Published By Tenzin Choetso
The First European Sakya Monlam for Universal Peace and Happiness in Antwerp, Belgium concluded on Sunday, August 11. The organiser announced that the next or the Second European Sakya Monlam will be held in France, and the details will be notified later.
The Monlam commenced on August 9 and continued for the next 2 days along with the preparation and offering of long-life prayers to His Eminence Sakya Trichen.
His Eminence Sakya Trichen granted the long-life initiation of the Maha Siddi Thangton Gyalpo. Every individual devotee received blessing from Sakya Trichen at the end of the initiation.
It was estimated that over 3000 devotees, including the Sangha, the western disciples and Tibetans from all over Europe were present at the initiation.
Later that day, Tsechen Association of Belgium hosted a celebratory event in the presence of His Eminence Dungsey Rinpoche. Rinpoche advised to preserve and promote Tibetan language and culture in the diaspora.
Representative Tashi Phuntsok and Secretary Thutop Namgyal had a private audience with His Eminence Sakya Trichen. Mr Phuntsok gave a brief report on the Tibetan community and the situation of Tibetans in the region.
They too received long-life initiation as well and joined the evening event of Tsechen Association. They received His Eminences blessings at the hotel once again on their departure on August 12 morning.
-Filed by Office of Tibet, Belgium.
source — cta