Opening Ceremony Speech by Shangpa Rinpoche at Drubgyud Choeling Monastery

"Good morning.

A very warm welcome to the His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinle Thaye Dorje, supreme head of the Karma Kagyud Lineage; the honourable Shree Bal Bhahadur KC Minister for Culture, Tourism, Civil Aviation and Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust; Venerable Sanghas, distinguished guests, friends and devotees.

Thank you all for taking the time to attend today's event. Your presence is much appreciated.

There are several reasons why this occasion is particularly special :

Firstly, we are gathered together at the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was born here more than 2500 years ago, and who subsequently attained enlightenment with 3 turns of the Wheel of Dharma, thereby opening the gate of wisdom to eradicate the ignorance of beings, so that anyone can also attain the state of nirvana.

Secondly, this is His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Trinle Thaye Dorje's first visit to this auspicious and holy place of Lord Buddha in the Kingdom of Nepal.

Thirdly, many monasteries built in Lumbini represent Buddhist communities from various countries. This monastery, Drubyud Choeling Monastery represents our host country, Nepal; a country with a very long history of religious devotion and practice.

Also, we are very honoured to have Minister for Culture, Tourism, Civil Aviation and Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust, Shree Bal Bahadur KC as our chief guest on this occasion. I remember when we first intended to build this monastery; we invited His Excellency to the ground-breaking ceremony. Since that time, much has happened and many changes have been made over the few years it has taken to construct the monastery. Nonetheless, once again, His Excellency is here with us to celebrate the inauguration ceremony. So, we are indeed very grateful and happy for his presence here today.

In 1996, when members of Dharmo Dhaya Sabha, the main Buddhist organisation in Nepal, asked me to be responsible for the development, construction and management of a Mahayana monastery at Dharmodaya's land at Lumbini, I was very honoured but also rather concerned at the degree of commitment involved.
At the time, I was already quite heavily involved in several other projects. I knew that a monastery located in such a historic area would have great potential for benefiting others but I wanted to ensure that I could give my utmost to its planning, development, construction and management.

Now that the project has been successfully completed, I must express my deepest thanks to the Dharmo Dhaya Sabha for their support, and for their confidence in me. I am also grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Lumbini Development Plan to recognise, preserve and develop Lord Buddha's birthplace for the benefit of all sentient beings.

As a traditionally Tibetan-designed monastery representing Mahayana Buddhism, Drubyud Choeling monastery will be slightly different in focus from the average monastery. Unlike most other monasteries that cater to the needs of their resident monks, this monastery's objective is to provide an environment in Lord Buddha's birthplace that is beneficial for the pilgrim who wants to enhance his spiritual growth in this special place. Apart from daily prayers, rituals and short retreats, a special puja will be held annually and its merit dedicated to the well-being of all.

The construction of this monastery would not have been possible without the financial support and dedication of many people. I would like to especially thank all my disciples from various locations and different parts of the world. They have placed so much faith in me and consistently supported me in all my Dharma activities.

I would also like to thank Most Venerable Tsechu Rinpoche for his ceaseless encouragement and assistance in managing this noble project. His genuine concern has touched me deeply and his invaluable advice was always available whenever I needed it.

Thanks also to Mr. Loke Dharshan who supported me, both generally in all matters, and specifically by offering assistance and encouragement for the completion of the monastery's construction.

My heartfelt thanks to Mr. Swarup Kony, the well-known architect who gave so much of his time and effort in designing and supervising this magnificent structure. His contribution is particularly significant because it was purely voluntary.

Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Satyalal Hirachan, the Contractor of this monastery for his sincere and best efforts to provide an excellent standard of work; Mr. Dhawa and his team of artists; Mr. Konchog the sculptor of the Buddha statue; Mr. Rajesh Chitrakar the sculptor of the thousand golden Buddhas; Mr. Samten the carpenter; and Lama Sotop the monk-in-charge, for their commitment to the project over the last 5 years.

Thanks are also due to all of you here today, for your contribution, in so many ways, to making this occasion possible.

Before I end, may I once again express my thanks to His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa the supreme head of Karma Kagyu lineage and Shree Bal Bahadur KC the Minister for Culture, Tourism, Civil Aviation and Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust, His Eminences, and Venerable Sanghas for gracing this event with their presence.

May all the activities at Drubyud Choeling Monastery serve as a reminder of Lord Buddha's path and inspire us to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Thank you."

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