His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama’s birthday falls on Friday 6 July this year! Kechara will be celebrating this auspicious day with a general Lama Chopa prayer (i.e. it is done without tsok offerings), held at Kechara Gompa and we are inviting YOU to join us!

Why do we celebrate His Holiness’ birthday? Well firstly, His Holiness is believed by Tibetans and many Tibetan Buddhists around the world to be the reincarnation of his predecessors, and an emanation of the Buddha of Compassion: Chenrezig (Tibetan) or Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit), the patron saint of Tibet. The Dalai Lama was recognized as the head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism since the fourteenth century and Kechara follows the Gelugpa tradition of Buddhism. Read about His Holiness’ brief but rich biography here.

Final confirmation of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche's reincarnation status was given by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche (far right) is one of the attained masters who recognised Tsem Rinpoche's reincarnation status.

Secondly, it was from His Holiness whom our Spiritual Guide, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche requested to be ordained as a monk in 1987. Read about this and watch the video of this pivotal moment here. In 1995, His Holiness confirmed Tsem Rinpoche’s recognition as a Tulku after being formally recognised and enthroned as the reincarnation of Gaden Shartse’s 72nd abbot, Gedun Nyedrak, by H.E. Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche and the oracular pronouncement of Gaden Shartse’s Protector Setrap Chen. See more photos here.

Rinpoche had previously spoken about his thoughts on His Holiness, which have been uploaded as a three-part set of teachings on YouTube (here, here and here!). Fundamentally however, is that due to his commitment to his vows and guru devotion, Rinpoche has always enjoyed a close relationship with his teachers, including His Holiness.

H.E. Tsem Rinpoche requesting ordination from H.H. Dalai Lama in 1987

The blessings received in performing prayers and making offerings are extra potent when done on auspicious dates such as the birthday of our Guru or our lineage Gurus.

Moreover His Holiness is one of Tsem Rinpoche’s precious teachers; hence the benefits gained by those who have taken refuge with Tsem Rinpoche are many fold! We highly encourage you and your friends to attend this annual celebration of a highly attained being!

The programme for the night is as follows:

For further enquiries, please contact Nicholas Yu at +6 012 389 2239 or nicholas.yu@kechara.com .