View of the Kinnaur Bodh Vihar Temple

A Brief History
Like many other communities in the upper Himalayan regions of India and Nepal, the culture and customs of the people of Sarahan are similar to those of Tibet, and most of the people are Buddhist. The elder members of the community speak a dialect that is similar to the Tibetan language. However, with the introduction of modern education, the older generation feels that children are losing touch with Buddhism and their native customs.
   In an attempt to remedy this situation, in 1989, the Buddhist community in Sarahan donated a piece of property to the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. On this property was a little temple called Kinnaur Bodh Vihar, but the people felt that it was too small to serve the needs of the community effectively. They requested the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche to assume responsibility for the construction of a larger building, and asked him to establish Dharma activities there, which they hoped would benefit them, and ensure that future generations would continue their Buddhist faith, culture, and tradition.
   The Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche was very pleased, and was willing to help. On the occasion when he formally accepted the community's offer of the property, he bestowed the empowerments of Chenrezig and Buddha Amitayus, and the oral transmission of the mantra of Guru Rinpoche.

 
Kinnaur Bodh Vihar Sangha

The Third Jamgon Rinpoche' s Last Advice
to the Devotees of Kinnaur Bodh Vihar
The following year, in 1990, the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche made another visit to Sarahan. It was to be his last. During that occasion, he performed the pujas of Tse Yang Gug Pa, Kon Chog Chin Du, and Phu Rab Cho Ga, and consecrated the land for the construction of a new temple. Many devotees from the community attended. He blessed all of them and at the end of the ceremonies that day, he advised them.
   The Third Jamgon Rinpoche told everyone to come together as vajra brothers and sisters and urged them to maintain good samaya with each other as they belonged to the same temple.
   Extremely touched by what he said, all the families there exchanged items of personal value with each other to symbolise their bond and the commitment to the advice they had just received.
   In accordance with the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche's wish to help the Buddhist community to preserve and propagate of their faith, the Jamgon Kongtrul Labrang continues to have close ties with the community.

Continues