all my gurus.

Gaden Monastery is one of the 3 great monasteries in Tibet, the other 2 being Drepung and Sera. Gaden Monastery was prophesized by Buddha Shakyamuni himself 2500 years before its founding in 1409 by the great Lama Tsongkhapa. Gaden means "joyful" and is the Tibetan name for Tushita, the heaven where the Bodhisattva Maitreya is said to reside.

The latest good news I heard is that His Holiness the Dalai Lama might be visiting Gaden Monastery again sometime this year.  Rejoice!