13/12/2025
Dear friends, This year, Ganden Namchō, the day of Je Tsongkhapa's parinirvana, will be celebrated on December 14, 2025. Ganden Namchō is a festival during which countless offerings of light are made for the well-being of all beings.
For all Tibetans and those who follow Tibetan Buddhism, Je Tsongkhapa is an eminently well-known figure. Many extraordinary stories surround his birth, life, and death. His arrival in Tibet was foretold by Shakyamuni Buddha. He predicted that a young boy who had offered him a crystal mala—and to whom the Buddha had given a seashell in return—would be reborn in Tibet as Sumati Kirti (Losang Drakpa), found a great monastery there, place a crown on the head of the Buddha statue in Lhasa, and contribute to the spread of the Buddha's teachings. Everything has come to pass as the Buddha foretold. The seashell given by the Buddha was unearthed during the construction of Ganden Monastery and remained preserved at Drepung, the largest monastery in Tibet, until 1959. As for the crown, it still rests on the head of the Buddha statue in Lhasa. The Great Lamrim of Je Tsongkhapa remains one of the most fundamental texts for practitioners of Tibetan traditions. It contains, in particular, detailed explanations on the development of patience and generosity, as well as on the acquisition of concentration and wisdom.
On December 14th, we will once again light many butter lamps at Dagpo Dratsang, with the sincere wish that peace and harmony may flourish in our troubled world.
To donate a butter lamp to Dagpo Dratsang, you can transfer €5 to bank account NL92 ABNA 0833 8907 35 in the name of Stichting The WHISE Foundation, specifying "lab donation 2025".
You can send your name, the number of lamps, and, if you wish, a brief personal intention before December 12th by email to: [email protected]. We will then forward your name, intentions, and the number of lamps to the monastery.
Your contribution will be entirely dedicated to the renovation and sustainable transition of Dagpo Dratsang.
Thank you and happy holidays!
Een verborgen juweel van de eeuwenoudeTibetaans Boeddhistische tradities
