Celebrating H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s 31st Birthday

On October 12th, 2013 Trijang Buddhist Institute in Northfield, Vermont, USA celebrated the birthday of one of the world’s most erudite masters of our time and lineage.

Many guests came from all around the world to celebrate the very auspicious occasion of His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s 31st birthday, with a program that included the offering of a long life puja to His Holiness. This was followed by a fun-filled day of activities including volleyball and soccer matches, and even a tug of war between different teams from Vermont, New York, Boston, and Canada. Evening highlights included a Tibetan dance performance, among others.

Despite the significance of the occasion, His Holiness’ birthday was not widely publicized and the festivities were relatively low key. Dorjeshugden.com was informed that this may have been a result of possible death threats received from anti-Shugden followers. Security throughout the event was very tight and the main assistants from Vermont – two of which are his brothers – remained close to His Holiness throughout.

Such security threats come as no great surprise because His Holiness Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche is none other than the reincarnation of the great and enlightened master Buddha Vajradhara, H.H. Trijang Dorje Chang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (1900-1981), one of the greatest Gelugpa Buddhist Masters of the 20th Century and the holder of most Gelug lineages including Dorje Shugden’s practice. It is a heavily discussed topic in Tibetan circles all over the world that with H.H. Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche coming of age, He will start to turn the wheel of Dharma again, and no doubt actively spread Dorje Shugden’s lineage. We have already witnessed the start of the latter with His recent visits to Mongolia and Europe.

It is also said that His Holiness Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche’s fame and popularity will far exceed that of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Perhaps this is why there was such urgency for the two Abbots of Gaden Shartse and Jangtse to seek audience with H.H. Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche – to repair the relationship between the H.H. the Dalai Lama and H.H. Trijang Rinpoche and the Dalai Lama’s samaya perhaps? Read more here: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/update-abbots-urgently-sent-to-the-usa/.

And this is just the beginning. Looking at the pictures of the event, one will note that the crowd present comprise mainly of young Tibetans. As H.H. Trijang Rinpoche matures into a commanding and highly respected teacher, Rinpoche will certainly attract and inspire more and more of the new generation of Tibetan youths who will be the ones to preserve and grow our lineage in to the future.

May the ban be lifted quickly so that Rinpoche’s work may flourish in to the ten directions.

May His Holiness Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche live long!

Below are a few pictures of H.H. Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche’s 31st birthday celebrations

H.H. Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche accepts the long life puja offering

H.H. Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche cuts His birthday cake!

Many devoted students and friends came from all over to celebrate His Holiness Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche’s 31st Birthday at Trijang Buddhist Institute in Vermont

His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche greets the guests

H.H. Trijang Rinpoche (centre) with H.E. Rabten Rinpoche on His right, and Venerable Zawa Tulku Rinpoche on His left

The crowd present for H.H. Trijang Rinpoche’s Birthday were mostly young Tibetans

The Vermont Soccer Team includes none other than H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche (middle left) holding the cup with H.E. Rabten Tulku Rinpoche (middle right). Rinpoche scored one goal against the New York team and the final score was Vermont-2 New York-1

Basketball matches between 4 teams

Tug of war between 4 teams from Canada, Vermont, New York and Boston

It was a day filled with fun and blessings in the beautiful Vermont weather and breath-taking scenery!

Highlights of the evening including various performances such as Tibetan dance

The crowd really enjoyed themselves and they must have been so thrilled to have the honor and privilege to celebrate and pay homage to their beloved Guru, H.H. Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche (seen here seated and smiling)