A Month of Profound Teachings, Dedicated Practice, and Joyful Sangha in the Czech Republic
In June 2026, on the most auspicious full-moon day of the sacred month of Saga Dawa, the Mindrolling Vajra Assembly 2026 commenced in the Czech Republic. Hundreds of practitioners from the Mindrolling International Sangha gathered with one heart and one aspiration to receive the profound teachings, empowerments, transmissions, and personal guidance of our precious gurus, Kyabje Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön.
This most fortunate gathering was further blessed by the presence of the thirteenth generation of the Mindrolling lineage holders, Kyabje Minling Dungse Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Rinpoche, who later presided over the three-day Mahasangha Drubchö of Minling Dorsem (Vajrasattva) along with khenpos, monks, and nuns of Mindrolling.
The month-long Vajra Assembly began during the sacred month of Saga Dawa with the traditional offerings of sang, protector practices, serkyem offerings, and the raising of lungta prayer flags. Through these auspicious ceremonies, the entire assembly established a vast field of merit and aspiration, setting the sacred foundation for the weeks of intensive study, contemplation, and practice that followed.
The opening Mandala Offering and Tensum ceremony beautifully inaugurated the Vajra Assembly, filling the gathering with devotion, inspiration, and the blessings of the lineage. From that moment onward, each day unfolded as an extraordinary opportunity to receive the authentic Dharma through profound teachings, oral transmissions, guided meditation, and practice.
For twenty-one inspiring days, Kyabje Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche tirelessly and generously bestowed teachings and transmissions while personally guiding daily practice sessions. Under Rinpoche’s compassionate guidance, the Sangha immersed itself wholeheartedly in the study and application of the Dharma.
Whether beneath brilliant sunshine, strong winds, or gentle rain, practitioners gathered each day in the chögar (Dharma encampment) with unwavering discipline, joyful diligence, and sincere enthusiasm. Every evening concluded with the community assembling once again for evening solka (protectors’ practice) and aspiration prayers, dedicating the merit of the day for the flourishing of the Dharma and the benefit of all beings. Throughout the assembly, the atmosphere was one of harmony, mutual respect, and heartfelt friendship, reflecting the genuine strength and unity of the Vajra Sangha.
On the auspicious Dakini Day, the twenty-fifth lunar day, Rinpoche led the assembly in the accomplishment of the Guru Rinpoche Ganacakra. Through livestream, practitioners from around the world were able to join this sacred practice, allowing the blessings of the assembly to extend far beyond those gathered physically in the Czech Republic.
Mahasangha Drubchö
Following the Vajra Assembly, the biennial Mahasangha Gathering took place with the three-day Minling Dorsem (Vajrasattva) Drubchö. This profound practice was led by the younger generation of Mindrolling lineage holders, Kyabje Minling Dungse Rinpoche and Kyabje Minling Jetsün Rinpoche. Their remarkable composure, confidence, devotion, and unwavering presence inspired the entire assembly and beautifully demonstrated the living continuity of the precious Mindrolling lineage.
Throughout the Drubchö, the continued guidance and presence of Kyabje Minling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Minling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön enabled practitioners to deepen their understanding of Vajrayana’s profound skillful methods while strengthening their confidence in practice.
The Drubchö concluded with the traditional Jinseg Fire Offering, followed by the beautiful Marme Mönlam (Butter Lamp Prayer Ceremony), during which numerous lamps were offered for peace, harmony, and the welfare of the world. The gathering concluded with the recitation of the extensive Verses of Auspiciousness, bringing this sacred month of practice to a joyful and deeply moving close.
At the conclusion of the final session, members of the sangha offered khatags to our precious teachers in heartfelt gratitude. With extraordinary warmth, kindness, and grace, the gurus personally received every practitioner, leaving an enduring impression of compassion and generosity in the hearts of all.
Such a remarkable gathering was made possible through the vast ritual expertise and tireless dedication of the senior Mindrolling and Samten Tse monastics, whose precision and devotion maintained the integrity of every practice. It was equally supported by the exceptional efforts of the translation team, who made the teachings accessible in seven languages, allowing practitioners from many countries to receive the Dharma directly.
The Vajra Assembly was further sustained by the seamless cooperation of the administration and Mindrol Lekshey teachers and members, the shrine room team, the torma team, volunteers, medical team, registration staff, kitchen and food team, and many other support teams, together with the hospitality team and tireless work of Hanka, Mr. Zuzak, and their staff members. The collective services, offered with humility, harmony, and joyful dedication, created the conditions for the Dharma to flourish throughout the month.
These precious weeks of study, contemplation, meditation, and practice strengthened the faith and determination of everyone in attendance. More importantly, they served as a living reminder that the authentic Dharma continues to flourish through the unbroken blessings of the lineage, the guidance of qualified masters, and the sincere diligence of devoted practitioners.
As has become a cherished tradition, the Vajra Assembly concluded with joyful community activities that celebrated the deep friendships formed throughout the retreat. Sangha members gathered for a memorable dinner cruise along Prague’s beautiful Vltava River, sharing laughter, wonderful singing and joyful appreciation of one another, after weeks of intensive practice. Continuing the excitement inspired by the international football season, the Vajra Assembly’s own friendly VIFA (Vajra International Football Association) match brought together participants of all ages in a spirit of camaraderie, laughter, and joyful connection—beautifully expressing that genuine Dharma practice also blossoms through kindness, friendship, and shared happiness.
May the blessings of the precious Mindrolling lineage continue to shine unobstructed throughout the world.
May all practitioners persevere with courage, diligence, and unwavering devotion until the highest aspirations of the Dharma are completely fulfilled.
May all the merit accumulated through this Vajra Assembly and Mahasangha Gathering become the cause for lasting peace, the flourishing of the Buddhadharma, and the complete liberation of all mother-like sentient beings.
