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His Holiness Penor Rinpoche unable to attend empowerment; Kalapa Festival will take place as planned with special Yeshe Tsogyal empowerment in celebration of the Mother Lineage

Aug 10, 2007

His Holiness Penor Rinpoche was recently hospitalized in New York State for several days for complications related to diabetes. His Holiness has told the Sakyong and Khandro Tseyang that he is not well enough at present to travel to the planned Sakyong Wangmo Empowerment. After extensive consultation over the past 24 hours, it has been agreed that the ceremony should be conducted at a time when His Holiness has regained his health and when Lady Diana Mukpo can be installed on the same occasion as the Druk Sakyong Wangmo.

The Kalapa Festival will continue as planned in Halifax. The Sakyong has asked His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche to perform a Yeshe Tsogyal empowerment at the festival to celebrate the feminine principle and lineage. He would like all Shambhala centres that are planning events to honour the Mother lineage to continue to do that.

Please see the messages that follow to the Shambhala Community from the Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, and Khandro Tseyang. These are followed by a long life prayer for His Holiness Penor Rinpoche.

The Kalapa Festival will be one day shorter, ending on the evening of Friday 17 August. The Gesar practice written by the Vidyadhara at the request of His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rinpoche during their escape from Tibet will be offered to festival participants, as well as teachings on Gesar and the Royal Lineage of Shambhala from His Eminence and the Sakyong. The Yeshe Tsogyal empowerment to celebrate the feminine principle and lineage will be held on the day previously scheduled for the empowerment, Wednesday 15 August.

The revised festival schedule can be viewed at http://www.shambhala.org/documents/Kalapa_Festival_schedule081007.pdf
CLICK HERE If you have questions regarding the event, please email or phone (902) 420-1118 x 10.

Message to the Shambhala Community from the Sakyong:

"I feel that waiting until next year for the Sakyong Wangmo Enthronement seems the best thing to do, in light of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche's serious health issues, and the fact that Lady Diana was unable to attend due to her illness.

"His Holiness has reiterated to me the importance of this event, and that he is willing to preside over the Enthronement next year. This will also allow Lady Diana to recuperate, since we're very happy that her prognosis is looking very good for complete recovery.

"I feel this will allow Khandro Tseyang to get to know our community even better and give her more time to come into her role as Sakyong Wangmo. It will also allow for more extensive preparations for the event, especially since this year was short notice for everyone.

"It is important to continue with this year's Gesar Festival and teachings. I'm very delighted that His Eminence Terton Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche is able to give extensive teachings on Gesar. I have asked His Eminence to perform a Yeshe Tsogyal empowerment, which would celebrate the feminine principle and lineage.

"We are all hoping for His Holiness' recovery, since his presence is integral not only to our community, but to many around the world. During these Gesar teachings, we will do a long life ceremony for His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. I ask you to do a supplication for his long life and for his continued Buddha activity."

Message from Khandro Tseyang:

"We shouldn't be disappointed. Since we are all practitioners, we should adapt to changes. For us at this point, the most important thing is His Holiness' health. His good health and longevity are important to many sentient beings around the world. We must all pray for his speedy recovery and long life.

"I know that the Sakyong Wangmo ceremony is important to many of you, as it is for me, and I want this occasion to happen in the best possible circumstances. I am looking forward to seeing all of you who are coming this year for my father's teachings, and I am very happy that the two lineages can share the teachings of Gesar.

"This will also give me time to get to know you more, and for those whom I have not met, I look forward to meeting and knowing you."

Supplication for the Long Life of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche

OM SWATI
Originally, the all-pervasive vajra mind, encompassing samsara and nirvana,
Son of the Buddhas, samaya upholder, the display of primordial wisdom's play,
Known as Pema Norbu, the powerful holder of accomplishments,
Please remain firm, protector of unequaled kindness!
In the long tradition of enlightened ones, within the great secret school of Nyingmapa,
You are the Chakravartin ruler of the ocean of sutras and tantras, both academic and applicable.
Assembler of the seven-branch wealth of the aryas,
Please remain firm, like a fearless snow lion throne.
Immortal life, unchanging and firm,
Indestructible, free from calamity, is the Original Buddha.
Please remain as the nature of the Dharmakaya Primordial Buddha.
Through my fully endowed fervent devotion, and
The truth of the Three Jewels and the Three Roots,
May all aspirations be wish fulfillingly accomplished.
and may the glory of good fortune prevail throughout the Three Realms!


(This announcement was from the Shambhala News Service)