The 77th Birthday of Kyabje Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche was celebrated in Antwerp, Belgium on Saturday evening. Khondung Asanga Vajra Ratna Rinpoche presided over the ceremony in the presence of Representative Tashi Phuntsok and a large gathering of the public.

As requested by the organiser of the day, Tsechen Tsokpa of Belgium, Khondung Asanga Rinpoche gave an Oral Transmission of “The Prayer Which Saved Sakya from Epidemic” composed by Mahasiddha Thangthong Gyalpo, to dispel the viral pandemic of Covid-19. Asanga Rinpoche also advised the audience to observe the necessary sanitary precautions as prescribed by the medical profession.

Asanga Rinpoche and Representative Tashi Phuntsok together cut the cake to symbolise the offering of birthday greetings to Kyabje Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche to resounding applause of the gathering. After offering first to the altar of Kyabje Gongma Trichen, the cake was then distributed to everybody participating in the joyous occasion.

Many cultural presentations followed thereafter presented by children of the Tibetan community school, individual artists and by sprightly youngsters. A sumptuous dinner and then the evening was opened for a long night of festivity.

Earlier in the morning Asanga Rinpoche had given a long-life initiation which was attended by a huge public.

In 2019 Tsechen Tsokpa, Belgium successfully organised the First European Sakya Monlam blessed by Kyabje Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche.