H.H. the 11th Panchen Lama presents a precious statue of Lama Tsongkapa to the 20th Denma Gonsa Rinpoche

An astounding 400,000 people attended the Monlam Festival in Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s Sampheling Monastery in Chatreng, Tibet from 5-12 March, 2014. The Gelugpa Monlam Chenmo (or Great Prayer Festival), one of the most significant religious events in Buddhist Tibet, was established by Lama Tsongkapa in 1409. Without doubt, the overwhelming response in Sampheling Monastery on this occasion is testament to Chatreng’s intense guru devotion and faith in their pure lineage and great protector Dorje Shugden.

Today, Sampheling Monastery is the pride and crown jewel of the people of Chatreng. Currently, the monastery has hundreds of monks and thousands of lay devotees, who are responsible for the rebuilding of the great monastery. In grandeur, Lama Tsongkhapa’s statue stands three stories high inside the monastery and the main gate, with its unique design, was lovingly hand crafted by the devotees.

400,000 people attended the Monlam Chenmo celebrations in Sampheling Monastery, Chatreng

The rich history of Chatreng is unquestionably interwoven with the great H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, whom Chatrengpas venerate as “their” lama. One of the greatest masters of recent times, Kyabe Trijang Dorje Chang is the teacher, direct or indirect, of practically all Gelugpa lamas teaching Dharma today, including H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. In fact, most of the Dalai Lama’s teachings, commentaries and practices he is transmitting today arise from Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang was also the holder of the Ganden Oral tradition, passed to him in its entirety by his root guru, Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche, and a staunch proponent of Dorje Shugden’s practice.

The people of Chatreng will always be remembered for their pivotal role in helping the 14th Dalai Lama escape the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. It was none other than Dorje Shugden, via the Panglung Oracle, who selected a group of brave warriors from Chatreng to escort the Dalai Lama out of Tibet and into India. Why? Because Chatreng’s people are known for their bravery, loyalty and unquestioning devotion to Dorje Shugden. This group of warriors, known as the Chushi Gangdruk, were the Dalai Lama’s personal bodyguards in his flight to safety and although many unfortunately perished in this historical heroic act, their sacrifice has allowed Tibetan Buddhism to flourish across the world.

In short, the people of Chatreng have unshakable faith in their guru, their pure lineage and their protector. No wonder that despite the best efforts of the Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration, Chatrengpas remain steadfast to H.H. Trijang Rinpoche and Dorje Shugden, and will never change their views for the sake of convenience or political correctness.

More photos from the Monlam Chenmo celebrations in Sampheling Monastery