Last month the Rimé Institute organised a tour and retreat in Bodhgaya, India as part of the 34th Kalachakra Empowerment with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Khentrul Rinpoche and many of his students from around the globe joined hundreds of thousands of devotees at the event given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Following this a select group of students embarked on further retreats and a pilgrimage of the holy sites of Bodhgaya.
Vanessa, one of Rinpoche’s senior students, tells her tale of the events:
Having visited the famous pilgrimage destinations of Vulture Peak Mountain and the ruins of Nalanda University, and after attending the rituals, teachings and empowerment ceremonies with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the crowds began to disperse, leaving the members of the Rime tour group to prepare for the second phase of the program.
Evening Study Sessions at the Hotel
Rinpoché leads us in prayers at Vulture’s Peak Mountain
The rock on which the Buddha taught the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras.
Comparative to the dust and commotion of the previous ten days, sharing Bodhgaya with somewhere between 200,000 and 400,000 people, we withdrew to the relative peace and calm of the hotel to turn our minds further inward by participating in the Innate Kalachakra retreat and the Kalachakra meditation retreat.
Kalachakra Sand Mandala at the teaching ground
Extensive offerings in the main mandala house.
The Rimé Store set up outside the teaching ground.
During this time we were offered the unique opportunity to learn and become familiar with the profound Vajra Yoga path, practicing in a supportive environment, together with enthusiastic and dedicated students from all over the world. We also had the great fortune to sit near the bodhi tree at the beautiful Mahabodhi temple with Khentrul Rinpoche, offering prayers and meditating where the Buddha himself attained enlightenment.
The Mahabodhi Stupa, built on the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Retreat participants meditating at the base of the Mahabodhi Stupa.
With the forming of many friendships and wonderful connections made between new dharma brother and sisters, this year’s Kalachakra tour was undoubtedly a tremendous success, one that will be remembered warmly by all those who attended.
