From Aug 16-18, as per the directive from Gelug International foundation, the learned text teachers of the monastery comprising H.E. Khen Rinpoche, H.E. Khensur Rinpoche advised the novice monks on the importance of “ monks ordination vows and the practice of Monks vows/rituals associated with sojong, yarney and gaie' at their respective teaching hall/rooms/quarters.
Venerable monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery participated in the Amritam Gamaya-spectacular international festival of Music and Dance at Bengaluru, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture and in collaboration with Kalakshetra Foundation, Banyan Tree on 6th August 2022 as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' of Government of India, commemorating 75 years of Indian Independence.
Geshe Lharampa Jamyang Gedun and his two assistants took charge from 14th July. Gegu, or the discipline head, is one who is responsible for the overall discipline of the monastery. He will be assisted by chapres (discipline assistants) The tenure of the Gegu and the assistants is for one year. After every one year, new Gegu (discipline head) is elected by the monks, whereas the two Chapre (the assistants) are not elected members, but are appointed on a rotation basis from the 16 khangtsens. Gegu (discipline head ) is changed annually on the 16th day of the fifth month of Tibetan Lunar Calendar).
Three-day Annual Mahakala Prayer (Gonpo Drupsul) was conducted from 14th July. Discipline Head, Chant Master, tulkus and Geshes attended the prayer at the prayer hall temple. Mahakala is the official deity protector of Drepung Gomang Monastery. The prayer for the long healthy life of His Holiness the Great XIVth Dalai Lama and all the spiritual teacher and master, also well being of all the benefactors, for the success of the monastery's continuous work to benefit all sentient beings.
On 6th July, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 87th birthday was celebrated here at the monastery with early morning prayer sessions with deepest prayers for the long healthy life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for all His wishes to be fulfilled. The day started with a procession welcoming His Holiness's Holy picture to the holy throne of His Holiness, followed by prayers, and cake distribution to all the monks.
This year, monks under the aegis of the monastery's administration office, a special program for tree sapling plantations was organized. Monks of all ages participated despite the rain on that special day. For more picture of that special day, please visit our facebook.
This event is held only at Drepung Gomang monastery and it is a popular saying that when gomang's thuk choera starts, then it usually rains or starts of monsoon. Thuk Choera is an interclass debate congregation where different monastic class debates against each other in the debate courtyard. Monk students in order to prepare or sharpen their debate or to make it difficult for the opponent class, go far away from the monastery compound in the fields with great secrecy to prepare the debate. This event is held once every year for several days (Thuk chen) mostly starts on the 20th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. Last year, due to Covid restrictions, the monastery was not able to conduct proper Thuk Choera.
