An hour outside of Montreal is the little town of Sainte-Sophie which has just been established firmly on the Buddhist map after events over the weekend. Between August 15 and 16, 2015 this small town became home to one of eastern Canada’s Tibetan Buddhist centres proliferating the authentic lineage of Je Tsongkhapa. Known as Centre de Meditation Tsongkhapa (CMT), this Dharma centre was established by its spiritual guide Venerable Zawa Tulku.
The main entrance of Tsongkhapa Meditation Centre. Click to enlarge the image
For over a decade, Zawa Rinpoche has been on the forefront of the movement to lift the ban against Dorje Shugden. When he is not organizing and attending protests, Zawa Rinpoche has also been travelling tirelessly to receive practices from many great masters, to ensure lineages are not lost as great masters pass on. With the establishment of this new centre, Zawa Rinpoche now has a location from which he can spread and transmit the teachings he has received.
Officiating the opening ceremony was His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche who led eminent Dorje Shugden lamas in prayers to consecrate and bless the new centre and its land. This was followed by a teaching from His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, who spoke for two hours on the Segyu tradition of The Hundreds of Deities of the Land of Joy (Tushita Heaven), from a text composed by Tulku Chokyi Nyima. Attendees were blessed to hear His Holiness recite the text as he granted an oral transmission (lung) of this practice, which His Holiness himself had received from His Eminence Lati Rinpoche.
The gompa which has been sent up in the traditional manner. Click to enlarge the image
The second day of the two-day celebrations began with a smoke offering, followed a demonstration of prayers from First Nation natives. Accompanied by their traditional ritual instruments, they recited traditional prayers to invoke upon their ancestors to bless the land and the activities. This was followed by traditional Tibetan chanting by the Geshes who had flown from all over the world to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche arrives at the Tsongkhapa Meditation Centre to officiate the opening
After all, this opening was also an opportunity for Dorje Shugden practitioners from all over the world to come together to rejoice in yet another Dorje Shugden centre opening. Having been forced out of the monasteries, many Dorje Shugden lamas have worked hard to reestablish their centres, practices and lineages in whichever countries they have sought refuge. Thus every centre opening is another success story for our lineage, and further proof that faith, loyalty and devotion to our Dharma Protector can only bring good results.
DorjeShugden.com would like to congratulate Venerable Zawa Rinpoche and his hardworking committee on this auspicious occasion. With the opening of Centre de Meditation Tsongkhapa, it is actually the growth of the Buddhadharma and the expansion of Lama Tsongkhapa’s tradition in Canada. Thus we wish Zawa Rinpoche and his students every success, and offer our prayers that whatever their lama prays to accomplish with this new centre may manifest swiftly, immediately and without delay.
The side of the gompa. To the left is the garage which will be converted into a kitchen in the near future. The centre sits on four-acres of pristine Canadian forest. Click to enlarge the image
As you enter the main doors of the centre, you step into a reception area. Click to enlarge the image
The reception area of the centre. Click to enlarge the image
A look into the gompa (prayer hall) as seen from the reception area. Click to enlarge the image
The walls of the gompa were handpainted by Kyabje Zawa Rinpoche himself. Click to enlarge the image
Those entering the gompa will be blessed by thangkas of Dorje Shugden. Click to enlarge the image
The library at Tsongkhapa Meditation Centre. Click to enlarge the image
His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s throne. Click to enlarge the image
Some of the statues on the altar, including a set of Lama Tsongkhapa and sons. Click to enlarge the image
The centre also has a statue of His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche (bottom row, centre) on the altar of their gompa. Click to enlarge the image
A Vajrayogini statue in front of the Namgyalma stupa on the centre’s altar. Click to enlarge the image
The stupa of the late Geshe Khenrab, who was Venerable Zawa Rinpoche’s teacher and the founder of Tsongkhapa Meditation Centre’s previous location in Montreal. This stupa contains his holy and precious relics. Click to enlarge the image
On the left of the main altar is a separate cabinet for the Protector Dorje Shugden. Click to enlarge the image
A close-up of the centre’s Dorje Shugden statue. Click to enlarge the image
An auspicious lotus was drawn on the ground to welcome His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, in front of a tent set up to host the guests
A festive gate and prayer flags greets the guests
His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche was welcomed by the Sangha present with khatas
His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche was escorted into the gompa under a golden parasol, with flower petals scattered at his feet
His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche listens to opening remarks from Venerable Zawa Rinpoche
His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche leads the Sangha in short consecration prayers to bless the centre and the land
His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche returns to the gompa after a short break, to give a teaching on The Hundreds of Deities of the Land of Joy (Tushita Heaven)
His Holiness Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche giving an oral commentary on Gaden Lhagyama
Guests enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal
Sangha recite traditional Buddhist chants on the second day of the opening ceremony
The Secretary of Kalsang Mejung Phuntsok (Canadian Gelugpa Society) makes an opening speech
Mireille Goetghebeur (second from left) and Zawa Rinpoche (second from right) prepare to offer a token of appreciation to the local dignitaries who had attended the occasion
A group photo of Tibetan community leaders and local dignitaries with Venerable Zawa Rinpoche (front row, left) and Geshe Tsultim Tenzin (right)
In the media
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Samantha Rays
September 7, 2015
Congratulations to Venerable Zawa Rinpoche and all at the Centre de Meditation Tsongkhapa (CMT), Montreal, Canada.
It is extremely heart warming to read the above and to see the photos taken of the centre, the statues and the whole event !
It is certainly no easy feat to come this far, when you are labelled evil and many minds and situations purposely crete obstacles and challenges in your path, to stop you from progressing or helping other sentient beings. This I refer to many Dorje Shugden Lamas who have to endure discrimination, bad/vulgar expressions thrown at them and in some situations risking the security of their lives just to keep the Dharma Wheel turning !
When one reads and witness the growth of Tsongkhapa’s teachings or the Dharma spreading and growing AGAINST ALL ODDS , it is so heart warming and inspiring, so liberating to know that having faith in Dorje Shugden is the way to our freedom ! One very High Lama said ” When we trust Dorje Shugden’s advice and follow it over our own emotions and fears, the bright shining results will come to us ” !!
Eli Buchen
September 7, 2015
Rejoice that another temple arises that supports the proliferation of Dorje Shudgen and Tsongkhapa. Beautiful surroundings and event. So happy to see this happening and happy for Zawa Tulku Rinpoche who has fought to lift the Dorje Shudgen ban.
Rinchen
September 12, 2015
Through Zawa Rinpoche’s success it shows with the practice of Dorje Shugden, the protector blesses us with the correct resources to learn and also spread the Dharma.
If the practice is truly a mistake or a bad practice, we will not be seeing centres and monasteries opening more and more frequently with the kind of support that they are receiving now.
Big congratulations to Zawa Rinpoche for the new opening of the centre.
Joo Won
September 13, 2015
Congratulations to Venerable Zawa Rinpoche and all in Canada! It’s such a good news to have a centre to spread Je Tsongkhapa’s teachings and have many many benefited from the teachings
By the way, I love the Dorje Shugden statue, it’s so beautiful!
Bond
October 3, 2015
Congratulations to Zawa Rinpoche for the opening of this beautiful center (CMT) to further spread the teaching & lineage of Tsongkhapa. Rejoice for all in Canada.
[email protected]
October 6, 2015
Excellent a centre of the pure Tzong Khapa tradition.
Sarah
November 27, 2015
I’m very happy to read about the opening of a new centre in Canada to spread Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings. Congratulations to H.E. Zawa Rinpoche and his supporters! May their efforts bear fruit. May the ban be removed very soon and Dorje Shugden’s practice spread, and Lama Tsongkhapa’s tradition flourish to benefit all sentient beings!
Olivia
May 14, 2016
Congratulations to Ven Zawa Rinpoche on the auspicious opening of the Tsongkhapa centre, great environment and great centre! It’s such an honour to even see the holy image of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, such a wonderful and great being. I believe that it was a huge blessing having His Holiness there. May Lama Tsongkhapa’s doctrine spread far and wide, may His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche have a good health and long life and may the ban on Dorje Shugden be lifted very swiftly and smoothly.
Amber Sonam
May 19, 2016
Rejoice Zawa Rinpoche and the kind sponsors for preserving and spreading Lama Tsongkhapa precious teachings. This matches Glenn H. Mullin’s findings presented in his “The Fourteen Dalai Lamas: A Sacred Legacy of Reincarnation”. On page 208, Glenn H. Mullin said: “In recent decades the present Dalai Lama has attempted to discourage the practice, but with little success. It is as strong today as ever, if not stronger; for with the Dalai Lama discouraging it in India, the Chinese are fully promoting it in Tibet.” This is the case proven now by another wonder dharma centre opened in Canada!
SabrinaS
June 17, 2016
Congratulations to Venerable Zawa Rinpoche, his sponsors and students on the successful opening of Centre de Meditation Tsongkhapa (CMT), Montreal, Canada. The people of Montreal are so blessed to have such a nice centre built in their area. It was such an honour to have His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche officiate the opening and to grant the oral transmission (lung) to the practise of The Hundreds of Deities of the Land of Joy (Tushita Heaven).
I rejoice to see that Lord Dorje Shugden fulfilling his promise to protect and spread Lama Tsongkapa’s precious teachings. Although many had tried to diminish and banish him, Protector Dorje Shugden had risen each time to proliferate the dharma and help the people to find their path.
May the wishes of Venerable Zawa Rinpoche and his students be fulfilled and may the ban on Protector Dorje Shugden be lifted swiftly.
Camilia
June 19, 2016
Congratulations to the residents of Sainte-Sophie, Canada. The opening of a Buddhist Dharma centre known as Centre de Meditation Tsongkhapa (CMT) is very meritorious, it brings Buddha Dharma to people in Canada. This Dharma centre was established by its spiritual guide Venerable Zawa Tulku. The center was officiated by His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.
Both Venerable Zawa Tulku and His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche are Dorje Shugden practitioners. This is a truly auspicious as it means the teachings of Laa Tsongkhapa and Dorje Shugden is spreading to all corners of the world. We rejoice for this opening.
Sherabz
October 17, 2016
Rejoice to Venerable Zawa Tulku.
This is a very important milestone in the relations to have this new Centre de Meditation Tsongkhapa (CMT). May the people in Sainte-Sophie and the surrounding receive the Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings and practice accordingly. . May the dharma protector, Dorje Shugden, clear the obstacles so that Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage can be spread to all over the world.
Lhakpa Dhendup
August 11, 2018
What will the all the people around the world and in Tibet do now? Dalai Lama says he is happy that Tibet is a part of China and should remain a part of China. So many Tibetans self-immolated for Tibet to be independent and now Dalai Lama did a 360 degree turn and says he wants to go back to Tibet and China and Tibet should be a part of China. So unbelievable. So many are angry and disappointed.
d
August 12, 2018
Dear Dalai Lama,
Since you started the cruel ban against the 350 year Dorje Shugden practice, how has it benefit your Tibetan society and Buddhism in the world? Things have become worse and most educated Tibetans can see this. They don’t speak out not because they don’t see your ban as wrong, but you instill fear in them and not respect. It is like fear of a dictator. I am sorry to say so. Everyone is divided. There is no harmony. Before your ban there was more harmony and unity.
By enacting the ban, you split the monasteries, split so many families, split regions in Tibet apart, split your disciples from you, split your own gurus from you, split Tibetan Buddhism apart. You have created so much disharmony.
It is not democratic what you have done to ban a religion within your community. You always talk of tolerance and acceptance and democracy and yet you do not accept and tolerate something different from your beliefs. When people practice Dorje Shugden you ostracize them, ban them from seeing you, ban them from using Tibetan facilities. You know you have done that. There are videos that capture your speech and prove this point. You even had people expelled from monasteries just because they practice Dorje Shugden. Some of the monks you expelled have been in the monastery for over 40 years. Many older monks shed tears because of this.
Many young educated Tibetans lost confidence in you as they saw the damage the Dorje Shugden ban created and they lose hope. Many have become free thinkers. They reject what you have done. So many people in the west left Buddhism because of the confusion you created with this ban against Dorje Shugden which is immoral.
You could of had millions of people who practice Dorje Shugden to support, love and follow you, but you scared them away. They are hurt and very disappointed. They loved you and respected you deeply before the ban. It has been 60 years and you have failed to get Tibet back. Your biggest failure is not getting Tibet back after 57 years in exile. Now you are begging China to allow you to return to Tibet to the disappointment of thousands of people who fought for a free Tibet believing in you. So many self-immolated for a free Tibet and now you want Tibet to be a part of China with no referendum from Tibetans. Just like a dictator, you decide on your own. It was your government and you that lost Tibet in the first place. Your policies and style of doing things do not benefit Tibet and Buddhism. You have been the sole ruler of Tibet your whole life and you still have not gotten our country of Tibet back for us. Our families and us are separated. Yet you create more pain by creating a ban to further divide people. Please have compassion.
No other Buddhist leader has banned or condemned any religion except for you. It looks very bad. You are a Nobel laureate and this is not fitting of a laureate. You should unite people and not separate them by religious differences.
You said Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi did not do right to the Rohingya people in Myanmar due to religious differences, but you are doing the same thing to the Shugden Buddhists within your own society. There is a parallel in this. You separate the Shugden Buddhists from the others in Tibetan society.
You have lost so many people who would have loved and supported you. You have lost so much support around the world. The Shugden Buddhists who love you number in the millions. When you are fast losing support from governments and private people, it will not do you well to lose more.
After you are passed away in the future, the rift you created between the Dorje Shugden and non-Dorje Shugden people will remain for a while and that will be your legacy. Disharmony. You will be remembered for this. Not as a hero but a disharmony creator.
Dorje Shugden will spread and further grow, but you will be no more as you are a human. No one wishes you bad and in fact we hope you have a long and healthy life, but we have lost so much hope and have so much despair because of you. All the hundreds of Dorje Shugden lamas, tulkus and geshes are maturing and there are hundreds of Dorje Shugden monasteries in Tibet who will not give up Dorje Shugden. You have made a mistake. These hundreds of teachers and teachers to be will spread Dorje Shugden further in the future.
The gurus that gave us Dorje Shugden as a spiritual practice and you have called these holy gurus wrong and they are mistaken in giving us Dorje Shugden. How can you insult our gurus whom we respect so much? If they can be wrong, then you can be wrong. Then all gurus can be wrong. So no one needs to listen to any guru? You have created this trend. It is not healthy. Your own gurus practiced Dorje Shugden their whole lives. Your own gurus were exemplary and highly learned.
Dalai Lama you have created so much pain with this ban against so many people due to religion. You are ageing fast. Are you going to do anything about it or stay stubborn, hard and un-moving. You show a smile and preach peace and harmony wherever you go. But will you do the same to your own people? Please rectify the wrong you have done. Please before it is too late. You can create harmony again or you can pass away in the future with this legacy of peace. May you live long and think carefully and admit what was a mistake in having this unethical ban against Dorje Shugden religion.