On July 13, 2021, marks the Buddha’s first turning of the Wheel of Dharma, the teaching on the Four Noble Truths. At 9 am on this auspicious day, Guru Vajradhara H.H. the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa was escorted into the main shrine hall of Palpung Sherabling Monastic College by a traditional procession of lamas carrying incense. As soon as Guru Vajradhara ascended onto the throne, a mandala along with the representations of body, speech and mind, accompanied by the chanting of the liturgy, was offered to him, and traditional tea and sweet rice were offered to everyone present. The ceremony continued with a presentation of the Five Excellencies, debates on the five major treatises by the freshly appointed khenpos, and a discussion on tantra by the 2021 graduates.

Following that, Guru Vajradhara presented certificates and appointment letters to the new khenpos, acharyas, teaching assistants, and graduates, along with replacing teachers and staff for the Monastic College and assigning responsibilities to the new graduates.

Guru Vajradhara also gave a teaching on the value of human life and the qualities of a Dharma practitioner. He also explained how diligence in one’s study and fulfilment of one’s responsibility are essential for making this and future lives meaningful.

The graduation and khenpo enthronement ceremony, virtuous in the beginning, in the middle, and at the end, was then auspiciously concluded with the new khenpos, acharyas, and graduates performing a long-life offering to Guru Vajradhara. At the end, everyone present offered a traditional white offering scarf to the freshly appointed khenpos and acharyas.

Photos