Under the immense dedication of Dungse Lama Pema Rinpoche and Dungse Lama Pasang Phuntsok, with great effort from the community and patrons, the magnificent rebuilding of Tsum Monastery was completed, serving as a basis for accumulating merit. The inauguration ceremony for the consecration of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) took place as follows: it consisted of preliminary preparations and the actual inauguration ceremony.
Preliminary Preparations
Tsum Monastery, revered as “Ngak, the first in the land,” is the sacred seat of Terchen Guru Chökyi Wangchuk. It is situated in an exceptionally auspicious environment: snow-capped mountains rise in front like pure white camphor, red copper-like cliffs stand firmly behind, and fertile golden farmlands extend on both sides. Streams from all directions converge into a single, clear river that gently encircles the monastery, enhancing its natural sanctity.
Within this blessed landscape stands a newly completed twelve-pillared temple containing a complete set of sacred supports and supported objects. The central object of devotion is a twelve-foot gilt-bronze statue of Mahaguru Nangsi Zilnon, flanked by five-foot statues of Yeshe Tsogyal and Mandarava. Behind them are arranged the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. Additionally, on the right side of the Guru statue stands a statue of the Eighth Karmapa, Mikyö Dorje, encircled by the figures of Marpa, Milarepa, Gampopa, and the successive Karmapa lineage. On the left side is a statue of Terchen Guru Chökyi Wangchuk, surrounded by the Eight Vidyadharas. All statues are perfectly proportioned, filled with complete sacred substances, and fully consecrated. Each pillar of the temple carries a gilt-bronze image representing the Five Buddha Families.
The temple’s ceiling features sophisticated mandalas. Above the right section appear mandalas of Thukchen Yang Nying Düpa, Thukdrub Barchad Künsel, and Medicine Buddha. Above the central statue are mandalas of Akshobhya, Nyangter Kagye Deshek Düpa, Northern Treasure Kagye Rangjung Rangshar, and Thukdrub Barchad Künsel. On the left side are mandalas of Konchok Chidü, Kagye Sangwa Yongdzog, and Vajrasattva Yab-Yum. The entrance porch displays complete murals of the Four Great Kings and the Wheel of Existence, crowned by a painting of the Sangha Assembly and the Twelve Yaksha Generals. The ceiling of the main hall is adorned with the Thousand Buddhas.
The monastery complex also includes eight Sugata stupas, each thirteen feet tall, each containing an eighteen-inch gilt-bronze Medicine Buddha statue. In front lies a carefully prepared Lu Bum (Naga Vase) dedicated to Norzin, the earth goddess. Nearby, the sacred footprint of Terchen Guru Chökyi Wangchuk of Lhodrak offers a revered object of devotion for pilgrims.
In 2018, once all architectural elements and sacred objects were completed, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, a great master of the Three Vows and the Tripiṭaka, visited the monastery. He performed extensive consecration rituals, bringing profound blessings to the entire complex and enhancing the spiritual power of all sacred supports
Formal Opening of Tsum Monastery
The grand inauguration of the newly reconstructed Tsum Monastery was celebrated over three auspicious days, from October 6 to October 8, 2019 (8th–10th day of the 8th Tibetan month in the 2146th Royal Tibetan Year). This historic event followed three days of intensive preparatory rituals, including the Drubshak retreat and the consecration of the monastery and stupas.
Day One:
On the morning of October 6, at 8:00 AM, the inauguration began with a ceremonial escort. The youths of the Lhamo Tsokpa, in full traditional attire, respectfully led Dungse Pema Rinpoche, other lamas, tulkus, geshes, and distinguished guests from their residence to the main stage.
Two presenters of ceremony, Sonam Bhuti of Leru and Ngawang Sonam of Chökhang, introduced all guests in both Tibetan and Nepali, ensuring inclusivity for local attendees. The respected Tashi Zholpa dance group offered a lively opening performance, after which Lopon Tenzin Norbu delivered a warm, welcoming address.
Cutting of the Vermilion Banner
To symbolically mark the opening of the newly rebuilt temple for the benefit of future generations, a vermilion-colored silk banner was stretched across the temple’s entrance porch. Dungse Pema Rinpoche ceremonially cut the banner with a ritual knife, signifying the official inauguration.
Speeches and Teachings
Following the opening, several spiritual teachers, including Khenpo Chönyi Rangdrol, Geshe Chödrak, Rachen Geshe Tenzin Nyima, and Lama Samdrup, gave speeches reflecting on the significance of the reconstruction, the Dharma legacy of Tsum, and the collaborative effort of all supporters.
Dungse Rinpoche then offered a profound and heartfelt address, emphasizing:
- the immense kindness and dedication behind rebuilding the temple,
- The importance of maintaining Tsum’s cultural and spiritual traditions,
- gratitude to all patrons and workers, and
- The future preservation of Tsum’s Dharma heritage.
Cultural Celebrations
Renowned Tibetan singers, Tsering Gyurmed, Kalsang Kes, Tenzin Namgyal, and Trashi Lhamo, offered melodic songs and dances as symbolic offerings to the Triple Gem and as a joyous celebration of the temple’s completion.
International Participation
Acknowledging the presence of devotees from abroad:
- Dungse Pema Lhundrup delivered an English speech,
- Mr. Burl from Canada delivered the speech in Chinese,
- Dr. Tsering Phuntsok addressed the Nepali audience in Nepali.
Evening Joy and Communal Feast
Dungse Rinpoche and his brother Dungse Pasang Phuntsok allowed the public to receive blessings from the mandala offerings of the Guru Sangdü practice. A grand communal lunch followed.
The afternoon continued with vibrant cultural performances, including:
- Traditional dances by various village groups
- The historic Me Gepo Cham (Old Man’s Dance) by Labrang Lay monk
- The Pudri Cham (Sword Dance)
- The auspicious Black Hat Dance led by Dungse Rinpoche and senior monks
The day ended with widespread celebration as people of the thirteen Tsum Village held hands and danced in the monastery courtyard until midnight.
Day Two: Offerings and Cultural Expression
On October 7, at 8:00 AM, Dungse Rinpoche offered every household in Lower Tsum a blessed statue of Mahaguru Nangsi Zilnon, signifying his blessings and aspirations for each family’s spiritual growth.
Throughout the day, numerous individuals, households, and village groups presented:
- traditional songs
- folk dances
- ceremonial performances
Artists included Leru Lobsang, Dechen Zangmo, Tsering Palmo, Nubri Migmar Tsering, Jampal, and many groups from Ngak village, Chökhang, and Paro. A lavish communal lunch and dinner were served, and after sunset, villagers gathered again for communal dances and joyful celebrations late into the night.
Day Three: Empowerment and Grand Ritual Performances
On October 8, Dungse Rinpoche began the day by gifting the same sacred statue to every household in Upper Tsum, completing his offering to both major regions of Tsum.
Tsewang (Long Life Empowerment)
At 10:00 AM, Rinpoche bestowed the Tsewang (long Life Empowerment) of the Konchok Chidü cycle at the request of four major patrons of Ngak Labrang, Leru, Ngakyu, and Dzong. Rinpoche began by offering profound advice on Dharma practice.
Generous offerings, mandalas, holy objects, butter tea, and monetary offerings were made by several families and community groups. Rinpoche personally walked among the rows of devotees to distribute the empowerment, while the chant master recited the Guru Mantra with deep melody.
Arrival of the Thongdrol and Sacred Dance
Later in the afternoon, preparations were made for the final ritual dance. With incense and ritual music, the precious Thongdrol (Liberation-through-Seeing) statue of Mahaguru was ceremoniously brought into the dance arena.
A grand procession welcomed the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, each accompanied by traditional dances and majestic displays.
Following this, divine dance traditions were performed by:
- The Kind Mothers, The Four Heroes (Pawo) and, The Five Heroines (Khandro)
Symbolizing auspiciousness and blessings transmitted from vidyadhara dakinis.
Indra, King of the Gods, symbolically appeared, scattering flowers, representing the delight of celestial beings.
The public received blessings and an audience with the Thongdrol and all Eight Manifestations. Evening brought more songs and dances from Tsum Che, Yarphog, Khargönpa, and Tsumling. After a communal meal, the festivities continued with circle dances late into the night.
Significance
The three-day inauguration was a profound display of devotion, cultural pride, and collective harmony. It united monks, nuns, ngakpas, laypeople, international guests, and the thirteen Tsum tribes in celebrating the successful reconstruction of the temple. Rich with ritual, cultural expression, and blessings, the ceremony ensured that the monastery would continue to benefit both present and future generations.
