The annual Dorje Sempa Drupchen has begun at Shechen Monastery in Nepal.

The drupchen (a ceremony lasting nine consecutive days and nights) is presided over by Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, assisted by Gyalse Tulku and over 300 monks.

Minling Dorsem or  Mindroling Vajrasattva is a practice on Vajrasattva that is performed  annually at the monastery after Losar. It was  revealed as a terma by Terdak Lingpa, Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje, in 1676.

The monks have created over 100 tormas (butter sculptures) and a large sand mandala for the ceremony. Every afternoon, following the Tsok or feast offering, a ceremonial dance is performed. On the sixth day, a ceremony will be held for those who have died this year.

We are grateful to our new sound system which allows the full richness and beauty of the chanting and music to be clearly heard.

Two other drupchens (Pema Tse Nyingtik and Dorje Phurba) are going on at the same time in the Guru Rinpoche and Tara Temples.