Lama Thubten Phurbu Teaches in the West

More and more Dharma communities are extending invitations to great lineage masters such as Lama Thubten Phurbu to turn the Wheel of Dharma in the West. This prominent Gelugpa master from the Yulshu Autonomous Prefecture was recently invited to conduct Dharma discourses in Italy, Switzerland and Nepal.

Lama Thubten Phurbu and Lama Gangchen Rinpoche

Western Dharma practitioners are not the only ones recognising and supporting the growth of the pure Dharma; China is also beginning to show strong involvement in propagating the teachings of the Buddha, especially the tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa. With growing interest and backing from the world, Tibet-based lamas such as Lama Thubten Phurbu continue to passionately disseminate the authentic teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa’s tradition and also the holy practice of Dorje Shugden.

During his visit to Italy, devotees took the opportunity to offer a long life puja to both His Eminence Gangchen Rinpoche and Lama Thubten Phurbu. A long life puja or tenshug is a request for the Lama to live long and continue their blessed activities of spreading the Dharma. It is very auspicious that both masters agreed to accept the tenshug offering.

Auspicious sign: A wild boar greets Lama Gangchen after the tenshug

Additionally, many auspicious signs appeared after the ceremony, signifying that tremendous benefit will arise from the work of these two great Lamas. One especially noteworthy omen was the appearance of a wild boar upon the completion of the puja. Gangchen Rinpoche said that this was a good sign granted by the female Buddha Oserchenma, also known as Maritse.

When in Switzerland, Lama Thubten Phurbu gave a series of teachings on the Lamrim in Rabten Choeling. Here, Lama Thubten Phurbu also received another long life puja by the centre’s members.

It is certainly heart-warming to see the Dharma spreading far and wide both within Tibet and also beyond, reaching a whole new generation of practitioners.

Ganchen Rinpoche flanked by Lama Thubten Phurbu and Lama Michel

Tenshug or long life puja for Lama Gangchen Rinpoche and Lama Thubten Phurbu

Making tenshug offerings to Lama Thubten Phurbu