DHARAMSHALA: Mr. Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile today graced the launch ceremony of a new website on Martsang Kagyud tradition of Tibetan Buddhism at a ceremony held at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

The Speaker was accompanied by Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Geshe Monlam Tharchin, a member of the Tibetan Parliament.

The website is the brainchild of Drogon Gangri Karma Rinpoche, a spiritual teacher of the Martsang Kagyud tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Speaking at the launch, Speaker Penpa Tsering said he recognises and respects the research done by Drogon Karma Rinpoche to revive the tradition. However, he clarified that his presence at the launch doesn’t in any way signify that the Tibetan Parliament recognises Martsang Kagyud as an official sub-sect within the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

“We leave the discussion on the recognition of official sects and sub-sects  to the experts and researchers in the field. We maintain that all religious traditions including Martsang Kagyu should work for the betterment of sentient beings,” he said.

The Martsang Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism was founded by His Holiness Chöjé Marpa Sherab Yeshe (1134-1203) around 848 years ago. However, the tradition has diminished over the years.

Drogon Karma Rinpoche, who is spearheading the revival of the tradition, has conducted six years of intensive research on the tradition and has established many centres around the world to revive the tradition. He says the revival of the tradition is in tune with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice to preserve the rich traditions and culture of Tibetan Buddhism.