Thursday

Parinirvana anniversary ceremonies for His Holiness Penor Rinpoche

The Zangdopalri (Copper-coloured mountain) temple at Namdroling Monasterty complex. The Kudung (precious remains) of His Holiness’ Penor Rinpoche are preserved here.

The first anniversary of the parinirvana of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche was observed at Namdroling Monastery in Southern India between March 14 and 18. The Sakyong’s personal assistant, Christoph Schoenherr, has sent the following report and photos.

Over 5000 monks, nuns and lay practitioners gathered at the monastery’s main temple to perform prayers and pujas in order to honour His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s accomplishments and to supplicate for his swift rebirth.

His Holiness was a spiritual master to the Sakyong for many years. The Sakyong studied with His Holiness and his khenpos at Namdroling, the largest Nyingma teaching centre in the world. His Holiness recognized the Sakyong as Mipham Rinpoche and conferred the Enthronement of the Sakyong in 1995, and the Sakyong Wangmo in 2008.

In a joint delegation of the Ripa/Padma Ling sangha and Shambhala, Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche and I were able to pay respects and make offerings to His Holiness’ body and to the resident tulkus and khenpos. His Holiness’ kudung (precious remains) is currently preserved on one of the upper floors of the main temple.

The display of offerings before His Holiness’ throne in the Golden Temple of Namdroling where the main ceremonies took place to mark the first anniversary of his parinirvana.

Offerings were made to Ngagyur Nyingma University (the monastic college), His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche (currently residing in Tibet), His Eminence Gyangkhang Tulku Rinpoche, His Eminence Mugsang Tulku Rinpoche, Khenchen Namdrol, and other tulkus and khenpos.

Namdroling monastery was established by His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche shortly after he came to India from Tibet. With only 300 rupees in his hand and with just a handful of monks, he laid the foundation stone of the three-storied main temple that then covered an area of 80 square feet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the spot and bestowed the name “Namdroling Monastery.”