Breaking Ground

8th April, 2009

His Holiness hissing flag for ADC

The Dragons broke ground today at 3 in the morning. The central monastic body of Bhutan kicked off ADC by concluding their Chamkrasamvara Drubpa ritual. The event was in full swing by 9am when what seemed like all the jeeps in Nepal delivered the international congregation. The participants of ADC off-roaded up the Druk Amitabha Mountain in 4 x 4 jeeps passing through several gigantic inflatable rainbows provided by the Vietnamese students. The Vietnamese delegation continued to surprise by launching a 25 meter Drukpa flag carried by 15 gargantuan balloons. Such visual celebration could only be rivaled by the helicopter hovering just meters above ADC in attempt of capturing a snap shot of this inaugural event.

The excitement continued with the inauguration of the Naro Assembly Hall and Druk White Lotus Clinic (also known as the Druk Pema Karpo Clinic). The Druk White Lotus Clinic will offer much needed care to the local community and will incorporate both traditional and modern medicine. The Naro Assembly Hall is perhaps one of the most modern buildings in the country and serves as an example of environmental architecture. Both of these edifices symbolize the Drukpa Lineage’s commitment and dedication to the local community.

Today also marked the Drukpa Lineage’s entrance into the technology frontier. Interpreters translated the ancient Drukpa teachings and His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa’s teaching on “Live to Love: Integrating Spiritual Life with Daily Practice” simultaneously while participants listened attentively with their miniature FM scanners which look like tiny space-age pods. Thanks to the relentless hard work of Trent Williamson of Australia (his friends know him as “Kunga”), the simultaneous translation was a hit. When asked about the success of this new system, Kunga simply said “Awesome”.

As a practical means to encourage the teachings of “Live to Love: Integrating Spiritual Life with Daily Practice”, His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa presented everyone with a copy of the The Dragon Yogis, a compilation of stories of teachings of the Drukpa Lineage which will remind everyone of the importance of integrating these teachings into their own lives long after ADC is over.

The day ended as colorfully as it started. The first day of the ADC concluded with a vibrant cultural performance showcasing a rainbow of different cultural dances from Bhutan, Hong Kong and the local Tibetan community, song singing by famous Ladakh group, Dorje Stakmo, Tashi and Wangchuk, and the renowned Ladakhi singer, Phuntsok Ladakhi. The Drukpa Hong Kong Sangha offered the beautifully choreographed Dance of Peacocks and the Bhutanese volunteers staged a starring performance with a song, written by Tsulak Lobpon, in praise of His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa and his activities. Here is the English translation of the lyrics:

The play manifested by Avalokitesvara
Pervades the entire three realms.
We are fortunate to see his physical manifestation
In the form of the Glorious Lord Drukpa today.

At the holy site of Amitabha Mountain
In Nepal, the land blessed by all the Victorious Ones,
Has arisen the sun of gracious times and
Auspicious dependent-origination has filled the sky.

Thank you very much Gyalwang Drukpa,
May you live as long as the sun and the moon!

We, the fortunate men and women, gathered here
Are filled with the joy of devotion and respect.
We had the good fortune to earn merit for this and the next life,
Making birth as human beings purposeful.

May the Teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni in general,
And the Drukpa tradition in particular, spread and flourishes!
May the holders of the Dharma live long and
May their activities and power grow!

The Glorious Drukpa is the great benefactor
Glorious Lord Drukpa is amazing
May you live a hundred aeons!
May your activities spread around the World!

Thank you very much Gyalwang Drukpa,
May you live as long as the sun and the moon!

His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa at ADC Opening