Dharamshala: A long-life prayer was offered to Sakya Gongma Trichen on 3rd October 2024 at Rajpur Sakya Centre. The long-life prayer offering was graced by the 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche along with members of both Khön lineages and their entourages; abbots, lamas, and monks.

The event also had the gracious presence of Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Justice Commissioner Tenzin Lungtok, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Standing Committee members and other members of parliament, Chairman of the Public Service Commission Karma Yeshi, Secretary of the Gaden Phodrang Office Lobsang Jinpa, Gyalyum Chenmo and Dagmos, former Kalons (ministers) and former members of parliament, former Deputy Speaker, former members of parliament, Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, as well as the President of the Indian Minorities Commission Rinchen Lhamo and former Indian Member of Parliament Jambyang Tsering Namgyal.

Additionally, representatives from various monasteries and organizations, other VIP guests, and over a thousand lay and monastic members of the public were present.

At 2:00 PM, a ceremony for the 80th birth day celebration of Sakya Gongma Trichen was held. The ceremony was held with the Chief Guest Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj (Minister of Public Works, Culture, and Tourism of Uttarakhand), Special Guest Speaker of Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Special Guest Sikyong Penpa Tsering.

Addressing the event, the Speaker extended his heartfelt greetings on the auspicious 80th birth anniversary of Sakya Gongma Trichen. He highlighted the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet during the reign of King Lha-Thothori Nyentsen, its further development under King Songtsen Gampo, and the collaborative efforts of the trio – Khen-Lob-Choe Sum – during King Trisong Detsen. This period led to the establishment of Samye Tsuklagkhang and the widespread dissemination of Buddhism, including the translation of numerous Buddha’s teachings and commentaries into Tibetan by renowned panditas and translators.

“Although Buddhism in Tibet has suffered great setbacks during various periods of change, due to the compassion of the Buddha, the merit of sentient beings, and the greatness of Buddhism itself, the Buddha’s teachings have spread throughout the world for over a thousand years due to the wonderful deeds of the trio: Khen Lob Choe Sum, ” added the Speaker and spoke about the glorious Sakya tradition, their lineage unparalleled in its special connection to the trio: Khen Lob Choe Sum. This includes Khön Pawo Che, who became an inner minister of King Trisong Detsen and Khön Luwang Sung, one of the first seven monks ordained by Shantarakshita, and Khön Dorje Rinchen, a direct disciple of Guru Padmasambhava.

The Speaker further spoke about the Sakya tradition’s reunification of the three provinces of Tibet which remained fragmented for over 400 years, expanding Tibet’s influence and bringing prosperity to its people, also leading to the development of a patron-priest relationship between Tibet and Mongolia.

Extending a warm birthday greeting to Sakya Gongma Trichen, the Speaker shared a brief biography of Sakya Gobgma Trichen and his comprehensive knowledge of both common and uncommon fields of study, particularly the Sakya lineage’s path and fruit (Lamdre) teachings in both their exoteric and esoteric forms, along with all empowerments, transmissions, and instructions. Further appreciating establishment of monasteries and learning centers to preserve the complete system and traditions of the Sakya lineage, the Speaker praised the glorious Sakya tradition’s flourishment and spreading, bringing great benefit not only to our society but also to sentient beings across many continents.

Speaking on Sakya Gongma Trichen’s decision to adapt the succession system for future Sakya throne holders among the Khon lineage descendants, the Speaker highlighted His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s profound appreciation for this change when it was reported to him. The Speaker also acknowledged Sakya Gongma Trichen and his Khon lineage descendants for their unwavering support of His Holiness’s noble activities during this critical time for Tibet and its people. Gratitude was extended not only for their efforts in fostering harmony and unity among the various Tibetan Buddhist traditions, but also for their guidance on the importance of solidarity among Tibetans from all three provinces, as well as their commitment to preserving Tibet’s religion, culture, and language. The Speaker on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile expressed deepest gratitude to Sakya Gongma Trichen for the immeasurable kindness on all beings in general, the Sakya tradition in particular, and on all Tibetan people.

The Speaker prayed for a long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and prayed for a long life of Sakya Gongma Trichen, and swift reunion of Tibetans inside and outside Tibet.