A New Cycle of the Three-Year Retreat Begins
Gate-closing for the three-year retreat – September 1, 2024
Nancy Huszagh Druppon (Retreat Master) greeted Dungse Lama Pema from Thrangu Monastery in Vancouver. This was the beginning of many days of abhisheka ceremonies, or initiations, for all the different practices the retreatants will do over their years at Sopa Chöling. Lama Pema was accompanied by two other monks, Acharya Sangpo Tsering (Thrangu Monastery) and Lama Nyima Dorje Sherpa from Toronto Thrangu Centre.
Over seventeen days in August, Dungse Lama Pema, along with Acharya Sangpo Tsering and Lama Nyima, offered empowerments and training for the retreatants. The retreatants received many days of training on torma making and the musical instruments they will use in their practice.
There were so many auspicious moments over the seventeen days that the Lamas were with us. This rainbow appeared just after the Jinasagara abhisheka.
Many of the retreatants elected to take Upasaka Brahmacharya (temporary) ordination for the duration of the retreat.
Gate-closing day included a lhasang, a traditional fire offering for purification. The column of smoke rises making way for the blessings to descend.
Circumambulating the retreat building.
How about those great hats sent from Nepal by Dungse Lama Pema!
The actual ceremony to close the gate happened just outside the gate. Then, the group proceeded through the gate and down the stairs. The gate was closed to protect the retreatants, who will stay within this boundary for the duration of the retreat.
Gampo Abbey three-year retreat exists only because of generous donations. Retreat fees cover only a portion of the expense. Many retreatants require scholarship support.
