THE AUSPICIOUS BHUMTSOK PADMASAMBHAVA, THE DIVINE FORTUNE OF TIBET
Thus the most compassionate Patrul Rinpoche said once; “Tibet’s fortune of a lama is Guru (Padmasambhava) alone”. The profound teacher, the second Buddha, Padmasambhava was truly Tibet’s distinctive fortune. Since the time of the Great Fifth (Fifth Dalai Lama), there has been a tradition of observing a special occasion of the Great Revealer (Padmasambhava) through Lama Sangdu rituals on the tenth day of a certain month (it could be either May, June or July according to the Tibetan lunar calendar) in most of the towns under then Tibetan government. The occasion was meant to be the factors of dispelling the misfortunes of sentient beings and removing the obstacles of dharma practices. This tradition continued till now so to speak, and we observe the occasion of BhumTsok Chenmo every year for the good fortunes of Tibetan people and the removing of all their obstacles. One reason for observing the occasion is that, it is the will of both the spiritual leaders and divine indications that it is an utmost importance to recite the Guru mantras or pray to the Padmasambhava in difficult times as well as for the good fortunes of people and the removal of obstacles on their path.
Every Tibetan is somehow profoundly and inseparably associated with Guru Padmasambhava either in the present life or life after death, or Bardo in between. Therefore, every Tibetan, irrespective to their locations, will be having the protection of Guru Rinpoche, if their belief is deeply rooted. So, we always need to remember this fact and pray to the Guru Rinpoche for refuge. For organising the occasion, series of discussions between Taiwan International Tibetan Buddhism Study Institute (ITB) and Taiwan Tibetan Welfare Association (TTWA) had happened over the time, and recently the decision was made with the unanimous willingness shown by both the monastic community and lay people in Taiwan to mark the occasion. Lay Tibetans living in Taiwan took the responsibility of preparing for the occasion on the 23th July 2021 and the actual occasion was marked in the following two days. The occasion was observed for three days in total. This first ever occasion of Tsokbum Chenmo was organized in the capital city Taipei, and we are determined to observe the occasion every year for the goodness of mankind.