The European Sakya Monlam Committee held the fourth European Sakya Monlam for Universal Peace and Happiness in Brussels from 5 July to 7 July 2024.
The 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, the 26th Chogye Tripa Rinpoche, and Kyabje Khangsar Shabdrung Rinpoche attended the fourth European Sakya Monlam for Universal Peace and Happiness in Brussels.
Upon the arrival of the 43rd Sakya Trizin, Gyana Vajra Rinpoche, in Brussels from Paris, the Office of Tibet Brussels’s Secretary Thinley Wangdue and President of Belgium’s Tsechen Association warmly received him.
Following the three-day Monlam Sakya Monlam for Universal Peace and Happiness, the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche delivered a sermon at the beginning of the Monlam. This was followed by the teachings of the 26th Chogye Tripa Rinpoche and Kyabje Khangsar Shabdrung Rinpoche on the importance of generating Bodhicitta and the practice of the three stages: preliminary, main, and concluding practices of Dharma.
On 6 July, the Monlam coincided with the 90th birthday anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the upcoming 80th birthday anniversary of Sakya Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar. Consequently, both birthdays were celebrated auspiciously at the same time.
During the celebration of the birthday anniversaries, 43rd Sakya Trizin, 26th Chogye Tripa Rinpoche, Kyabje Khangsar Shabdrung Rinpoche and the monks attended this auspicious occasion. Also among the attendees was Rigzin Choedon Geykhang, a representative for the Office of Tibet, Brussels, accompanied by the President of the European Tibetan Buddhist Association and the community people.
The festivity ensued with the offering of Mandalas and a Long-life offering led by 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche to commemorate His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 89th Birthday and to honour Gongma Trichen Rinpoche in anticipation of his forthcoming 80th Birthday. The event, graced by prominent guests, featured a ceremonious cake-cutting session. Furthermore, various community groups participated by presenting culturally significant performances, contributing to the momentous celebration.
On 7 July, the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche presided over a longevity ritual ceremony (Tse-wang) and delivered a sermon to the local community. Following the ceremony’s completion, Rinpoche departed for Switzerland via Brussels Airport. Representative Rigzin Choedon Geykhang and the President of Belgium’s Tsechen Association escorted Rinpoche to the airport.
The Office of Tibet Brussels, led by Secretary Thinley Wangdue and two office staff members, organised a program to register new Green Book members and correct existing ones. The event took place on 5 and 6 July, which saw a significant turnout of resident Tibetans and the birthday celebration events and European Sakya Monlam.
