See Rinpoche’s original letter, or read the text below:

On behalf of the Amitabha Foundation worldwide, the Drikung Charitable Society in India, and the associated Kagyud Thupten Shedrub Jangchubling Monastic Institute, I send my sincere condolences to the grieving families, the people, and the government of Japan following the recent catastrophic earthquake and tsunami.

On March 13, 2011, the Rinpoches, Khenpos and monks of the Monastic Institute conducted special prayers for all those affected by this terrible tragedy, and made butter lamp offerings to the Buddha on their behalf. A special prayer will be held again on this full moon day, dedicated to them.

Since Phowa, the transference of consciousness at death to the Pure Land of Buddha Amitabha, is my main teaching and practice, I performed it for all those who had lost their lives in this disaster.

We will also dedicate our annual intensive Buddhist practice, the 1 Billion Guru Rinpoche Drubchoe starting April 18, for the people of Japan and for all of humanity, that such natural and man-made disasters in the future may be averted, We request all the Buddhist practitioners and monasteries in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and those associated with Amitabha Foundation world-wide, to contribute to this practice and send (NY@amitabhafoundation.us) us their recitations of the Guru Rinpoche mantra to accumulate the 1 billion total.

We dedicate our prayers for world peace and that all beings may live in harmony, and with the aspiration that the environment of our mother the earth may be protected from destruction and hence further natural disasters be averted.

With my prayers and deepest sympathy,

H.E. “Choeje” Ayang Rinpoche

To contribute to the 2011 Guru Rinpoche Drubchoe prayers:

A Guru Rinpoche Long Life Empowerment will be given by Venerable Khenpo Tenzin Rinpoche, headmaster of the shedra (philosophy school) at Ayang Rinpoche’s monastery in South India.  The empowerment will be offered both in New York City (see below) and Olympia, Washington.  Khenpo will also teach on the Prayer to Be Reborn in Dewachen.

Guru Rinpoche Long Life Empowerment

There are many ways to accomplish the wisdom mind of the guru, but the practice of Konchok Chidu is one of the highest and most secret.  Padmasambhava said,  “For the beings of this degenerate time, receiving this precious, unbroken, and blissful teaching is more rare and precious than finding a wish-fulfilling jewel.”

The Long Life Empowerment (Tsewang) of Konchok Chidu, confers Guru Rinpoche’s most profound blessings for long life and freedom from obstacles. Konchok Chidu, meaning “Embodiment of the Precious Ones”, or “Essence of the Supreme Jewels,” is a terma cycle revealed by Jatson Nyingpo (1585 to 1656).  It is a Guru Rinpoche practice which encompasses all the Three Roots: the Lama in the form of Tsokye Dorje, a peaceful manifestation of Guru Rinpoche; the Yidam, Guru Drakpo, a wrathful manifestation of Guru Rincpohe; and the Khandro, Senge Dongma.

This empowerment may be received just for its blessing power.

Those who are not able to attend but who would like to make a connection with the Long Life ceremony, may request a candle offering and prayers in their own name or in the name of a loved one (family member, friend, or pet).

Amitabha’s Pure Land of Great Bliss

Teachings on Aspiration Prayer to Be Reborn In Dewachen

Known for its profound blessing power, recitation of the Aspiration Prayer to Be Reborn In Dewachen, by Raga Asya (Karma Chagme), complements meditation on Buddha Amitabha within any tradition.  Raga Asya has said it has the power to dispel obstacles in this life and cause rebirth in Buddha Amitabha’s Pure Land of Great Bliss.

Please join us in this rare opportunity to receive in-depth and detailed instruction from an eminent scholar and accomplished meditation master on the meaning and actualization of this inspirational prayer, which is practiced by many different Buddhist lineages.

Venerable Khenpo Tenzin Rinpoche

Khenpo was born in 1970 in Zhangang, Bhutan. At 15, he joined Tali Monastery and learned mask dances of Drukpa Kagyud and heart essence (Nying-Thig) sects with great perseverance. He matriculated at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute in 1990 and completed his studies of Sutras and Tantras including Tibetan Grammar. He was conferred a Master Degree in Buddhist Philosophy in 2001 and Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy in 2006. At present, he teaches at Ayang Rinpoche’s Institute in Bylakuppe.

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DEAR ALL,

AS THE YEAR 2010 ENDS, FORGET THE THINGS THAT MADE YOU SAD*** REMEMBER, THOSE THAT MADE YOU GLAD*** FORGET THE TROUBLES THAT PASSED AWAY***REMEMBER THE BLESSINGS THAT CAME YOUR WAY*** WE TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH YOU ALL, SEASON’S GREETINGS AND BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR!!! MAY YOU ALL BE SUCCESSFUL WITH YOUR  DHARMA PRACTICES FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL SENTIENT BEINGS!!!

YOURS IN THE DHARMA,

AYANG RINPOCHE, PALCHEN GALO RINPOCHE AND ALL THE MONKS AND THE STAFF OF AMITABHA FOUNDATION AND DRIKUNG CHARITABLE SOCIETY.