Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 25: Nearly ten days after the demise of Ngari Rinpoche Tenzin Choegyal, the youngest brother of the 14th Dalai Lama, representatives from eight monasteries under his spiritual domain met His Holiness on Wednesday to seek blessings and guidance as they formally initiate the process for recognizing his reincarnation.
The delegation, comprising Khenpos, senior Lamas, and official representatives, represents two monasteries in the Ladakh region and six monasteries in the Zanskar area. The body now functions as the official search committee for the late Ngari Rinpoche.
Addressing media representatives, Geshe Lobsang Yonten stated that shortly after Rinpoche passed away, delegates from all affiliated monasteries convened a series of structured meetings under the leadership of the respective khamtsen (monastic house) heads.
The staged consultations focused on three key resolutions: to conduct the requisite memorial offerings and religious ceremonies; to formally initiate the search for Rinpoche’s reincarnation; and to deliberate on the future education and spiritual training of the reincarnation once identified.
“Following extensive discussions, the representatives unanimously resolved to establish a formal committee dedicated to overseeing the process of recognizing Rinpoche’s reincarnation,” he said.
“Based on this main committee, today we offered prayers and supplications for the swift return of our Rinpoche,” Geshe Lobsang added. “We made special prayers that the reincarnation may return without any obstacles. We also request everyone to continue collective prayers and aspirations for this purpose.”
He further revealed that prior to his passing, Rinpoche had clearly indicated that his reincarnation would return. “He spoke about this openly and clearly,” he noted, while refraining from disclosing specific details.
The monastic community, he emphasized, continues to offer fervent prayers and sustained supplications for the swift manifestation of the next incarnation.
Geshe Lobsang Yonten also expressed gratitude for the widespread support received from devotees and well-wishers across India and around the world. “Many people, whether personally connected or not, have offered extensive prayers and memorial offerings for Rinpoche. On behalf of all the monks of our monastery, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation,” he said.
In Ladakh, particularly, both monastic institutions and lay communities are organizing large-scale prayer gatherings and offering ceremonies. Acknowledging these continued efforts, the representatives conveyed sincere thanks to all those participating in prayers and aspirations for the swift return of the late Ngari Rinpoche’s reincarnation.
