From 9th Nov, Geshe Damcha ceremony for the new Tsokram, kyabchu and Dhoram for the year 2023 was held at the prayer hall temple of the monastery presided by His Eminence Khen Rinpoche, His Eminence Khensur Rinpoche, discipline head, Chant master, learned scripture teachers, Geshes and monks in general. The special Garing Gathung Damcha of Drepung Gomang Monastery (the days-long mass debate congregations participated by the graduating students/Geshe of the academic year) was held at the debate courtyard with customary throwing of sweets towards the gathered monks as part of auspiciousness and celebration of the completion of their monastic academic year.
Drepung Gomang monastery extends its heartfelt congratulations to all new Geshes of 2023 and extends gratitude to all for many years of dedicated service.
The Annual exam of the Year 2023 of Drepung Gomang Monastic College was concluded in the last week of October. The exams were conducted under the supervision of His Eminence Khen Rinpoche, H.E. Khensur Rinpoches, H.E. Gyuto Khensur Rinpoche, the Discipline head, textual teachers, Science teachers, and members of the Examination Board. Besides the memorization test, monk students are required to take debating skill tests (dialectical) and written tests.
We are deeply saddened by the demise of our beloved ama Sandra Esner on 19th Sept (18th Sept USA), our long-time supporter and benefactor who supported this monastery with pure dedication and generosity. Her kind and compassionate support has truly made a big difference here. Drepung Gomang Monastery and all it's monks will never ever forget her gratefulness. May her soul rest in peace.
On 19th evening prayer session was dedicated to our great benefactor Ama Sandra Esner who passed away today in USA. A long time supporter, helped and supported this monastery with unconditional love, affection and compassion support, visited our monastery several times with her spiritual teacher late Jadal Geshe kelsang Menlom. Our Abbot, His Eminence khen Rinpoche Geshe Jigme Gyatso and chief administrator Geshe Monlam Gyatso was able to meet beloved Ama Sandra during their recent visit to USA in July 2023, where they expressed deepest gratitude for her tremendous support to the monastery with her beloved teacher Geshe Kelsang Monlam.
Drepung Gomang Monastery and all it's monks offer deepest condolence to the family and friends of the deceased. Ama Sandra will be always remembered here in our monastery for her love and compassion not only to the monks but also to all poor and needy laiety that she extended her support.
H.E. Khen Rinpoche Geshe Jigme Gyatso, Geshe Monlam Gyatso (Chief Administrator) and Ven. Geshe Tenzin Choklang (Khentrul Rinpoche) attended the International Buddhist Forum “Traditional Buddhism and the Challenges of Modernity” at Ulan-Ude, The Republic of Buryatia on August 17-19 as per the invitation extended. After the event, His Eminence visited the monasteries in the Republic of Buryatia, Tuva Republic, and the Republic of Kalmykia of the Russian Federation. Courtesy meeting with H.E. XXIV Pandito Hambo Lama Damba Ayusheev, Mr. Vladislav Khovalyg Chairman of Republic of Tuva, Venerable Yelo Rinpoche, abbot of Datsan Rinpoche Bagsha, other abbots and heads, members/authorities of the respective monasteries/temples and Govt. Officials. Warm welcome was extended to His Eminence by the invitees. In the final stage of the trip, His Eminence Khen Rinpoche, Chief Administrator, and Kushok Kentrul Rinpoche visited our dharma center and other temples/centers in and around Moscow. More photos on facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/drepung.gomangmonastery.9
About 11 Tibetan students from Tibetan families in Canada headed by Guardian Tenzin Namdak participated in a Summer Camp organized by Drepung Gomang Monastery in South India to enhance their knowledge of the Tibetan language, religion, and Culture. Upon their arrival, the next day they were first introduced to His Eminence Khen Rinpoche Geshe Jigme Gyatso at his residence where His Eminence the importance and objective of their visit to the monastery. During the teaching held here at the monastery, the group was blessed by His Eminence 104th Gaden Tri Rinpoche Kyabje Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin Palsangpo.
A short course provided in the Tibetan language and culture and a crash course in Tibetan traditional musical instruments like flute, dranyen (Tibetan guitar) and drum, learned monks introduced them to the proper way of offering water bowls, mandala offerings, and prayer offerings which are usually done in Tibetan culture, they also attended their language classes and dialectical class at Drepung Gomang School.
The Group farewell ceremony was graced by H.E. Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Gyaltsen, Discipline head, members, and the faculty of the Association and the School. The young students displayed their traditional Tibetan dance, and songs that they learned during their short course.
His Eminence 104th Gaden Tri Rinpoche Kyabje Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin Palsangpo blessed the monastery with teachings at the Debate courtyard of Drepung Gomang Monastery from 3rd August to 9th August 2023. His Eminence gave Oral transmission on “Master Asanga’s root text and its commentary called the Highway for Bodhisattvas by Je Tsongkapa” and Great Commentary on (Maitreya's) "Great Vehicle Treatise on the Sublime Continuum". Teaching was attended by H. E. Abbots of monasteries, lama/tulkus, learned Geshes from monasteries, and all monks. The teaching was live-streamed on the monastery's Facebook and Zoom.
Drepung Gomang Monastery conveys the deepest gratitude to our North American Seat of Drepung Gomang, 'Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion' for the invitation extended and hosting His Eminence Khen Rinpoche Geshe Jigme Gyatso and Chanzoe Geshe Monlam Gyatso during their visit from June 24-July 17.
Our thank you also to all our long-time supporters/benefactors, Gomang Geshe las, monks, former monks, and their families, and friends for the accommodations, offerings, assistance, and for the hospitality extended to H.E. Khen Rinpoche and Chanzoe Monlam la in all the cities they visited.
More photos on our facebook