Dharamshala: Secretary Dhondul Dorjee of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, attended the 100th birthday celebration of Kyabje Yongzin Mawai Wangpo Lopon Tenzin Namdag Rinpoche and the consecration and inauguration ceremony of the new Triten Norbutse Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 5 and 6 February 2025.
On the morning of the first day, Kyabje Yongzin Rinpoche was invited to the monastery for the inauguration and consecration ceremony, where he untied the five-coloured ribbon. After lighting the ceremonial butter lamp before the monastery’s main shrine and taking his seat, other reverent lamas, including Menri Ponlob Rinpoche, Triten Norbutse Khen Rinpoche, Ponlop Rinpoche, and Akarwa Lama Rinpoche, also lit lamps.
Kyabje Yongzin Rinpoche then delivered an address of appreciation and conducted teachings, followed by the presentation of a token of appreciation to the sponsors.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Nepal’s Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey; Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung; President of the Buddhist Philosophy Promotion & Monastery Development Committee of Nepal, Ven. Geshe Thupten Jigdrol; Vice Chairman of Nagarjun Municipality, Sushil Adhikari; and Secretary of Nepal’s Social Welfare Council, Manoj Bhatta.
Also in attendance were members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, the Representative of the Office of Tibet in Kathmandu, Tibetan settlement officers, and representatives from local civil societies.
During the celebration, cultural performances were held, and later in the evening, the documentary film “Pönse Lama” about Kyabje Yongzin Rinpoche’s life was screened in Tibetan.
On 6 February, long-life prayers were offered to Kyabje Yongzin Rinpoche by Menri and Triten Norbutse monasteries. Offerings were also made by various dignitaries and reverent lamas, including Secretary Dhondul Dorjee.
The ceremony also featured the launch of three books: Vinaya Master Geshe Samten Tsugphud and Charles Ramble’s Book on Pönse Lama’s Noble Activities; a collection of writings from the centenary celebrations; and Celebrating 100 Years of Wisdom: Honouring His Eminence Yongdzin Lopon Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche’s 100th Birthday. Following that, Kyabje Yongzin Rinpoche conferred teachings to both lay and monastic attendees.
In the next session on the second day, Menri Ponlob Rinpoche and Secretary Dhondul Dorjee addressed the gathering, along with a screening of the 34th Menri Trizin Rinpoche’s message. Later that evening, the “Pönse Lama” documentary was shown in English for non-Tibetan speaking audiences.
