Empowerment of the sacred and Historic Zhithro Dampa Rigya Kawang in Perth by His Holiness Gangteng Truelku Rinpoche.
Thousands of people in Perth have just experienced a momentous spiritual
occasion when they had the great fortune to receive from His Holiness Gangteng
Truelku Rinpoche—considered the greatest empowerment of 100 peaceful and
wrathful deities—the first-ever Zhithro Dampa Rigya Kawang. It has been termed
a momentous moment for the Bhutanese community in Australia and around the
world.
The ceremony commenced with the Padling Zhithro ritual, led by His Holiness
Gangteng Truelku Rinpoche, one of the most revered figures of the Bhutanese
Buddhist. This deep and extensive Padling Zhithro ceremony forms an important
part of the empowerment, wherein one invokes the blessings from 100 deities in
both their peaceful and wrathful forms. The significance of these deities is
fundamental in the Buddhist practice of the Zhithro, representing varied
aspects of enlightened mind and the path to liberation.
His Holiness Gangteng Truelku Rinpoche is the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, a
saint and tertön greatly revered in the Nyingma tradition. He did much in the
preservation and spread of Dzogchen teachings. His presence in Perth and the
transmission of this empowerment have been viewed by Bhutanese living abroad,
as well as other participants to these events, as a very rare and special
opportunity to deepen their bond with their spiritual heritage.
It was far from just a religious event, rather more of a function of culture in
bringing together the Bhutanese living in Perth, which has increased quite
substantially over the past years. This gave an avenue for communal bonding and
spiritual growth with meaningful ways of cultural exchange. Participants felt
very grateful and privileged to be part of this most historic event.
This empowerment, arranged through the efforts of Mahasandhi Centre in Perth
with support of Bhutanese Community in Perth.
This empowerment is not only extremely rare; it also holds some deep spiritual
meanings. It is believed to purify negative karma, bestow blessings from the
particular Buddha aspects and energies of the deities involved, and aid on the
path towards enlightenment. Zhithro Dampa Rigya Kawang is an elaborate practice
dealing with intricate visualizations, mantras, and rituals that seal all the
participants with the enlightened energy of the deities.
It has created a wave of spiritual excitement and some renewal among the
membership of the Bhutanese community here in Perth and beyond.
Further updates on upcoming events and teachings by His Holiness Gangteng
Truelku Rinpoche, as well as activities by the Bhutanese community in
Australia, can check our event and Facebook page.
