Shimla: The Main Jonang Takten Phuntsok Choeling monastery based in Shimla celebrated its 25th founding anniversary on Thursday, 9 December. The celebration also coincided with the monastery’s Kunkhen Drukchoe prayer festival and the conferment of first-ever Geshe degrees to graduating monks of the monastery.
Additional Secretary Dudul Dorje attended the ceremony on behalf of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration. The special guest at the ceremony was Mingyur Youdon, Chief Representative Officer of Shimla. Other dignitaries at the ceremony include the current and former abbot of the monastery, president of the International Jonang Wellbeing Association, representatives of the diverse Tibetan Buddhist schools, and guests from the Indo-Tibetan friendship association.
Following the offering of ceremonial scarves to a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the guests, Lama Tsultrim Sangpo gave a brief introduction on the Jonang Kunkhen Drukchoe festival which is the six hundred and sixtieth death anniversary of Jonang Kunkhen. Khentrul Kunga Choephel, the current abbot of the monastery spoke about the founding of the monastery. Former abbot Kunga Tsamchung spoke about the conferment of Geshe degrees to the graduating monks of the monastery.
It was then followed by readings of the official statements issued by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Gaden Trichen Rinpoche, Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, Menri Trizin Rinpoche, Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche, Drikung Kyabgon Rinpoche, and Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche.
The chief guest then presented the official Geshe degrees to the graduating monks of the monastery. The special guest released the booklet, picture and almanac on Jonang Kunkhen Drukchoe festival followed by a brief address on the occasion.
- Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture