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OFFERING
TO THE SOUND OF THUNDER
By
The Magpie (Leh, Tuesday, July 24, 2007)
You
must have witnessed thousands of colorful banners that have dotted
the roads in Ladakh. It is understandable if many wonder if the bold
“800 PLUS” message written on the banners stand for some motor
vehicle such a new line of Maruti Suzuki is being introduced in
Ladakh. These banners are hoisted to mark the paths in celebration
the 800 years of legacy of the Drukpa lineage of spiritual masters.
The celebrations have begun in Hong Kong one year ago and H.H. the
XIIth Gyalwang Drukpa has chosen Ladakh as a venue for the
celebrations.
Here
in Ladakh, disciples of H.H. Gyalwang Drukpa organized and
participated in an elaborate two-week celebration of puja’s,
spiritual teachings, rituals and offerings for Rinpoche’s long
life, and various community engagement events such as tree
plantation and display of fireworks and special offering of sky
lanterns. The initial celebrations and puja’s were organized by
the local disciples of H.H. Gyalwang Drukpa. The locals offered
prayers and rituals including a Stenjuk ceremony with a cash
contribution of Rs55,55,555 and numerous valuables such as jewelry,
precious stones and a brand new car.
“Traditionally,
Buddhists offer horses of best breed to their spiritual masters as
an aid in their efforts to spread Dharma far and wide,” said Ven.
Tsewang Rigzin, General Secretary of Hemis Management Committee.
“The decision to offer a brand new car symbolizes a continuation
of this tradition of offering to our spiritual master.”
The
foreign disciples of H.H. Gyalwang Drukpa had the honor of arranging
the celebrations on the 19th and 20th of July. These disciples come
from countries such as Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong,
England, France and more. Under the aegis of Drukpa Publications,
they sponsored captivating events such as a display of “Fireworks
Extravaganza” and an offering of sky lanterns called “Sending
Wishes with the Sky Dragons.” The sky lanterns were made of Thai
rice paper and the balloons were made of latex, a biodegradable
material, in consideration of the impacts on the local environment.
“We believe fireworks and sky lanterns are ideal for attracting
the attention of the younger generation towards the glory of Dharma
and the legacy of the Drukpa Lineage,” said Lynne Chiang, from
Malaysia.
©
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