Cottage Grove – Many Americans have never seen anything like this and many American followers of Buddhism can’t remember a ceremony of this kind, being held in the United States. But it was held Wednesday in Cottage Grove, about 25 miles south of Eugene.
Tulku Tenzin Gyurmev was recognized as being the reincarnation of a great Buddhist teacher, Vidhyadhara Jigme Yeshe Dhargey Rinpoche. Tenzin completed years of study and training and feels confident he can bring the teachings of Buddhism to America.
His philosophy is simple. “I think the purpose of life is to be happy. But, how you say, but happiness comes from taking on the needs of others.” says Tenzin. “So we are celebrating here and witnessing so that the legacy can continue.”
Alan Stein has been taking lessons from Tenzin for several years and says, it’s helped him deal with his life. “I think it’s so important to be here, because Buddhism is moving to America. The precious thing is we get to have the teachings of the Buddha, the Buddhist teachings, under a very high lama which allows us to learn compassion, to be more respectful.”
Matthew McLane of Eugene calls the ceremony, a big event for Buddhists, everywhere. “This is an official recognition by the Government of Tibet, in exile, and two high lamas from Australia and Nepal that are here visiting, will be confirming this title of Tulku-Gyurney today and it’s a very auspicious occasion in the Buddhist World.”
The colorful ceremony included an elaborate set, where the two visiting lamas (Lama Choedak Rinpoche of Australia and Lama Dawa Choedak Rinpoche of Tibet) and Tenzin sat in front of the room, facing those gathered for the event, playing drums, ringing bells, the chanting of prayers, and waving insense.
