Completion of retreat

Completion of Retreat
Time flies in a blink of an eye as experienced by all of us in our daily lives. Three years and three months ago, our Rinpoches and Lamas entered into a retreat at Ngedon Palbar Ling Retreat Centre (NPL Retreat Centre). Today, I witnessed its completion and we welcome them into the Jangchub Choeling Monastery (JC Monastery) in Pokhara, Nepal. Karma Kagyu retreat is well known for its strict discipline and profound practice under the guidance of qualified masters. This tradition has ongoing for more than a thousand years. Until today, the transmission of teaching and methods of practice are still very alive and thus the blessings are transmitted to whoever is sincerely engage in the practice.
NPL Retreat Centre is one of the Karma Kagyu’s traditional retreat centre established three and half years ago. It is located in the Sarangkot mountain of Pokhara. There were a total of 2 Rinpoches and 16 lamas who joined this retreat after the retreat centre was established. Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche was the retreat master and he empowered the Lamas with transmissions and lineage blessings. With proper instructions and under the watchful eye of the Rinpoches, the Lamas then practice most of the important Karma Kagyu teachings that include The Six Naropa's Yoga along with many high tantric deity yoga practices. They also very carefully trained in the meditation of Mahamudra at every stage of their practice. Within the period of three years and three months, the Rinpoches and Lamas practiced ever diligently and finally they completed their entire practice successfully.
The completion of the retreat and the returning of the Sangha back to the monastery celebration were a great joy and celebration for everyone. Dupsing Rinpoche led all the retreat lamas out from the retreat centre to JC monastery. Thousands of people lined the streets with flowers, khata and other offering items in their hands and warmly welcome them with cheers, smiles and awe. Everyone was over the moon with happiness and these were clearly reflected on their beaming faces. Some even shed tears of joy.
Upon entering into monastery, they made three prostrations and lamp offerings to the Triple Gem. They then mindfully took their seats. Dupsing Rinpoche and all the retreat Lamas made the Mandala offering of Body, Speech and Mind to Shangpa Rinpoche; followed by the longevity prayers for Shangpa Rinpoche. The secondly Mandala offering of Body, Speech and Mind was made to Dupsing Rinpoche by the Shangpa Rinpoche and the JC Monastery’s Sangha members.
Later, the Sangha performed a puja of sixteen Arahats and auspicious tea and butter rice were served. About 2,500 people attended this ceremony and everyone showered the Rinpoches and retreat Lamas with khata and offerings.
After lunch, the Lamas of the retreat centre and Sangha of JC Monastery gave heartfelt thanks to all the local and overseas sponsors and well wishers. Majority of the overseas sponsors are from Singapore.
Also thanks to the Gurung devotees who formed a small volunteer committee that constantly supplied drinking water to the retreat centre for the entire period of the retreat. Their efforts are greatly admirable and meritorious.
We deeply felt the people's devotions, loving attitude and great contribution towards Ngedon Palbar Ling Retreat Centre as well as Jangchub Choeling Monastery. We are grateful and ever appreciative of everyone’s care and assistance and we wish you good health, longevity and swift fulfillment of all your noble aspirations.