From October 9 to 12, Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China, and president of the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China, conducted a four-day Kalachakra Empowerment Ceremony at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze, Xizang. Representatives of Living Buddhas and senior monks from various Tibetan Buddhist sects, as well as monastic and lay devotees, attended the ceremony.

Panchen Rinpoche is delivering a sermon during the ceremony. Photo: Xizang Daily

Panchen Rinpoche is delivering a sermon during the ceremony. Photo: Xizang Daily

The Kalachakra Empowerment Ceremony is the most significant tantric initiation ritual in Tibetan Buddhism. During the four days, a series of rituals were performed in order. Before the ceremony, Panchen Rinpoche, in strict accordance with Buddhist ritual procedures, conducted a series of buddhist activities.

This year, 61-year-old Tseten Wangchug, a resident of the Zhaxijicai Community in Sangzhuzi District, Xigaze, had the privilege of once again attending the Kalachakra Empowerment Ceremony conducted by Panchen Rinpoche. Having previously participated in this ceremony in 2016, he was profoundly moved to experience it anew this year. He expressed, “It is both a great honor and joy for me to have attended the Kalachakra Empowerment Ceremony conducted by Panchen Rinpoche on two occasions. Listening to his teachings and receiving his empowerment has filled me with happiness and gratitude. ”

Yonten Gonpo, a Khenpo and scripture teacher, from the Sakya Monastery Branch of the Xizang Buddhist College, said that, “The Kalachakra Empowerment Ceremony was truly magnificent and comprehensive. Panchen Rinpoche’s profound yet accessible explanations of the Dharma brought us great clarity, while his precise empowerment guided us to profound enlightenment.”

The source of the text and photo: Xizang Daily