Dharamshala: Gangkyi-based Nechung Dorje Drayangling Monastery celebrated a felicitation ceremony to honour its 6th and 7th batch graduates on 20 March 2024.
The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including chief guest Kalon Trisur Samdhong Rinpoche, Nechung Kuten, Choktrul Rinpoche, Additional Secretary Kunga Gyaltsen from Department of Religion and Culture, and Director of Institute of Buddhist Dialectics and Sarah College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Geshe Samten Gyatso.
Commencing with the lighting of the butter lamp by the chief guest, the ceremony progressed with Nechung Kuten offering a mandala, followed by the chantmaster leading the prayers.
Subsequently, the monastery’s education director presented an education-related report, after which the chief guest distributed certificates and extended felicitations to the graduates. Nechung Kuten and Additional Secretary Kunga Gyaltsen bestowed prizes upon the top college students.
Professor Samdhong Rinpoche delivered insightful guidance on how to uphold the teachings of Buddhism post-graduation, emphasising the distinction between academic exams and the exam of life, which is assessed based on lived experiences. He stressed the significance of employing intelligence over blind belief.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from the head of the administration.
–Filed by the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA