Mindrolling Vajrasattva Teachings
Teachings bestowed by Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön
On the 10th of July, 2026, many fortunate students gathered at Mindrolling USA, the largest Mindrolling center outside of Tibet and India, as Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön bestowed the first part of the the cycle of teachings on the Generation and Completion Stages of the Mindrolling Vajrasattva sadhana. These teachings provided a thorough introduction to the Vajrayana skillful means, and an opportunity for students to deepen their practice and enrich their understanding of the many aspects of sadhana ritual practice.
It is said that Vajrasattva is the lord of all the Buddha families, and the Minling Dorsem terma of Chögyal Terdag Lingpa, the founder of Mindrolling, is renowned as the single essence of all sadhana practices. As the main practice of the Mindrolling International sangha, the Mindrolling Dharmashri study groups, and Lotus Garden in particular, the sangha rejoiced at receiving such extensive and detailed teachings on this profound practice from Rinpoche and Jetsünla.
The program began with a warm welcome, after which the gathered sangha offered mandala and the representations of the three supports of body, speech and mind to Rinpoche on behalf of all the students at Lotus Garden and those who joined in online, as the traditional request for the teachings.
Throughout the two blessed weeks, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, with immense generosity and kindness, elucidated the meaning and the essential points of the view and the practice, unveiling the wisdom of this profound liturgy with great clarity. In seamless harmony, Minling Jetsünla guided fortunate students through the ritual aspects of the sadhana—such as mudras and instruments—revealing their meaning and deep connection with the profound Vajrayana skillful means, instilling great inspiration in all gathered. Thus in this most precious and rare manner, the two melodious voices of Mindrolling joined in mutual resonance as a unified stream of teachings and instructions.
In the evenings after the teachings, the Dharma Instructors led practical classes, instructing the gathered assembly on the making of torma, explaining the shrine set up, and other aspects of the practice.
In this way the first segment of this cycle of sadhana practice has been taught extensively, establishing the strong foundation of view, meditation, and practice. This in-depth program on Generation and Completion and the Vajrasattva Sadhana will continue in the next series of teachings.
While the program took place in-person in Lotus Garden, it was broadcast simultaneously online, making it possible for sangha members from around the world to receive these teachings, which were translated live into Czech, French, German, Greek, Polish, Spanish, and Chinese.
Three-Day Inaugural Vajrasattva Drubchö
At the conclusion of the Vajrasattva teachings, and as part of the inauguration of the Mindrol Gatsal Temple, the entire assembly engaged in a three-day Vajrasattva Drubchö, or extensive sadhana practice. From July 22nd to 24th, 2026, the young generation of Mindrolling lineage holders—Minling Dungse Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Rinpoche—presided over the practice along with Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, Minling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön, and Tulku Marpa Rinpoche. The Mindrolling rinpoches, tulkus, umdze, khenpos, monks, nuns, and sangha members from all around the world practiced together in this great accumulation of merit and purification. As a support for this profound practice, the elaborate mandala of Minling Dorsem was constructed with all the tormas and adornments carefully prepared by the Mindrolling monks and nuns. For three days, the sangha practiced together in harmony with great joy and celebration at the precious opportunity to accomplish this drubchö of the Minling Dorsem as a sangha to celebrate the official inauguration of the Mindrol Gatsal Temple.
Celebrating the Inauguration of Mindrol Gatsal Temple at Lotus Garden
On the 25th of July, the joyous inaugural celebration of Mindrol Gatsal took place. This marked the joyful opening of the new temple at Mindrolling USA. Beginning this most auspicious day with practices for gathering all good circumstances and pacifying obstacles, the sangha made sang offerings, and raised lungta prayer flags with joyful auspicious cries of “ki ki so so!” Then the Sangha circumambulated the land all holding lit butter lamps and incense, then placing the offerings at the feet of the Buddha statue in the Buddha Park, and with deep aspirations that the Dharma will flourish as the cause for liberation and freedom from suffering for all sentient beings.
After making the offerings, the procession entered the Mindrol Gatsal Temple, where the inauguration ceremony continued with a heart-touching speech by Acarya Judy Wolfer, that with warmth, wisdom, and humor, acknowledged the innumerable aspects that led to this profound moment. Acarya Judy Wolfer recounted the story of how the new temple came to be, beginning with Kyabje Minling Trichen Rinpoche’s prophetic vision and the finding of the land, the leadership of Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Minling Jetsünla, the years of tireless effort and the countless contributions of the entire sangha and many others, all the way up to the completion of this beautiful temple.
Read the Welcome address for the inauguration here.
On behalf of the Mindrolling Lineage, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche presented precious mementos to all gathered, while the sangha recited the verses of auspiciousness, aspirations, and dedications for the spread of the teachings.
The inauguration was honored with the presence of many guests including general contractor Mark Good and Traci Good, Stanley town manager Terri Pettit, representatives of the Mindrolling Association from New York, and members of the New York and Charlottesville communities of Tibetans, Bhutanese, Nepalese, and those from various Himalayan regions.
The celebration afterwards continued with a celebratory meal and joyful afternoon spent together as one Mindrolling sangha of family and friends.
Minling Dungse Rinpoche’s Birthday Celebration
This year, once more, the Mindrolling Sangha celebrates the birthdays of Minling Dungse Rinpoche, Minling Jetsün Rinpoche, Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön making sincere aspirations and accumulating great merit dedicated to their long lives, vast activities, and continued presence.
The Mindrolling International sangha came together to make offerings to charities dedicated to caring for and feeding beings who are in great need. to the dog shelter in Bhutan, a horse sanctuary that cares for old and disabled horses, and various charities for feeding those in need. The sangha again made donated to the dog shelter in Bhutan to support their wonderful activities. The dog shelter continues to grow and provide even better care, protection, and medical support to dogs in both Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan. The shelter cares for over 800 rescue dogs, and donations go directly to food, facilities, and medical care for the dogs.
In addition, the sangha made donations to a horse sanctuary that cares for old and disabled horses in the Czech Republic. The sanctuary will use the donation to provide food and care to their horses, many of whom are blind and deaf and need much care and attention. Donations were also made to different organizations that provide meals and supplies to families and individuals who are not able to provide for themselves.
Such an offering, made with the sincere, unified aspirations of all sangha members and dedicating the great merit for the long lives, freedom from obstacles, and vast Dharma activities of the current and future Mindrolling Lineage holders is a wonderful expression of the sangha’s gratitude, devotion, and commitment to the Dharma. May it bring the growth and flourishing of the lineage, which remains as a rare, precious, and steadfast pillar of sanity and goodness in the world.
On the 28th of July, the day of birthday of Dungse Rinpoche, offerings were made to the shelter, and the sangha present in Lotus Garden celebrated with offering of mandala, tensum and auspicious prayers.
Throughout the entire month of July, in the heart of North America, in the state of Virginia, the Joyous Garden of Ripening and Liberation—the Mindrol Gatsal Temple at Lotus Garden—the Dharma resounded and sacred activity was continually accomplished. May it shine continuously as a brilliant beacon of the authentic Buddhadharma and bring benefit to countless beings!