Darjeeling: Tibetan Settlement Officer Pema Tsering Dhenmatsang attended the instatement ceremony of Khondung Asanga Rinpoche at Guru Sakya Monastery (also called Ghoom Monastery) in Darjeeling as a representative of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, from 19 to 25 March 2024.
On 21 March, during the formal event of the instatement ceremony presided over by His Eminence Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, representatives from Dolma and Phuntsok Phodrang, along with other monastic households, Central Tibetan Administration, monasteries, dharma centres, devotees and followers, made offering of Mandalas and scarves to the new head of Guru Sakya Monastery, Khondung Asanga Rinpoche.
The abbot of the monastery briefed the assembly later that afternoon and gave a concise history of Guru Sakya Monastery, the oldest Sakya school monastery in India. His Eminence Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche and Khondung Asanga Rinpoche also addressed the assemblage of devotees gathered at the venue, where students, Tibetans and local ethnic groups presented traditional performances thereafter.
On 23 March, Khondung Asanga Rinpoche conducted religious teaching followed by a conferment of empowerment from His Eminence Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche on the subsequent day. A long-life prayer ceremony was held on 25 March for the longevity of His Eminence Kyabgon Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche by Guru Sakya Monastery and the Ghoom populace.
Darjeeling Tibetan Settlement Officer Pema Tsering Dhenmatsang, President of regional Tibetan Freedom Movement Gyurme Tsundue, representatives of local Tibetan NGOs and associations, along with monks from Guru Sakya Monastery, saw His Eminence Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche and retinue off upon their departure for Kalimpong on 26 March.
-Report filed by TSO Darjeeling