Kentucky – August 23-24, 08 – During the last two days of August, Vietnam Buddhist Institute (The Dharma Institute) solemnly organized Amitabha Buddha Initiation Assembly , and Enthronement Ceremony of the Statue of Guru Rinpoche at the monastery grounds located in the midst of peaceful nature in Kentucky, USA.
The conference was chaired by Two Great Masters of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage:
- Drupon Rinchen Dorje Rinpoche – Director of Ratna Shri Center in Chicago
- Drupon Thinley Ningpo – a Master from Nagchu Monastery (Tibet), currently in the United States.
The presence and co-presiding of the two Masters brought a powerful source of energy, opening up a rare opportunity for the public to access the orthodox lineage and profound practice of Vajrayana.
From preparation to ceremony – All are offered with the heart.
Before the Dharma Assembly, the atmosphere at the Vietnam Buddhist Institute was filled with energy as monks, nuns, and laymen and laywomen together set up the stage, prepared the Dharma instruments, set up the altar, and organized the logistics. The simple yet meaningful images – from setting up the gate to “The Dharma Institute”, arranging each cup of water for offerings, to each shared meal – all reflected the spirit of unity, Dharma protection, and compassion.
Guru Rinpoche Statue Installation Ceremony – Planting Good Roots for the New Land
On the morning of August 23, 8, monks and the public gathered in the area. Gazebo to celebrate Enshrinement of the Lotus-Born Statue – the Patriarch of Tibetan Buddhism. The statue was blessed, enshrined and placed in the traditional Tantric ritual, under the direct guidance of two Drupons and the support of Ani Dechen Zangmo and Buddhist monks from all over the world.
This is an important first step for building spiritual foundation solidify the Buddhist Institute – which will become a center for study, practice and continuation of the Drikung Kagyu lineage in the United States.
Amitabha Buddha Initiation Assembly – Transmitting the Light of Pure Land
On the same afternoon and throughout August 24, the Dharma assembly continued with Amitabha Buddha Initiation Ceremony – the Buddha who presides over the Western Paradise – co-chaired by two Masters. The congregation was taught profound teachings about the Pure Land, practiced reciting the name, made vows to be reborn, and opened the Bodhi mind under direct guidance.
The serene, tranquil atmosphere at the monastery combined with spiritual blessings has helped many people feel a profound inner transformation. Rainbow image appeared before the ceremony considered a good omen, symbolizing the sacred blessings from Buddha and Dharma Protectors.
Harmonious religion - Deep dharma affinity
More than just a Dharma assembly, the event is also a place to connect generations of Buddhists, from the elderly to young people coming to Vajrayana for the first time. Moments of daily life – eating, chatting, laughing – between the Masters and lay people created an intimate, compassionate space.
New step forward of Vietnam Buddhist Academy
This Dharma Assembly is not only a sacred Dharma ceremony, but also a milestone marking the growth and remarkable development of Vietnam Buddhist AcademyWith the support of two learned spiritual teachers, Buddhist communities and volunteers everywhere, the monastery has begun to radiate the light of compassion and wisdom in America.
🙏 Namo Amitabha Buddha
🙏 Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum
