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On May 1st, on the occasion of His Eminence Khöndung Asanga Vajra Rinpoche’s 20th birthday according to the western calendar, a grand celebration was held at the Sakya College for Nuns in Manduwalla, near Dehradun, India.

Per the request of the students of Sapan College of Five Sciences and the Sakya College for Nuns, Rinpoche bestowed the Amitayus and Hayagriva combination long life initiation in the morning followed by mandala offerings for Rinpoche’s long life.

Mandala offerings were made by His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche, H.E Khangsar Shabdrung Rinpoche, H.E. Luding Shabdrung Rinpoche and Her Eminence Gyayum Kaldan la, Sakya Chithue Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen la as well as representatives of H.E. Dagmo Sonam la.

The Sakya Center was represented by the Director, Sonam Choegyal la. The Ngor Magon Monastery was represented by Gen Ngawang Tenpa la and the Khenpo of the Sakya Nunnery as well as representatives of Thartse Ladrang were among the many dignitaries who came to wish Rinpoche on his birthday. Also attending the auspicious celebrations were Rinpoche’s own tutors Venerable Khenchen Sonam Gyatso Rinpoche, Venerable Khentrul Khorchak Tulku and Ven. Geshe Tsering Phuntsok.

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To mark this auspicious occasion, an elaborate lunch was hosted for all the attending dignitaries as well as all the students of Sapan College of Five Sciences and the nuns of Sakya College for Nuns.

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In the evening, to conclude the joyous day, Rinpoche and students of Sapan College of Five Sciences and the nuns of Sakya College for Nuns planted beautiful flowers and plants in the courtyard of Rinpoche’s residence near the college to enhance the environment.

By the blessings of the three jewels and the blessings of Rinpoche’s root gurus, the birthday celebration was a beautiful event and we thank all those who attended and who contributed towards making this a successful and joyous occasion.