In a solemn ceremony filled with spiritual fervor, the commencement of a profound journey into the treasury of precious termas, Rinchen Terzoed Wangchhen, was inaugurated with great reverence at Ugyen Pema Woeling Zangdho Pelri in Bongdey, Paro. This monumental undertaking, spanning three-and-a-half months, commenced with the preparatory empowerment of the peaceful and wrathful deities, underlining a significant chapter in Bhutan’s spiritual landscape.
Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, a revered figure in the spiritual realm, initiated this sacred endeavor by bestowing the blessing of Vajrasattva empowerment upon more than 12,000 devotees hailing from various corners of Bhutan. For the first time in Bhutanese history, such a profound initiation unfolded, signifying a momentous occasion for the nation’s spiritual heritage.
At the heart of this undertaking lies the Rinchen Terzoed, a repository of sacred terma meticulously compiled in the 19th century by esteemed masters Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Thaye and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. This collection, encompassing 63 volumes of revealed texts, serves as a reservoir of hidden treasures concealed by luminaries such as Guru Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, and Vimalamitra, alongside their primary disciples, during the 8th and 9th centuries.
Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche eloquently elucidated the profound significance of Rinchen Terzoed, delving into its historical roots and the lineage of enlightened masters who safeguarded these teachings for the benefit of future generations. Spanning across centuries, from the 11th to the 19th century, these teachings were preserved and revealed by 108 tertöns, reflecting the unwavering commitment of spiritual luminaries to preserve the essence of enlightenment.
As the initiation progresses, Rabjam Rinpoche will continue to bestow the empowerment of Rinchen Terzoed’s blessings, while Adzom Gyalse Rinpoche will impart the oral transmission, ensuring the transmission of these sacred teachings until the culmination of the event on September 13. The presence of esteemed figures such as His Holiness Trulshik Rinpoche’s Yangsi and Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche’s Yangsi further underscores the gravity of this spiritual odyssey.
However, amidst the spiritual fervor that engulfs Bongdey, a practical challenge emerges as devotees flock to witness this historic event. The influx of pilgrims has led to a surge in demand for accommodations, prompting locals to construct makeshift shelters and temporary wooden houses to accommodate the burgeoning crowd. From makeshift shelters to tented accommodations, devotees from distant towns and valleys have made elaborate arrangements to partake in this sacred journey.
The story of Tshampa and his son from Trashiyangtse, renting a makeshift shelter barely accommodating three people, echoes the challenges faced by devotees in securing accommodations. Despite the hurdles, the unwavering devotion of pilgrims from Gelephu, Mongar, Trashigang, and Trashiyangtse underscores the profound impact of Rinchen Terzoed’s empowerment, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural divides.
As Bhutan embarks on this spiritual odyssey, the initiation of Rinchen Terzoed serves as a beacon of enlightenment, illuminating the path for devotees to traverse the depths of wisdom and compassion encapsulated within these sacred teachings. In the serene valleys of Bongdey, amidst the whispers of prayer flags and the chanting of mantras, a profound journey unfolds, inviting all seekers of truth to partake in this divine communion of spirit and soul.
