We are happy to report the visit of Khenpo Gyurme to our Center over the holidays.   Khenpo was taking a break from his duties as Abbot of Rinpoche’s Tergar Osel Ling Monastery and visited the Center for eleven days before heading to Tergar Centers in Phoenix and Madison.

Khenpo’s arrival was a busy time at the Center with greetings from members and holiday shopping and even help with donations to the local Milpitas Food Pantry.  Members gathered on Saturday, December 20, for a full day workshop to learn and work with Khenpo in preparing Buddhist statues for consecration.  Many mantras were printed and rolled into miniature scrolls and placed inside the statues along with precious stones and incense.  The bottom covers were then sealed to complete the statue preparations.

On Sunday, December 21, a special Holiday Gathering was held at the Center to celebrate Khenpo Gyurme’s return and to receive his teachings and blessings.   The activities began with an Amitabha Birthday celebration with Sutra chanting and food offerings, followed by Khenpo blessing the completed Statues and Thankas.  The members then gathered to make offerings to Khenpo in appreciation for his help and guidance.   Afterwards, a vegetarian potluck lunch was served to everyone.  In the afternoon, Khenpo gave a talk on meditation practice and followed up with a special video presentation on the Tergar Osel Ling Monastery and the upcoming Grand Opening Celebration in June.

On Christmas day, a holiday luncheon was held for Khenpo at the Mayflower restaurant in Milpitas.  The following day, Khenpo and 10 members traveled up to Pal Karma Dorje Dzingpa Ling for a weekend retreat.  The event included a workshop to prepare for upcoming retreats, with Khenpo providing valuable advice and suggestions.  Khenpo also offered prayers at the Dorje Palmo Memorial Columbarium where Dorje Palmo is interred. Upon return from the Retreat Land, Khenpo departed for Phoenix to continue his month-long journey.  We are extremely grateful for Khenpo Gyurme visiting the Yongey Buddhist Center and for his special guidance and teachings.