Paris, France: His Eminence 34th Menri Trizin Dawa Dhargyal Rinpoche bestowed teachings in Paris on 18 June 2019. The first session of the teaching was for Tibetans and the second for both Tibetans and foreigners. It was held in Rigpa Centre and organised by Tibetan Community in France, the teaching was attended by Representative Tashi Phuntsok, his colleague Namgyal Samdup and many Tibetans and foreigners.

In his hour-long teaching to Tibetans, he highlighted briefly on the Bon religion, its history – its ups and downs – its revival in exile and the tradition of a selection of Menri Trizin. According to Menri Trizin, Bon declined with a predominance of Buddhism in Tibet. Bon is the traditional Tibetan religion and hence its integral heritage. There have been many setbacks in Bon religion. But it is unhelpful to harp on the negatives. The positives must be highlighted. The strength of Tibetans lies in garnering the common and united strength, he reminded the gathering.

Bon religion emphasizes on the seh-lam-drel-sum. It also distinguishes on Bon lo-rab-dring-tha sum. The Menri Trizin tradition evolved in the 14th century, contemporaneously to Je Tsongapa. As Bon does not have the system of reincarnation Menri Trizin is selected through traditional and secret processes.

“Though a simple and ordinary monk, I was enthroned through his process as the 34th Menri Trizin recently,” he said.

His Eminence highlighted, in particular, the unparalleled role played by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in the revival and promotion of Tibetan Bon tradition. He expressed his tremendous gratitude to His Holiness for the status that Bon tradition has now obtained under his patronage. His Eminence further pointed out that all Tibetans must bear true to the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

He informed that he was convinced of the immense truth in His His Holiness’ advice that he would follow it himself without question.

Later His Eminence gave a short teaching on breathing exercises as per Bon tradition for the benefit of the Western public followed by a brief Q/A session.

Earlier on arrival at Rigpa Centre, His Eminence was received with the traditional rendition of Tashi Sholpa and Chemar Changpue offering. Once enthroned Representative Tashi Phuntsok and Tibetan Community President Ven Tenzin Penpa presented mandrel then sum to His Eminence.

His Eminence arrived in Paris on 17 June and left for the United States on 19 June 2019.

During both of his arrival and departure, His Eminence was accorded a solemn and respectful reception and farewell by Representative Tashi Phuntsok, Coordinator Namgyal Samdup, Tibetan Community President and the well-wishers.