Kagyu Institute for Buddhist Studies and Retreat Centre

Construction Work on the Nunnery

Digging the Foundations

View of Kathmandu from
the Nunnery

Latest Image of the Nunnery,
Feb 2002

Panoramic view from the Nunnery, Feb 2002

Kirtipur Monastery and Institute,
November 2002

View of Construction - (99kb)

View from Distance - (99kb)

Outer Construction Completed - (99kb)

Construction Completed - (91kb)

Further Images from Rinpoche - 11 October 2004

Rinpoche has arrived back in Kirtipur for the final work on the Institute, in preparation for its grand opening ceremony, and has sent us these images:

New Images from Rinpoche - 08 Nov 2004

Rinpoche has sent us these two new images, with the Institute moving towards completion:

Grand Opening Ceremony - 13/29 Dec 2004

Images and Report from the Grand Opening Ceremony of the new Kagyu Institute for Buddhist Studies (KIBS)

Report from the Grand Opening Ceremony

Monday, 5 December 2004

5th December 2004 marked a memorable and significant day for the Kagyu Institute for Buddhist Studies - the day of its grand inauguration and opening.

His Holiness Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, His Eminence Kyabje Trulshig Rinpoche, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, His Eminence Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, His Eminence Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Ven Sang Sang Rinpoche and many other most respected Rinpoche's and lamas as well as the Excellency Mr. Deep Kumar Upadyay, the Minister for Culture, tourism and civil aviation of the government of Nepal came all the way from various part of Nepal to bestow their blessings and grace the inauguration of the this important event.

From the morning, the Institute was filled with more than 1,500 well wishers and devotees. Amongst them were 200 foreign devout disciples and devotees who flew in especially from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Europe to rejoice in this event and to send their well wishes.

After the inauguration ceremony, all the guests were entertained with local Tibetan and Nepalese performances and blessed by the Lama Dances. The day ended with a grand dinner, with cultural performances and video viewing for the VIP guests at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Tuesday, 6 December 2004

On the following day, Longevity Prayers were made by HE Trulshig Rinpoche and all the monastery lamas and nuns for the long life of Ven Shangpa Rinpoche, along with the offering of body, speech and mind by the devout followers to both HE Trulshig Rinpoche and Shangpa Rinpoche. In the same afternoon, HE Trulshig Rinpoche gave an Empowerment signifying the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma in commemoration of the opening the Institute.

The Grand Opening of the Institute is the beginning of the fruition of Rinpoche's Vision and years of unceasing hard work in benefiting sentient beings in the Dharma. Below is an extract from Rinpoche's Speech during the opening ceremony, signifying his great aspiration and compassion:

"I believe that the Institute will begin, from here on, a long and illustrious career in guiding countless beings on the path of Buddhism towards Enlightenment. May it be a wish-fulfilling gem that brings forth blessings of wisdom, compassion and attainments and may it be the source of boundless wisdom to all who seek the fruit of Enlightenment."

Further Images from the Opening Ceremonies - 5 Jan 2005

Please visit the new Website for the Kagyu Institute of Buddhist Studies

 

"A Vision for the Future takes Shape"

An Interview with Ven Shangpa Rinpoche on the Kirtipur Institute and Retreat Centre, conducted conducted May 2002

Q: Rinpoche, what was your motivation and vision behind this project?

A: During my lifetime, I have managed to build temples, institutions of learning, monasteries and nunneries for members of the Sangha, who are of course monks and nuns. But I have felt for quite some time that this was not enough, and that there was something missing for general lay-people. I believe that it is very important to have a place for them to hear, to contemplate and to practice the Buddha Dharma.

So, when the villagers of Kirtipur and the senior Lama of a small temple located there offered me this land for development, I immediately thought to fulfil my vision of constructing an Institute and Retreat Center for the general public to learn about Tibetan Buddhist practice.

I thought that Kirtipur would be an ideal location because it is only a 20 minute drive from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The village is easily accessible from the international airport and close to all the facilities and conveniences of the city. And yet, it is itself beyond the confines of the city. Kathmandu is a very ancient place where Buddhist culture thrives. Many temples and monasteries are located there and traditional practice is part of daily life. So, it is very beneficial to be exposed to that sort of atmosphere. At the same time, when one thinks of study and retreat, one thinks of a quiet place to calm the mind and improve concentration. Kirtipur is perfect for this because it is situated in the mountains. There is lots of fresh air, open space, and pleasant scenery.

Q: Why are the dual components of study and retreat so important?

A: Actually, what is important is the practice. However, before one can practice, one must have some knowledge and understanding about what one is practicing. Most of us live in big cities or in stressful situations. We are often busy with our work, our family and other commitments. It is difficult to learn a lot in this sort of environment; to be really very intense and well grounded in one's practice. Even if one attends teachings at a Buddhist center, for example, it may be difficult to absorb all the information if one is soon busy again with the demands of daily living.

So, I thought it would be good if I could create an environment where a lay-person who is really interested in his practice can go and just fully concentrate on the teachings. In developing the Institute and Retreat Center, that was my idea. To try and gather all the important teachings and good teachers so that whoever wants a solid foundation for their Buddhist practice can have an opportunity and suitable environment for that purpose.

Q: But it seems rather unusual to have a nunnery, institute and retreat center all together in the same place. Is there a particular reason for this?

A: In the 1960's, a temple was built on this site by local devotees and offered to His Holiness the 16th Karmapa. It was run as a Nunnery when some villagers asked to be ordained as Nuns. When I decided to build an institute and retreat center on the site, I decided to incorporate the Nunnery into the project. The Nuns will help in the routine maintenance of the temple including making offerings and performing pujas. One important reason why I was so eager to use this site for this project is that in the 1970s, His Holiness the 16th Karmapa said that Kirtipur would have a good future for Dharma propagation.

Q: Is this the first center of its kind in the Karma Kagyud lineage?

A: Well, actually, there are many of these types of centers already existence. But this is certainly the first center of its kind in our lineage, in Nepal, which uses the English Language as the medium of instruction.

Q: Why did you decide it was necessary to initiate this?

A: Tibetan Buddhism is a very wonderful practice and philosophy. It is part of a rich and ancient cultural heritage. For many, many years it was practiced mainly by monks at monasteries. It has only recently been propagated outside of Tibet and Nepal. And yet, within that short time, it has gained a wide and loyal following worldwide. This is because even though its philosophy is profound, its application is very practical.

As it is my sincerest wish to benefit as many people as possible, it is therefore logical to have a center that uses the English language for teaching, as it is the language most commonly spoken by people all over the world.

Q: Does this mean that you expect people from all over the world to attend courses at the institute and retreat center?

A: I have spent many years in South East Asia, traveling to and teaching in various Karma Kagyud centers in the region. I have met many people in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia who are interested in learning about the Dharma. The younger generation in particular, are very keen to gain a deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy. In Europe, where there are many Karma Kagyud Centres, many devotees are keen to travel to Nepal to study. There is such a great interest and eagerness amongst so many people from both the East and the West. I think there will be an interesting mix of these two cultures, merging in the Buddhist culture, at the institute and retreat center!

Q: Rinpoche, please give an idea of the type of courses available at the institute.

A: The most important course is on Buddhist Philosophy, for example: the Madhyamika, Prajnaparamita, Abhidharma and also Karma Kagyud versions of important Mahayana texts composed by various Karmapas and so on. Besides this, there will be Tibetan language classes; both oral and written. I am hoping in the future to introduce courses on traditional Tibetan herbal medicine, Thangka painting, statue/sculpture making, and Chinese calligraphy. As I mentioned earlier, Tibetan Buddhist culture is very rich and ancient. I think it is extremely important to preserve and promote it and I hope the institute will be able to accomplish this by offering all these courses under one roof.

Initially though, we will be starting off with courses on Buddhist Philosophy and Tibetan language. The courses are specially structured for overseas students. They will vary in length to cater to the needs of each student, how much time they have, and how much interest they have. For example, there may be 2 day courses as well as 2 week courses on basic Buddhist Philosophy for those who are on vacation. Certificates of attendance will be awarded for completion of the course. The very serious student may wish to obtain a Degree in Buddhist Philosophy. This is a four to five year course which requires the student to study at the Institute for approximately 4 months (probably November-February, when the weather is pleasant), each year. The remaining course will by correspondence or via the Internet. Study of the Tibetan language is important because even a little knowledge of it gives a clear understanding of the depth of Buddhist Philosophy.

Q: Who will be conducting these courses?

A: I am now in the process of gathering a good selection of Khenpos from various Karma Kagyud Monasteries. So far, there has been an overwhelming response. Some of these Khenpo are from my own Vikramashila Institute in Pokhara. Some teachers will also be from other lineages. Many of them are bilingual in Tibetan and English.

Q: And what about the retreat center and its courses?

A: Traditionally, retreats should last for about 3 ½ years. Unfortunately, this is not possible for overseas students because of visa problems and perhaps, other unfavourable conditions such as funding. So, I have planned for retreat courses to last between 2 weeks to one month. These may be basic Shamatha or Vippasana meditation practice or something more specific such as a particular Yidam's practice. There will also be instruction and practice on the Karma Kagyud version of the Four Foundations and various levels of tantric meditation connected with Deity Yoga practice. Basically, the structure will be like this: Before one enters into retreat practice, one needs to attend a one week course which includes initiation, instruction, oral transmission, instruction in preparation of shrines and torma. The rest of the retreat will comprise instruction at night and practice during the day. The retreats will be led by experienced Lamas and Rinpoche's. I myself will also lead a retreat every year.

Q: Why is retreat practice so important in the Karma Kagyud lineage?

A: Buddhism is meant to be applied in daily living. For most beginners, however, it is not easy to apply the teachings when in the midst of worldly activities and demands. A retreat practice is helpful because it provides a conducive environment and favourable conditions - good teachers, peaceful surroundings - for full focus and mindfulness. It gives the practitioner a chance to practice better. A short term retreat is useful for someone to adapt to the spiritual life and experience it completely, even if only for a short time. So that on leaving the retreat, he is mentally refreshed and better trained to handle day to day living and disturbing emotions, and has a remedy or antidote for the various states of suffering.

Q: What facilities does the Institute and Retreat Center have?

A: The Institute has classrooms for about 50 students and a library. Students can stay in twin bedrooms, with attached bathrooms. All rooms have balconies overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. There are 12 retreat center rooms and each is for a single occupant and has an attached bath. The retreat center will also have a library and shrine hall.

Q: How much of the project has been completed to date?

A: Construction is progressing well. About 60% is complete at the moment, (see images above). The temple structure which is in the center of the complex is already finished. This building comprises a main shrine hall which can accommodate about 700 people. The hall will feature a 13 foot seated statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, with standing statues of Bodhisattva Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara on either side, 600 golden Buddha statues and Kagyur and Thengyur texts. The walls will be decorated with wall paintings of Buddha's life, 84 saints and the lineage of Kagyupa masters, and 16 arhants. The upper floors contain consultation rooms and rooms for lamas, Rinpoche's, His Holiness, and VIPs. There will also be a small and very nicely decorated shrine for 21 Tara which is specially being built for His Holiness's and important high-ranking Rinpoche's use. An interesting feature of this building is the use of a skylight on the roof of the top floor to allow the passage of natural sunlight into the building. There is a partial air well above the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and the skylight has been positioned so that sunlight shines onto this statue on the ground floor and onto the shrine of Green Tara on the 3rd floor.

Q: When do you expect to open the Institute and Retreat Center?

A: Well, I have targeted completion for the end of 2003. I hope to start the courses by 2004, after the official opening ceremonies. The exact completion date depends on funding. I am in the process of raising funds for various shrine items, artwork, retreat rooms and so on. The inspiration for this project came from my devotees, disciples and well-wishers and their sincere interest and enthusiasm towards studying and practicing the Dharma. They have been very supportive of my endeavours and other projects in the past. I am sure their commitment to this project is no different. I am confident that with their help I will be able to accomplish the completion and successful operation of the Kirtipur Institute and Retreat Center for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Tara Pendant for the Kirtipur International Buddhist Institute and Retreat Centre

Homage to the Three Jewels,
Homage to the illustrious lineage Masters of the great Karma Kagyu Tradition,
Homage to His Holiness, the glorious 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje.

As you all are aware, our most precious guru, Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche has been working tirelessly to actualise his vision of completing the building of Kirtipur International Buddhist Institute and Retreat Centre these last few years so as to benefit more sentient beings. Much work has been accomplished during the past year towards the completion of this most worthy Dharma project but we still have some way to go.

In view of this and to fulfil Rinpoche’s wishes to benefit more sentient beings through this worthy Dharma project, a small group of Rinpoche’s students decided to try and make an effort to help Rinpoche raise funds for the completion of Kirtipur Institute. After consultations with Rinpoche, it was decided that 1000 Pieces of a very special and sacred Tara Pendant would be made available to benefactors who make donations to this worthy cause. This is Rinpoche’s wish and way to thank those kind benefactors who contribute and help make Kirtipur International Buddhist Institute and Retreat Centre a reality.

The Very Precious and Sacred Tara Pendant

You are witnessing the dawn of a new era in spiritual devotion, a devotion from the teacher to his disciples. This very precious and sacred Tara Pendant is one of the most precious items in the entire pantheon of Vajrayana Buddhism. It is a wish-fulfilling gem so precious to Rinpoche that words cannot begin to describe its priceless spiritual value. But for the sake of the liberation of sentient beings, out of Rinpoche’s great compassion; this precious relic is now being presented to those fortunate students of Rinpoche and well-wishers from around the world.

In our time of spiritual degeneration and worldly hardships, Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche has ventured on a special spiritual journey to bring the blessings of hope, compassion and wisdom to all of his disciples. This spiritual journey that he had embarked on some months ago has taken fruit in the form of this very precious and sacred Tara Pendant.

The sacred items that have gone into the creation of this precious Tara Pendant have been the personal source of inspiration and unimaginable blessings to Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche over the years and all of these sacred items that Rinpoche has kept so dear to himself have now been
used to benefit us all. The great devotion and the great compassion that Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche has for all is embodied in this Pendant whose spiritual value is something one can hardly even begin to fathom.

This Tara Pendant possesses immense powers to purify negative karma, accumulate merits and is a source of unimaginable blessings and it is requested that it should be treated with utmost respect at all times and kept in high places when it is not worn.

All donations received will be used to further propagate Buddha Dharma and to benefit countless people from all over the world through the building of the Kirtipur International Buddhist Institute and Retreat Centre.

Pendant Materials

The Very Precious and Sacred Tara Pendant contains and is made up entirely of the following relics:

1) The robe of Yonge Migyur Dorje

2) The robe of Guru Rinpoche

3) The robe of Shanta Rakshita
(A great preceptor who was invited by the Tibetan King to propagate Buddha Dharma in Tibet but due to the evil forces that existed then, he advised the Tibetan King that Guru Rinpoche should be invited to Tibet)

4) The robe of Phakmo Drupa {(1110 - 1170) One of Lord Gampopa's 4 supreme disciples}
5) The robe of the 1st Karmapa
6) The robe of the 3rd Karmapa
7) The robe of the 7th Karmapa
8) The robe of the 13th Karmapa
9) The robes of the 15th Karmapa (Rinpoche was presented on 2 different occasions the robes of the 15th Karmapa and both have been included)
10) The robe of Jatson Nyingpa (Ordained as a monk in 1585, he was a treasure revealer in the closed lineage of treasures)
11) The robe of Drime Lingpa
12) The shirt button of Marpa Lotsawa
13) The robe pill of Milerapa
14) The bone relics of the 16th Karmapa
15) Black Nectar Pills
16) The bone relics of Lord Gampopa.
17) Material from the Damaru of Tashi Nagyal
18) Rice blessed by the 16th Karmapa
19) The hair of the 14th Karmapa
20) The hair of the 16th Karmapa
21) The Crown of Guru Rinpoche made by 100,000 Dakinis
22) Nectar Pills made by Guru Rinpoche and his 25 Disciples
23) The relics of Tsurphu Buddha
24) A collection of relics from the Blessing Box of Karmapa from Tsurphu.
25) The hat pills of the 2nd Sharmapa, Khacho Wangpo
26) The meditation belt of Lord Gotsangpa
(One of the great lineage masters of the Kagyud Tradition)
27) A collection of blessing pills, both old and new.
28) Namjom Pill
29) A collection of 64 precious items presented by Sang Sang Rinpoche
30) A collection of relics from Buddha Shakyamuni and other accomplished masters
31) The relics of the 10th Sharmapa
32) Material from the hat of Yeshe Tsogyal
33) A collection of sacred pills
34) Manjushri wisdom pills
35) Vajrayogini nectar pills
36) Mani pills
37) The essence of Mani Pills
38) Special nectar pills
39) Longevity Pills
40) The essence of nectar pills
41) A collection of different Mani pills presented to Rinpoche on different occasions

Sponsorship Response

All the 1000 pieces are individually serial numbered and come with a Certificate of Authenticity bearing Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche’s signature.

As Rinpoche’s birthday falls on 12th September, it was our earnest wish that all 1000 pieces of this precious Tara Pendant would be sponsored before Rinpoche’s birthday.

As it turned out, the response to this very precious and sacred Tara Pendant has been overwhelming. No, more precisely, it has been phenomenal! All 1000 Pieces have been kindly sponsored within an incredibly short time. To us as Rinpoche’s students, this auspicious sign of having all 1000 pieces of precious Tara Pendant sponsored before Rinpoche’s birthday) represents 1000 wishes to Rinpoche’s long life and continued success in Dharma activities to benefit all sentient beings!

Rinpoche was very much heartened and touched by the overwhelmingly generous response from all even during these difficult times.

Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche would like to express his heart-felt thanks to all sponsors, benefactors and well-wishers for their kindness and generosity. May you all attain success in both spiritual and temporal matters and may all your wishes come true in accordance with the Dharma.

Karmapa Khyenno!

 

Three Interviews Regarding The Tara Pendent

Q : How well do you know Venerable Shangpa Rinpoche ?

Victor : I have never met Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche before, well at least not in this lifetime. I actually have not even seen a picture of Rinpoche before and do not even know how Rinpoche looks like! I do recall having seen his name in some Buddhist magazine and that Rinpoche is the Resident-Rinpoche at Singapore Karma Kagyud Buddhist Centre. All this is until I was directed to Rinpoche's website by Vicky of Green Tara Shop.

Q : What are your impressions of Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche? What are your feelings about Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche?

Karma Sonam : I was first introduced to Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche 8 years ago. At that time, “Tibetan Buddhism” and the term “Rinpoche” was to me an ancient, ancient practice that has not changed nor revealed over thousands and thousands of years. I knew no more about Tibetan Buddhism than I knew anything of, about Mars. To me, it was all strange, mystic and supernatural. The strange stories that I was told didn’t help, about Rinpoche's being able to read your mind and know exactly what you think and them being able to perform miracles and so on …

When I first saw Shangpa Rinpoche, I was both scared and excited. On first sight, he appeared to be stern and serious; he looked to be the kind of Rinpoche who would run his monastery with an iron fist. I also remembered him saying to me: “Humm…. You look very familiar. Have we met before?” Till this day, he hasn’t told me what he exactly meant by what he had said although others have had their own interpretations… some have said that we have met in our past lives while others say otherwise... nonetheless, my impressions of this Rinpoche has changed over the years.

Looking back, it all seems so funny, silly even. He is to me a humble and unassuming Rinpoche who has a rather good sense of humour whose constant wish is to benefit as many sentient beings in as many ways as he can. Through the projects that he has initiated and the works that he has done and is still doing, it seems almost as if he has a limitless source of energy from which he draws so that he can work tirelessly to benefit others. He has been the source of great inspiration and blessings to me at times both good and bad.

May his Dharma wishes come true and shine forth like the sun.

Q : How long do you know Ven Shangpa Rinpoche? What impresses you most about him?

Grace : I cannot recount the exact year, it was probably in 1990 or 1991 when I was invited to M.C. the 3-day 1000 Buddha Ceremony organized by Karma Kagyud Buddhist Centre Singapore at the IMM building that I first saw Ven Shangpa Rinpoche. We were briefly introduced prior to the event at the old KKBC building. Rinpoche spoke little and was quiet most of the time (in fact Rinpoche has not changed much till now), but what struck my attention was Rinpoche’s unique composure. I was, and still now, impressed with Rinpoche’s calmness and his mindfulness. Both these reveal much particularly in Rinpoche’s way of walking; every step is so mindful – an important factor of a meditator. My brother shares the same view. Seeing Rinpoche constantly reminds me to remain composed in whatever situation, be it pleasant, neutral or unpleasant. I treasure this indirect teaching.

Q : How did you first know about the Green Tara Herbal Pendants ?

Victor : Steven at the Green Tara Shop was the kind person who introduced me to the precious Green Tara herbal Pendants.

Q : What made you order 2pcs immediately and soon after that another 6pcs?

Victor : When Steven first showed me the precious Green Tara Herbal Pendant, the simple yet beautiful design of the pendant immediately caught my attention, especially the very clear image of Green Tara. When I held the pendant in my hand to examine it more closely, I realized that it was made up of herbal material of a type I had never seen before. Let me explain a bit. I have been collecting Thai Buddhist Amulets/Pendants for more than 20 years and am quite familiar with most collectable pieces as well as having a general knowledge of amulet materials and creation process of Thai Buddhist Amulets/Pendants.

Steven told me that this Pendant was made for a good cause to help Rinpoche raise funds. Immediately I decided to sponsor one piece. When I was shown the list of sacred materials that went into the creation of this precious Green Tara Pendant, I was dumbfounded. I realized that this Pendant would be of immense benefit to all sentient beings. I decided then to take 2 pieces instead. One piece for myself and my wife to enshrine and venerate, one piece to keep for a future time when it can be offered again for any cause to benefit others. I also decided to try and introduce others to this very precious Green Tara Herbal Pendant as I knew that this was a very rare opportunity for them and the benefits and blessings for them would be very great, in fact, immeasurable. Eventually, 6 more people were introduced to the Pendant.

Q : What inspired you to come up with this design for the Certificate of Authenticity for the Tara Pendant?

Karma Sonam : When I was first approached to design the Certificate of Authenticity for the Tara Pendant commissioned by Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche, I was a little apprehensive. Having been told of the amount of spiritually priceless relics that had gone into making the pendant, I was afraid that my design will not appropriately represent the pendant or that it might do the pendant injustice.

I had experimented with motifs that will visually link the viewer to the deity: The Great Mother Tara. Motifs like the Upala Flower, the lotus, the slightly outreached right leg of the Tara, the mudras that she forms and so on… when I finally got to see a sample of the pendant; it dawned on me that the pendant itself spoke for what it represented. The intricate details and delicate designs represented the vast amount of work, efforts and blessings that had gone in to make the pendant possible. In fact, the pendant was modeled after a special Thangka that is the prized possession of Rinpoche.

I would like to thank Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche for his blessings without which the design work of the pendant would not have been so smooth and successful. I would also like to thank Green Tara Pte Ltd for the opportunity for me to put in my two cents worth of efforts in serving the propagation of Buddha Dharma. I would also like to thank the people who have paid compliments to the design work and the write-up. I hope that it will continue to inspire people to practice and benefit all mother sentient beings.

May all be auspicious.

Q : Why did you order the Green Tara Herbal Pendant without even seeing it? Why did you subsequently get another piece for your friend ?

Grace : I have not really helped Ven Shangpa Rinpoche in any of his projects, what more in fulfilling his holy wishes. On the contrary, Rinpoche, together with his disciples/students had very much helped in their own way the charitable project that I was involved many years ago. I deeply appreciate that. When I was told that this year, there will be Green Tara Herbal Pendants for sponsorship to help Rinpoche, I have no second thoughts about helping, in a very small way though, and placed the order. Faith in Mother Tara and Rinpoche is what I have even without seeing the pendant.

The situation of SARs in Singapore recently had unfortunately struck my financial status as well as some of my friends that held me back in promoting the pendants for Rinpoche. I am very happy to learn that the response for sponsorship was overwhelming. Praise the Lord indeed! 3 weeks ago, the brother of a good Dharma friend met with a fairly serious road accident in Singapore and the first person I thought of was Ven Shangpa Rinpoche to do prayer immediately. Rinpoche had just got back to Singapore probably just a couple of days when I telephoned him for help. He was out on the road but told me to SMS him the details and he will do a prayer as soon as he got back to the centre. I deeply appreciate Rinpoche’s spontaneity but at the same time felt bad as I have not even visited Rinpoche to give my respect and yet I needed his help immediately. My friend’s brother was discharged from hospital one week ago and recuperating at home. I took the opportunity to suggest to my friend who without hesitation to sponsor a Green Tara Pendant so that not only we could help Rinpoche but most importantly, his brother would have an affinity with Mother Tara. I even suggested that the brother should wear the pendant for speedy recovery. This is one of the best way to repay Rinpoche.

Last but not least, I pray that may all obstacles be cleared for Ven Shangpa Rinpoche and that the Kirtipur project be completed in the quickest possible time according exactly to the holy wishes of Rinpoche.

Tashi Delek !

Email : Shangpa Rinpoche

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