Jetsun Thubten Rabgye enthroned as 104th Abbot of Gyudmed Tantric Monastery

LEH: His Eminence Jetsun Thubten Rabgye, formerly the Lama Umze (Vice Abbot) of Gyudmed Tantric Monastery, was formally enthroned as the monastery’s 104th Abbot on October 19, following an official decree of appointment bestowed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The enthronement ceremony was held in accordance with the monastery’s religious traditions and was attended by monks and members of the monastic community. Jetsun Thubten Rabgye was escorted from his residence in a procession carrying incense before being formally invested on the high throne amid the recitation of the Palden Yontenma (Glorious Virtues Prayer).

The ceremony formally established him as the 104th Abbot of the Secret Great Glorious Gyudmed Tantric Monastery.

During the proceedings, the senior administrator and representatives of the monastery’s five Khangtsens presented the traditional mendrel offerings and the three sacred representations.

Following the serving of ceremonial tea and sweet rice, known as dre-sil, His Eminence rose from the throne, paid respects, offered prayers and presented ceremonial scarves, or khata, to the main sacred images. He was subsequently escorted back to his residence by the incense bearers.

As part of the day’s religious observances, the newly enthroned Abbot delivered a brief teaching based on a commentary in the monastery’s debate courtyard. Later, during the monks’ tea gathering, he made single-day offerings and distributions, known as sku-’gyed, to the monastic congregation.

A lunch banquet was subsequently hosted for guests who had travelled from Ladakh, as well as local dignitaries and residents of Rabgayling Tibetan Settlement. Those present included the Rabgayling Tibetan Settlement Officer, settlement staff, the village Chief Councillor, village leaders, resident monks and members of the local community.

In the afternoon, devotees, disciples, monks and other visitors gathered at the Abbot’s residence to offer ceremonial scarves and pay their respects following the enthronement.

The ceremony marked the formal assumption of the abbot’s responsibilities by Jetsun Thubten Rabgye, who previously served as the monastery’s Lama Umze.