On the auspicious full moon day of the second lunar month, an event of profound blessing and historic significance unfolded. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the very embodiment of boundless compassion and wisdom, bestowed the sacred tsugphü (hair-cutting) ceremony upon Minling Dungse Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Rinpoche. They were accompanied by Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche, Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Minling Sangyum Kushog, Minling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön, as well as senior khenpos, monks, nuns, and a few members of the Mindrolling Admin Europe and USA.
Rooted in an unbroken tradition dating back to the time of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama and Chögyal Terdag Lingpa, this sacred offering of hair continues to symbolize the deep spiritual bond between the Dalai Lamas of Tibet and the Mindrolling lineage. With the auspicious tsugphü ceremony bestowed by His Holiness upon the 13th generation of Mindrolling, the continuity of this profound tendrel is once again affirmed.
With infinite compassion and loving kindness, His Holiness received the Rinpoches. Dungse Rinpoche offered the mandala, together with the offerings of body, speech, mind, qualities and activities. Thereupon, His Holiness performed the sacred rite of tsugphu, bestowing profound blessings along with prayers of auspiciousness. This sublime occasion stood as a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring connection between these two exalted lineages.
Among the offerings was a rare and precious thangka of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, woven in silk over three centuries ago during the Qing dynasty. As one of the few remaining sacred representations of its kind, it was presented with deep reverence and joy, constituting a supreme tendrel, marking the return of a sacred image to its rightful sphere of devotion.
On this most auspicious and joy-filled occasion, all assembled members of the sangha joined their hearts in fervent prayer: that His Holiness may remain in this world for an ocean of kalpas for the benefit of all beings; that the two young Rinpoches may uphold the noble legacy of their sublime predecessors and raise high the victory banner of the Buddhadharma; and that the Wheel of Dharma may continue to turn unceasingly for the liberation and welfare of all beings—swift as the victorious wind-horse and vast as the expanse of space.
Shower of Blessings
As a further auspicious tendrel, and as though to seal the blessings of this sacred occasion, a rare and fortunate encounter arose thereafter during the journey. By a most unexpected and serendipitous turn of circumstances, the Mindrolling family was further blessed to receive the blessings of His Holiness Kyabgön Sakya Gongma Trizin Rinpoche. Also present were the 42nd Kyabje Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and Sakya Gyalyum Chenmo.
Such a moment, arising naturally through auspicious interdependence, stood as a quiet yet profound extension of the merit of the sacred occasion and a testament to the enduring harmony and interconnectedness of the great lineages of Tibet.
Among the most truly heartwarming aspects of this period were the precious moments the two young Rinpoches were able to spend in the presence of Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche, traveling together under his loving and compassionate guidance.
During this time, they also together visited Lhundrub Chime Gatsal Ling Monastery, where, in an atmosphere of joy and devotion, they participated in the inauguration of a newly established shrine. These deeply meaningful moments, marked by closeness, reverence, and continuity of the lineage will no doubt remain a source of lasting inspiration and blessings.
