The Boulder Shambhala Center is delighted to host the commemoration of the Vidyadhara Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s empowerment of Ösel Tendzin as Vajra Regent, and a celebration of the Buddhist and Shambhala teachings he worked to propagate.

No fee or registration required. However, to help us plan for seating and the reception on Thursday, please send an email to [email protected] if you are thinking of attending all or part of the day.

DATE: Thursday, August 22, 2024  
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m: Morning session (Hybrid)
Welcome by Lady Lila Rich, opening liturgies, lhasang, and video teaching by Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin.

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m: Afternoon session (Hybrid)
Address by Lady Lila Rich, Sadhana of Mahamudra, audio/video presentation of the
Empowerment ceremony of Vajra Regent Ösel Tendzin from August 22, 1976, readings, toasts, closing liturgies.

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m: Reception (in person only)
At the Boulder Shambhala Center community room.

ABOUT THE VAJRA REGENT:
In 1976, the Vidyadhara formally empowered Thomas Rich, Ösel Tendzin, as his Dorje Gyaltsap (Tibetan for Vajra Regent), designating him as his dharma heir and holder of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Subsequently, the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa confirmed the empowerment of Ösel Tendzin as a lineage holder. 

The Vajra Regent was tireless in his joyful dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of his teacher and their shared lineage.

In the words of Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche:
“The teachings given by Trungpa Rinpoche became American through their presentation by the Vajra Regent. They have the full profundity of the original instructions, but they are enriched by the Vajra Regent’s experience of practicing them in the unique context of present- day America. It is of the utmost importance that the teachings that come from the wisdom and experience of an American lineage holder not be lost.”

For more information about the life and teachings of the Vajra Regent, please visit the Vajra Regent Library & Archives.