Thousands of devotees have gathered at Gangteng Shedra in Wangdue Phodrang for the sacred Grand Oral Transmission and Empowerments of Terton Pema Lingpa’s Dharma Cycle. For many, it is a rare opportunity to receive these sacred teachings and blessings, as a ceremony of this scale has not been held at Gangteng for almost two decades. The month-long ceremony began today.
More than 7,000 devotees, including Truelkus, Lams, Khenpos, monks, and nuns from across the country, are attending the Pedling Choekhor Empowerments and Oral Transmission ceremony.
Presided over by 9th Gangteng Truelku, the ceremony aims to preserve and strengthen the teachings of Terton Pema Lingpa and pass the sacred lineage on to future generations.
Disciples and devotees from outside Bhutan have also travelled to Gangteng to attend the rare ceremony.
“As per the repeated request of his disciples and sponsors, Gangteng Truelku agreed to conduct this ceremony primarily to preserve and promote Buddhism, particularly the sacred treasure teachings of Terton Pema Lingpa. It is also being conducted to pray for the successful development of Gelephu Mindfulness City, a vision of His Majesty The King, as well as for peace and harmony in the country,” said Khenchhen Jigme Wangchuk, Chairperson, Pedling Choekhor Empowerments, Gangteng, Wangdue Phodrang.
For many devotees, the ceremony is an opportunity they have waited for years.
“To the best of my knowledge, even my parents did not have the opportunity to receive Pedling Choekhor empowerments. So, I was extremely delighted when I heard about this sacred religious ceremony and had been eagerly waiting for it. Today, I feel truly blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the ceremony here. I am also deeply satisfied and grateful to be able to receive these sacred empowerments,” said Adhap Chhador, a devotee.
“I came all the way from Samtse, and it took me two days to reach here. Since many revered religious masters have gathered for this sacred ceremony, I plan to attend the entire ceremony. I heard about the significance of the ceremony and the blessing associated with it. So I decided to come here and receive the blessings,” said Sangay Lhadon, another devotee.
“The Pedling lineage is precious and sacred. Despite my busy schedule and other commitments, I made time to come here because I have been eagerly waiting for this ceremony. We do not know when we might have another opportunity to receive such sacred blessings and empowerments, so I feel very fortunate to be here,” said Tandin Wangmo, also a devotee.
The Pedling Choekhor Empowerments and Oral Transmission will continue for almost a month, concluding on the 26th of this month.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam Pem
