Long-life ceremonies for His Holiness in Menri monastery
17th November 2016
- Anna-Kaisa Hirvanen
Lishu sangha had the great fortune to participate Tenshug (long-life ceremonies) for His Holiness Menri Trizin Lungtok Tenpa Nyima Rinpoche in Menri Monastery. We arrived to Menri on 30th October while the whole monastery was busy organizing and preparing the coming days. Hundreds of people gathered to Menri from different places; India, Nepal, Russia, Europe, US and China. The monastery was filled with decorations, prayers flags and banners offered for His Holiness´s long life from different parts of the world. Everything was organized nicely, food and accommodation offered to all the guests.
On the way to Menri gompa
Dining area prepared nicely for all the guests
Young monks enjoying lunch
The next day H.E. Menri Ponlop Thinley Nyima Rinpoche gave the lung (oral transmission) for the three great heart mantras of Bon-tradition. Extensive prayers were recited in the afternoon.
Menri Ponlop Thinley Nyima Rinpoche giving lung for the three heart mantras of Bon
Monks reciting prayers
Tenshug ceremonies took place on 1st of November. In the morning, Sang-offering was performed by Menri Ponlop Thinley Nyima Rinpoche and Khenpo Tenpa Yungrung Rinpoche, together with many other respected teachers and Geshes. Life-force energy was raised by raising prayer flags and performing the auspicious tsampa-ritual.
Before Sang
Tibetan father with his children
Paper lungtas carrying prayers with wind
Menri Ponlop Thinley Nyima Rinpoche and Khenpo Tenpa YungrungRinpoche with other lamas during auspicious tsampa ritual
Afterwards all the people went back to the main gompa and a long line of people was formed to bring all kinds of offerings to His Holiness. His Holiness arrived and received all the people within an hour. The atmosphere was filled with heartfelt gratefulness, bringing tears to people´s cheeks.
His Holiness during Tenshug
People forming a line of offerings
It is unimaginable how much work His Holiness has done during his lifetime, building up the whole community and monastery out of nothing together with His Eminence Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, following their escape from Tibet. Because of their work the teachings have remained for all of us and benefit so many. Also, the community in Dolanji with its school, orphanage, health care, monastery and nunnery has been built on the shoulders of these two human beings. At the age of 88, His Holiness is a living example of what it means to dedicate one´s life to welfare of others. Right now, when His Holiness´s health is not stable anymore, all the prayers, gratitude and dedication are very much needed.
His Holiness leaving the gompa after Tenshug
On 2nd November, we were blessed with the long-life initiation of Drenpa Namkha, bestowed by Menri Ponlop Thinley Nyima Rinpoche. Afterwards cultural show was presented including traditional and modern performances of dance, music and poetry.
Snow lions at the cultural show
Cultural show audience in the big tent
I can´t imagine better way to end our trimester of Tummo and Dream Yoga. Now it´s time for holidays, before starting our next trimester. 10 weeks of Chod and Phowa intensive retreat will start on January 9th 2017. If you are interested to join send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Read more about Bön studies in Lishu Institutute, India at www.lishu.org
