Photo by Lodro Kalsang
On April 9th, one of Gampo Abbey’s temporary monks, Thubten Tingdzen, took the brave leap of Parma Rabjung ordination. In the Tibetan tradition, this is a first step in the path of life monasticism, an entry period before taking novice vows.
After the ceremony, with Gampo Acharya Pema Chodron as preceptor, the whole community gathered for a celebration, in which we shared our appreciation for the courageous choice Tingdzen has made. Director Richard Haspray and Shastri Alice Haspray say: “We are honored to be supporting Tingdzen’s journey at the Abbey. His ziji is contagious!”
Many community members celebrated Tingdzen’s kindness, thoughtfulness, humor, intellect, and natural monastic leanings. We are very proud to welcome such a valuable member of the community into the Shambhala Monastic Order. We all now look forward to continuing the journey together.
Photo by Lodro Kalsang
“I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to make a connection to the Buddha’s monastic lineage at Gampo Abbey,” says Tingdzen “It is humbling to think that so many inspiring practitioners have worked so hard in order for me to be able to take this step. The ceremony was brief but I feel like surrendering in this way has taken a lifetime of preparation. I now feel deeply protected and nurtured by the Buddha who has accepted me just as I am, my wisdom and confusion neatly wrapped in maroon robes, a basically good human being. Through surrendering I have made a commitment to see myself as a Buddha would see me: perfectly capable of realizing the nature of my own mind, worthy of the robes I now wear, a perfectly imperfect monk.”