Lama Jampa was honoured to host Lama Kunga Thartse Rinpoche at the Sakya Dechen Ling on Thursday evening for the initiation of Medicine Buddha as transmitted in the Sakya lineage. Rinpoche and Lama Jampa have both taught at each other's centres in San Francisco and Los Angeles respectively, so the connection was further strengthened when Rinpoche offered this initiation at the Dechen centre in London during a short holiday visiting relatives. Although this was the first time that Rinpoche had taught in the UK, his late brother, Thartse Khen Rinpoche had previously visited a number of Dechen centres when he came to the UK in 1981.
Around 30 people, mainly Dechen students from London and Bristol, but also some members of the Tibetan community in London, gathered for the occasion. After Rinpoche bestowed the initiation, he explained the significance and power of the practice of Medicine Buddha with particular reference to his own success in overcoming cancer of the lymphatic glands by relying on the practice. Lama Jampa thanked him for his kindness on behalf of us all and noted that Rinpoche was like an undiscovered jewel in the American dharma landscape. Finally, we were treated to some delicious Tibetan delicacies which had been specially prepared by the Tibetans in attendance.
