H.E. the 4th Jamgon Rinpoche at his arrival in Pullahari

At the invitation of the Ananda Sangh of Nepal, founded by the Third Jamgon Kongtrul, and the devoted sangha of Pullahari monastery and retreat centre, His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche the Fourth returned to the main seat of the Jamgon Kongtruls.

On November 16, 1997, the Very Ven. Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, Tenzin Dorjee, monks and very close devotees, travelled from Nepal to India, to receive His Eminence and to escort him on his homeward journey to his main seat in Nepal.

His Eminence and his entourage travelled by airplane to Kathmandu, arriving at 1:30 p.m. on November 17, 1997. The Chairman and Treasurer of the Ananda Sangh, Mr. Kelche Gurung (Lama Gyaltsen) and Mr. Phinjo Gurung (Lama Phuntsok), members of the Himalayan Buddhist Association, many Rinpoches, lamas, monks, and devotees gathered at the airport to welcome His Eminence.

  
Being carried by Tenzin Dorjee up the stairway
to the Stupa Temple of the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul
where the welcoming ceremony was being held

Escorted by a long motorcade, His Eminence travelled in the car driven by Mr. Sonam Topgyal Sadutshang, brother of his previous incarnation, the Third Jamgon Kongtrul. They passed by the Great Stupa of Boudhanath, and numerous gates that had been set up to welcome His Eminence, and finally arrived at the local school at the foot of Pullahari, the Shree Jana Jagriti Lower Secondary School. More than a thousand monks and nuns from the Karma Kagyu and other monasteries had gathered, and formed a very long procession to welcome His Eminence and to escort him home to his monastery up the hill. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining brightly. A huge rainbow around the sun appeared when His Eminence came out of his car at the foot of Pullahari, and many other unusual rainbows and coloured lights, which could be seen by everyone, also appeared in the skies.

The students of the local school constructed by the Third Jamgon Kongtrul offered songs and flowers to welcome His Eminence. Thousands of devotees lined the road leading up to the monastery, bearing incense and flowers. Prayer flags decorated the flower strewn road, on which auspicious symbols had been drawn, and the smell of incense filled the air. There was a feeling of great joy all around.

  
Thousands of disciples and devotees paid homage
and received blessings from H.E. the 4th Jamgon Kongtrul
assisted by the Very Ven. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche

Ven. Ngawang Chodrak Tulku and Ven. Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgial, leading the procession by the monks of Pullahari Monastery, escorted His Eminence up to his monastery. Behind them was the longer procession of monks and nuns from other monasteries. That day, all monks and nuns were attired in full ceremonial robes, and they played the drums and gyalings and other traditional ritual instruments to herald the return of His Eminence.

Arriving at the monastery, Tenzin Dorjee, carrying His Eminence, bore him up the steps to the Stupa Temple of the Third Jamgon Kongtrul where the ceremonies were being held. Just as they entered the Temple, His Eminence unfurled the Wisdom Flag of the Karmapas, and the flag of the Jamgon Kongtruls. Inside the Temple, he was greeted by his devoted senior monks who had served him from the time of the Second Jamgon Kongtrul, Lama Oser and Lama Siri. Many Rinpoches and lamas were waiting to receive His Eminence. In a ceremony of offerings and prayers, they presented him with the offerings of the mandala, and that of the body, speech and mind, and supplicated him to live long for the benefit of beings. Among the very respected sangha present were the Very Ven. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Chokling Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Karma Chagme Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Dhundup Tulku Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Tenga Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Khenpo Tsultrim Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Tennying Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Tsoknyi Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Kenchen Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Gyalpo Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Anzing Rinpoche, the Very Ven. Tulku Sangye Rinpoche of Dapsum monastery, and numerous other honourable representatives from many monasteries, nunneries and other organisations in Nepal.

  
H.E. the 4th Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
with the parents of the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul

After the ceremony, thousands of disciples and devotees who had been waiting outside, came into the Stupa Temple to pay homage and to receive blessings from His Eminence. His Eminence was assisted by the Very Ven. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, and he remained alert and attentive throughout the entire ceremony, which lasted for more than three hours. The monastery hosted lunch for everyone.

His Eminence had returned to his main seat and everyone was very happy. The day had been eventful and most memorable. There had been many unusual rainbows and coloured lights which were clearly seen by everyone. These special and heart warming events, accompanied by very auspicious signs, will be long-remembered.

This brief account about how the Fourth Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche was found, was told by his devoted servant, Tenzin Dorjee. May all who read or hear about it be inspired to faith, and awaken to Buddhahood.

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