November 26, 2008

Dear Friends,

Upon my return to Bhutan, I met with His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa in Katmandu in Nepal. We spoke at great length on the subject of the First Council of the Drukpa Lineage, which will take place from the 6th to the 15th of April 2009 at Druk Amtibha Monastery in Katmandu. His Holiness’s project is especially important for Him and it is important for all individuals having a tie or link to His Holiness to make as much effort as possible to participate. The word “council” is but one meaning. On might also rightly speak of a “pilgrimage” because on the occasion of this gathering, teachings will be given and there will be tsok ritual offerings and mandalas as well as visits to holy places, as is the case with pilgrimages. His Holiness has invited all of the great masters of the lineage to come together for two days in order to confer among themselves. Many masters from Tibet, Bhutan, India and Ladakh will be present and this is truly exceptional. This is a remarkable opportunity for us to create a link or tie with these different masters and receive their blessings. The organizers wish that Drukpa Plouray be responsible for registration for all of Europe, the Americas and Australia. In Katmandu, the Damaru agency, directed by Mr. Indra will be in charge of organization. It is thus imperative that you contact the Plouray Center in order to register. It will not be possible to enter Druk Amitabha Monastery without being at first registered. Profits from this pilgrimage will be used to finance the necessary expenses linked with bringing together the masters of the lineage. This council project is the His Holiness’s idea and it is our duty to respond to it, if possible. It is a means to great benefits and to receive blessings. I thus invite you to do all that you can in order to participate.

Drubpön Ngawang Tenzin