Lama Tsongkhapa Day-Guru Puja

with Geshe Sonam

Lama Tsongkhapa Day, or Ganden Ngamchoe, is a celebration of the anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s parinirvana. Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) is one of the most significant Tibetan Buddhist masters, whose studies and meditations in all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism resulted in the founding of the Gelugpa lineage, which is lineage of the FPMT.

This year is especially significant as it is the 600th anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa Day. We warmly invite you to join in this special celebration to practice Guru puja together with Tsog offering. You are welcome to bring a small offering. Traditional offerings are sweets, fruit, inscense or flowers. You are also welcome to bring a vegetarian dish to share at 2:00 after the practice.

If you are unable to attend here are some practices recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche that you can do at home.

How is Ganden Ngamchoe celebrataed in Tibet?

Ganden Ngamchoe is a celebrated on the 25th day of the 10th month in the Tibetan calendar. Tibetans light butter lamps on their windowsills or rooftops and recite prayers in memory of Lama Tsongkhapa. In Lhasa the Barkhor is packed with people circumambulating the Jokhang. Thousands of butter lamps are lit inside and outside the monasteries and monks gather in the main assembly hall for prayer. GandenNgamchoe is popularly ended with a family dinner of Tibetan noodle called Bhakthuk in the evening.

Please see this lovely video of celebrations at Kopan Monestary

Location