February
At the beginning of February, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche gave the Leaf Clad Goddess (Parnashavari) Initiation in Taichung, hosted by Drepung Loseling Taiwan. Parnashavari (Sanskrit) or Lomagyuma (Tibetan), dispels ignorance and protects from disease – in particular those of a contagious nature. This Initiation was widely requested due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) and it was live-streamed in this instance for thousands of students.
His Eminence Ling Rinpoche’s tour of Taiwan continued at the Bliss and Wisdom Monastic Community where His Eminence was warmly welcomed by the Abbot, monks and dignitaries. His Eminence gave a talk, blessed the monastery and visited and blessed the new building site. His Eminence then visited and paid respects to a highly revered Vinaya Holder in Taiwan – Venerable Guo Ching of Cheng Chueh Monastery in Nantou. His Eminence was kindly greeted by Venerable Guo Ching and all the Abbots and monks, and His Eminence enjoyed a discussion with Venerable Guo Ching about promoting peace, loving kindness and compassion in the world. On the final day of his Taiwan visit, His Eminence had a special meeting and gave advice to members of Drepung Loseling Association of Taiwan, before being wished a heartfelt farewell at the airport by many kind hosts, friends and students, on his departure from Taiwan.
From 6th -14th February, His Eminence Ling Rinpoche visited Japan. The trip commenced in Kyoto, where His Eminence was very well received by the Abbots and Sangha at four World Heritage Temples. His Eminence then visited Tokyo where His Eminence gave a special audience and talk for Tibetans and supporters of Tibet, at the Office of Tibet in Japan. His Eminence gave a public talk about the benefits of the Tibetan Buddhist understanding of the reincarnation process, and about his own relationship with the Ling Rinpoche lineage and with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Eminence also gave teachings on “Compassion Meditation and Practice” at Gogukuji Temple, Tokyo.
On 27th February, His Eminence arrived at Auckland Airport, New Zealand, where His Eminence was very warmly welcomed by representatives from local Buddhist Centers and members of the Tibetan Community in NZ.