18th Butterlamp Retreat Report

After a long silence we come back to you to confirm with joy that 111.111 Butterlamps were successfully offered at our Khordong Byangter Gompa, this year once again thanks to your unconditional support.

The retreat went on in a steady way while we had the pleasure to have the visit of several dharma brothers and sisters during the process. Before to go to Yuksom we had the chance to view videos of Rinpoche. One was on the butterlamp retreat in Sarnath and some of our participants could see themselves there which gave us the occasion of a good laugh. It was really great for all of us and especially for our monks who could see Rinpoche practicing the Big Rigdzin with his disciples. It brought meaning and confidence to them and much joy and some nostalgy to some of us...Eh Lama Khyenno!!!

The offering of lamps in Yuksom was of course the pic of our time. We reached there quite late in the evening and had to start everything in order to get ready for the first offerings in the morning. The people of Yuksom who were receiving us at Norbugang Chorten did not expect that we will stay up till late for the first 1000 lamps to be ready and for the small “mani lakhang” to be set with electricity and other necessities required. From the first day while the pujahs were going on local people helped us to keep up the pace of cleaning and filling the lamps.

On the second day we had the chance to be received by H.H Yangthang Rinpoche for a personal audience during which he kindly granted us a Tsewang “long life”. We could introduce him our endeavour and motivation, we could ask him questions and pieces of advises in a very open manner. Rinpoche gave recommendations to our young lamas as for us he advised to keep our Rinpoche close to our heart, to continue the practices we have received and to be patient and faithfull.

Rinpoche also expressed his wish to come and visit our Gompa on his next trip down to the plain. Yangthang Rinpoche knew well our Rinpoche and has close ties with Khordong Gompa in Kham.

On the last day, to honour the request of the people of Yuksom, Tulku Ugen accepted to give a public Tsewang just after the Big Rigdzin Pujah during which we had offered a huge tsok. The mani Lakhang got fully packed and people were contented.
During the afternoon we had the time to visit the holy lake and the various Lakhangs and Gompas of Yuksom. During this tour we had the chance to meet with Gomchen lama who was taking the sun in front of a shop..

In the evening the people of Yuksom had prepare for us a joyful program of traditional dances and songs which we all enjoyed. Our coming to Yuksom was particularly important due to the fact that our Lopon Choewang and 9 of our young lamas come from Yuksom and its surroundings. It was very good to meet with the families and their life.

It was then time to go back to offer the last 3000 lamps and close the ceremony while our lamas stayed up for two weeks holidays.

We celebrated the end and the success of this 18th Butterlamp retreat with a very nice super tasty and happy dinner invited by Tulku Ugen and Shashi in their home.

For photos, please go to the website www.khordong-india.org

E.mail: Gompa : thechhimedrigdzinsociety (at) yahoo (dot) com on 8th of April 2009