Friday

Details and Travel Dates for Ripa Monastery Opening with Dalai Lama and Namkha Drime

Main Temple at Padmasambhava Vihar, formerly Rigon Thupten Mindrolling

The Shambhala community is warmly invited to attend the official opening of the Ripa monastery in Orissa with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche and Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche.

Ripa Ladrang recommends attendees review the information and book their travel to India as soon as possible. Program Overview:

Week One: Inauguration Ceremonies 10-15 January 2010

The week will include the formal opening ceremonies as well as cultural activities including Lindro dancing and other festivities. His Holiness the Dali Lama has graciously agreed to conduct the formal opening ceremonies. His Holiness will also be conferring an Abhisheka and sharing profound teachings during this time. It will be a rare opportunity to be part of a large Tibetan community of lamas, rinpoches, monastics, lay people from all over the world receiving teachings from the spiritual head of the Tibetan people.

Visit the Ripa Ladrang web site for additional details.
Read Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche’s formal invitation letter.
View articles from our July 21st theme on the Ripa Lineage.

Week Two: Week-long Retreat and Teachings at Rigon Thupten Mindrolling 16-22 January 2010
The second week will be a one-week practice and teaching retreat that will occur at the monastery. There will be several senior lamas and rinpoches present that will be offering teachings.

If interested in attending:

(1) Please review the see the 4-page information section on the Ripa Ladrang web site. The website contains detailed information about the schedule of events and recommended travel dates. Also included is travel & lodging information.

(2) Book your travel arrangements as soon as possible. Persons should make their way to Bhubaneshwar India. Right now there are well-priced airfares to India. From there, Ripa Ladrang will arrange travel to the monastery.

Please note the travel schedule located on the Ripa Ladrang Website. If you are departing from the USA, you will need to leave by 7 January 2010 in order to arrive in Bhubaneshwar by the evening of 9 January 2010.

(3) Prepare and obtain a visa for India. See the Ripa Ladrang web site for information on how to obtain a visa for Orissa.

(4) Register with Ripa Ladrang. The registration site will be available in September for program registration. It is recommended to book your travel as soon as possible.