Rinpoche arrived about 12 noon in Rigul on Sunday June 19th, 2005 and was welcomed by Yungsu Tulku and Khenpo Gendun Tulku. The villagers lined the road into Rigul while horseback riders and monks and young men on motor bikes led the way. Many people cried with joy when they saw Rinpoche, but there were also smiles and much laughter. Rinpoche was also accompanied by a party of American and European students, and of course his well loved uncle. The Tulkus and monks invited Rinpoche to take his place on the throne in the Gompa where his enthronement ceremony took place. Ringu Tulku was formally enthroned and a smiling Rinpoche, complete with Gampopa hat, gave his blessings to the waiting monks and nuns and lay people, about one thousand in all!

RT&Yungsu Tulku
Ringu Tulku and Yungsu Tulku


He was then asked to give his blessing for the newly built shedra which was officially opened and inaugurated. The shedra would be home for a week for the party of 25 students who had come with Rinpoche.

Group Picture


Over the next week, Rinpoche and uncle welcomed visitors who had come from far and wide to see him. They came for his blessings and to say hello, and to talk over old times with uncle. It was an emotional time for many. They also visited the neighbouring villages, Ringu Tulku travelling on horseback on one occasion. On Wednesday they visited the school, presently housed in the old monastery and saw the newly built walls which hopefully will be the new school. Rinpoche sat with the children, about 80 in total, while they chanted vigorously and very loudly!

SchoolChildren