Rinpoche leaves his room below the main temple in Dharamsala
to make his way to Tushita
where Lama Zopa Rinpoche welcomes him
Zopa Rinpoche makes prostrations which Khyongla Rinpoche stands for
And then Zopa Rinpoche makes a mandala offering, a symbolic offering of the entire universe and part of the ceremony requesting that Rinpoche live long.
Other lamas offer their respects; Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche—the reincarnation of one of the HH the Dalai Lama’s debating partners and a teacher of Khyongla Rinpoche’s—makes offerings. Behind him is Dragri Rinpoche from who’s predecessor Khyongla Rinpoche received many teachings in Tibet.
Monks of Rato and other monasteries then offer white khatas as a sign of the purity of their thoughts toward Rinpoche
Rinpoche awaits a khata to offer to the throne of His Holiness
The important guests are offered a seat for the group photograph
Zopa Rinpoche is seated
And then it’s over
Rinpoche returns to his room where he prays for the happiness of all sentient beings before gifts he received