His Holiness Sakya Trizin visits Sakya Changlochen Ling in France

DSC_0076-3On a perfect summer afternoon on the 26th July, His Holiness visited Sakya Changlochen Ling on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. At the request of Lama Jampa Thaye, His Holiness gave the initiation of Manjushri Arapatsana to a gathering of members of the Dechen Community who had all travelled from the UK for the occasion, as well as dignitaries and members of the nearby Nyingma and Karma Kagyu centres. After the initiation, His Holiness blessed the land and was then guest of honour at a reception hosted by Lama Jampa. His Holiness cut the celebratory cake at the garden party which had been organised for this auspicious occasion. He thanked Lama Jampa for inviting Him, recalling that He had been kept informed of the development of the centre over the years. Lama Jampa expressed his wish that His Holiness and the Dungsay Rinpoches would now be frequent visitors to the centre in the future.

Founded in 1989, Sakya Changlochen Ling is the Dechen Community’s retreat centre in south-west France. Over the years the buildings have been developed so that now they incorporate a beautiful gompa, extensive accommodation for visiting Lamas and retreat facilities. The centre is located in several acres of beautiful countryside.   A summer course is held every year at which Lama Jampa gives teachings and initiations. Group and individual retreats are now also part of the activities at the centre. With the completion of the development of Changlochen, Sakya takes its place alongside the great Kagyu and Nyingma traditions already present in the beautiful Dordogne region of France.

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