Dharamshala: Kalon Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok of Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration attended the enthronement ceremony and long life offering for the 2nd Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche, head of Jonang tradition in exile at Jonang Kalachakra Meditation Institute, Norbulingka today on 9 October.
The ceremony was attended by Ven Kasur Kirti Rinpoche and Ven Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile as the special guest, Lama Tsultrim Zangpo, Chairman of International Jonang Wellbeing Association, Lama Yonten Gyamtso, Director of Jonang Foundation, Tibetan Parliamentarians, Tibetan Settlement Officer, Khenpos, Abbots, Organizing Committees, Monks from various Buddhist Institutes, foreigners and general public gathered for the ceremony.
Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok made a mandala offering to Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche, a symbolic offering in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. On behalf of the Kashag, he extended congratulatory greetings to the new Jonang Gyaltsab and wished him all the success in his new responsibility as the spiritual head of the Jonang tradition.
Kalon further spoke on the rich history of Jonang tradition and the flourishing of Jetsun Taranatha and the achievements of great beings who promoted the Jonang teachings and accomplished practices in all three provinces of Tibet.
Meanwhile, he talked about the Central Tibetan Administration and the Department of Religion and Culture’s concrete efforts in exile to preserve the teachings of Buddha and the cultural-religious heritage of Tibet.
He concluded by expressing profound gratitude to the 2nd Jonang Gyaltsab Ngawang Choekyi Nangpa for his benevolent activities and contribution towards Tibetan Buddhism in general.
Lama Tsultrim Zangpo, Chairman of International Jonang Wellbeing Association and Lama Yonten Gyamtso, Director of Jonang Foundation gave introductions to the ceremony in both Tibetan and English.
Ven Kirti Rinpoche offered heartfelt greetings to the new Jonang head and expounded on the significance of today’s enthronement ceremony in the Jonang tradition.
He also expressed profound gratitude and offered prayers and well wishes to the Jonang Gyaltsab.
A host of eminent rinpoches offered their remarks on the enthronement ceremony and collectively expressed best wishes to the 2nd Jonang Gyaltsab Ngawang Choekyi Nangpa.
A culture extravaganza showcased by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) and Minnang Dze-la.
Khenzur Kunga Tsamchung, Advisor of the enthronement organizing committee gave the vote of thanks.