Known as “the Guru of the Gurus” His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche is one of the only living and most revered teachers of the Dalai Lama. Amidst great uncertainty due to his ripe age, His Eminence arrived in Australia with an entourage of six monks at the invitation of His heart-son ‘Lama Choedak Rinpoche’ who has founded twenty Tibetan Buddhist centres, one in each year since 1986. The newest centre is Tsarchen Choeling also known as ‘Sakya International Buddhist Academy’. It is also the largest and situated in the remote but tranquil and beautiful mountains of East Gippsland. It is situated on a 108 acre property which was formerly a well known health retreat centre known as ‘Ontos’. His Eminence gave the centre the traditional name ‘Tsarchen Choeling’ as he consecrated it on full moon of the 7th of September, 2006, which is the 440th anniversary of Tsarchen Losal Gyatso. The centre will also be called ‘Sakya International Buddhist Academy’ and ‘SIBA’ for short. This is because it will be dedicated as a learning centre of Buddhist teachings and practices of all traditions and schools of Buddhism. His Eminence officially consecrated and opened the centre and gave a long life empowerment to a three hundred strong members of the centre who have come from all over Australia. His Eminence also ordained seven Australians as Buddhist monks and nuns only two days after the opening of the centre. Among many guests who travelled to attend the important was also Mr. Tenzin P. Atisha, the representative of HH the Dalai Lama and leaders of Tibetan Buddhist community organisations from Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
The opening ceremony started with the celebration of His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche’s 88th birthday. The chief chef Ian Raymond made a huge birthday cake. Members sang the happy birthday song inside the dome shaped spacious dining hall of the centre. This was then followed by the cutting of the red ribbon to the main temple while reciting the famous prayer for the happiness of all living beings by Ngorchen Kunga Sangpo. The main shrine hall is filled with ten beautiful gilded gold images imported from Nepal as well as a complete set of Tibetan Buddhist Kagyur and Lamdre Lobshe and Tsogshe texts. Ani Kunsang, the president of Sakya Losal Choe Dzong welcomed everyone on behalf of all the centres. A traditional welcome was offered by Blue Gum, an aboriginal elder and an eulogy to the Triple Gem was read by four Australian monks and nuns. This followed some short speeches, cultural program and Amitayus empowerment. There was a mixture of drizzle and sunshine throughout the day which was considered very auspicious by all concerned.
All who came from far to this occasion were deeply moved to see such a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple in country Victoria. Devotees travelled from England as well as Hong Kong to be in the presence of His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche. With the benefit of such a blessed time, SIBA has now opened its doors for a three month retreat during which lessons on Tibetan language, Thanka painting, Buddhist teachings and practices will be offered. His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche is one of the main teachers who will be giving teachings the first five chapter of the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Shantideva. He will also bestow Hevajra cause empowerment, Vajrapani empowerment and will also beswto Bodhisattva Vows. Lama Choedak Rinpoche will also be teaching on Mahayanasutralankara based on Rongton’s famous commentary. This centre will also host annual interfaith gatherings inviting members of all great faiths of the world.
For more information visit www.sakya.com.au
