Dharamshala: Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, attended and addressed the inaugural ceremony of the Mindrolling Zang-Dok-Palri Temple in Tumlong, North Sikkim, on November 11, 2024.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of several esteemed Rinpoches, including Kyabje Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Penam Rinpoche, as well as dignitaries such as Shri Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, the Chief Minister of Sikkim; Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel; Sikyong Penpa Tsering; Security Kalon (Minister) Gyari Dolma; Khenpo Jamphel Tenzin, MP; and Sonam Lama, the Minister of the Ecclesiastical Department of the Government of Sikkim. A special ritual dance called the Minling Tse-Chu Chemo Cham was performed during the auspicious ceremony.

In his address, the Speaker extended his greetings and highlighted the auspiciousness of the establishment of Mindrolling Zang-Dok-Palri, emphasizing five key aspects of excellence: the teacher, the place, the teaching, the time, and the retinue.

The temple, located in Sikkim—also known as Beyul, a hidden land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava—was founded in the presence of the great masters who carry the wisdom of Guru Padmasambhava. It featured the excellent teachings of Guru Tsen-gye’s Garcham, which emerged from the vision of Terton Guru Choewang. This sacred place is also marked by the auspicious timing of Tse-chu and the presence of an exceptional retinue, composed of followers of Guru Padmasambhava in Sikkim.

The Speaker attributed this remarkable achievement to Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to both the Rinpoche and the generous benefactors whose contributions were instrumental in the establishment of the temple. He described the temple as a source of merit and benefit for all Buddhists.

In his remarks on the spread of Buddhism in Sikkim, the Speaker emphasized that Sikkim was blessed by Guru Padmasambhava during his journey to Tibet in the 8th century, which led to the flourishing of Buddhism in the region. He noted that Sikkim is considered one of the Beyul, or hidden lands, blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.

Continuing, the Speaker reflected on the aftermath of the Chinese occupation of Tibet. He recalled how His Holiness the Dalai Lama led over 80,000 Tibetans into exile in India, with thousands settling in Sikkim. He highlighted the deep connection between the people of Tibet and Sikkim, forged through shared religion and culture, and expressed his sincere gratitude to the government and people of Sikkim for their unwavering support of the Tibetan refugees residing in the state.

The speaker concluded his address praying for a long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, Kyabje Khochhen Rinpoche, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Penam Rinpoche, and other great masters with swift fulfilment of their noble aspirations. He also prayed for swift resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict.