Sikkim Review
Gangtok March 15:
The forty-ninth day religious memorial service, also known as Kutse Shegu, of His Holiness Kyabje Dodrupchen Rimpoche who attained Maha Parinirvana on 25th January 2022 was held at the Phuntshok Ngayap Parli Meditation Retreat Centre at Lugshama in Hanuman Tok, today.
The religious memorial service was attended by the Governor of the State Ganga Prasad, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang along with his spouse Krishna Rai followed by Cabinet Ministers,Head of Depatments, and other officials of the State.
The Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has declared 15th March as a State holiday to commemorate one of the most influential Buddhist Nyingma Dharma icon Kyabje Dodrupchen Rimpoche who nearly spent 65years in Sikkim as an enlightened Buddhist guest.
Equal representation of wise and learned monks from different Monastries from Sikkim including Enchey Gumpa, Labrang Gonpa, Phensang Gonpa, Tashiding Gonpa, Simik Gonpa, Phudong Gonpa, Pemayangtse and Phangthang Sheda have actively participated in the puja ceremony held at Lukshyama, till today.
Under the esteemed direction of Khentse Tulku Nyamo, members of female monastic community from Ravangla, Gyalshing, Pemayangtse have contributed their devotional prayers.
Similarly, Dujom Krodikali Association from Tathangchen, Gyangkhang Rinpoche Khenchen Namdol along with monks from Mussoorie, Namdoling Monastery and All Tamang Lama Sangh have offered their spiritual prayers.
Gonjang Rinpoche, Lachung Rimpoche along with Tulku Pema Kundrol from Enchey Gonpa have shared their service and offered their prayers with the representation of the learned monks from Enchey Gonpa, Mendroling Gonpa and from Chorten in Deorali.
Many Rimpoche from different parts of the State were present as well.
Hundreds of devotees and disciples from the state and different parts of the nation including many from outside the country like Nepal and Bhutan travelled to Lugshama where the Kudung was kept for Darshan with the solemn and dignified surrounding after His Holiness Kyabje Dodrupchen Rimpoche attained Maha Parnivarna.
Buddhists commonly believe that life and death are part of a cycle known as samsara, in which one’s actions in life and all previous incarnations of life lead to further reincarnation.
Earlier in the day Tukuk Dazer and monks from Mindrolling Monastery performed the auspicious Gharcham. (Mask Dance).
The 49th day religious ceremonial of His Holiness Kyabje Dodrupchen Rinpoche concluded with the active participation of the Minister Sonam Lama, Secretary Dr. Passang, Officials and staff of the Ecclesiastical Department.
Further, it is to be noted that the Kudung will be kept at Lugshama so that all devotees can still have the opportunity to visit and pay their respect in the coming days.