Dharamshala: An important milestone for Tibetans was crossed on April 27th, 2010, as it marked the 100th death anniversary of Khyentse Rinpoche, one of the most respected religious leaders of Nyingma Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
All of the senior officials from the 3 pillars of the Tibetan democratic government including the Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in Exile Samdhong Rinpoche, Mr. Penpa tsering and Mrs. Dolma Gyari, Chairman and Vice Chairwoman of the exiled Tibetan Parliament respectively, were all present to mark this fundamental occasion. This gathering in Dharamshala, India, was one of three ceremonies with two others that are to happen in Nepal - where Khyentse Rinpoche is based - and Bhutan.
At the ceremonial gathering, the current reincarnation of Khyentse Rinpoche sat and listened as Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche gave a speech accounting the contributions to Buddhism, philosophy, and founding of various Buddhist organizations of the previous reincarnations, while giving hope that the current one will continue the good deeds of Khyentse Rinpoche and wishing him the best of luck.
Since Khyentse Rinpoche acted as head of the Nyingma school of Tibet at Buddhism from 1987 to 1991, it was a paramount gesture for Mr. Sonam Tenphel - Member of Tibetan Parliament representing the Nyingma sect - also to explain that the current reincarnation of the young Khyentse Rinpoche has much to learn. Not only will Khyentse Rinpoche - who is currently approximately 18 years old - be meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama for advice, he will also begin to travel to learn about different perspectives all over the world and become familiar with the international work of the previous Khyentse Rinpoche. Ven. Sonam Tenphel also expressed desire and hope for the current Khyentse Rinpoche to be able to visit Tibet.
A ceremony held at the central Tibetan administration on the 27th April 2010, During the gathering, a 45 min. documentary was presented on Khyentse Rinpoche's life.
