Recognition of Gyalwa Jampa as Jetsun Milarepa

by Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple)

Background

The Golden Temple is a Buddhist Monastery based on the three pillars, The Buddha, The Dharma and the Sangha. Popularly known as the Tri Ratna, it means the three jewels, The Buddha (wisdom), Dharma (the right path) and Sangha (the unity of virtuous people). It is said if we human beings follow the Tri Ratna, our life will be peaceful and we can ultimately help all others as well. With a membership of 5,000 Vajracharya and Shakya members, a direct blood lineage of Shakyamuni Buddha himself, it is a Buddhist Monastery of both Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.

The monastery has a history of 2,000 years plus and is also an example of the peaceful co-existence between Vedic and Buddhist Spiritual thought. The Buddhist daily rituals are still continuing according to its ancient traditions.

"Kwabaha" as the temple is commonly referred to in the Newari language, contains an archive of rare detailed authentic records which are kept stored and unseen. These include palm leaf documents, inscriptions on copper plate and stone and more.

It is said that many documents of religious, cultural and historical value are to be found in the archives of Kwabaha.

In November of 2006 During the "Prayers for Peace Dharshan" H. H. Jetsun Gyalwa Jampa Gonpo, Tibetan for The Buddha Maitreya, was spontaneously invited for a ceremony of Recognition and honor at the Golden Temple.

During the ceremony a rare story of Milarepa, relating to this temple was presented and translated to the Western group by Dr. B. P. Upreti. This story was one which bears a striking similarity to incidents in the life of the precious saint Guru Rinpoche and will be posted soon along with its translation.

Certificate

Prayers for Peace, Dharshan 2005

Ceremonial Recognition of H. H. Gyalwa Jampa The Jetsun Milarepa by the Nepali Vajracharyas, descendents of Shakyamuni Buddha's clan who are responsible for upholding the unbroken lineage of practice which includes possibly the only oral practice of the prajnaparamita in the world. At no time even during revolutions of Nepal when all businesses and temples were shut down, has the practice there stopped. Special permit by the King himself has always exempted the Golden Temple from closing it's doors. Also unique in the world, are archives dating back 2,000 years on papyrus, copper plate and stone which have never been released.

Transcription of the Certificate

We are highly pleased to have opportunity to welcome you in this holy shrine Niranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) is situated at Kwalakhu,16, Sub-Metropolitan City, Lalitapur, Nepal. We hope that your visit to this Buddhaland will promote peace all over this coutnry and around the World.

Milarepa was the most saintly and austere of all the great masters of meditation, you were the fourth patriarch of Kargupa School passing from Tilopa, Naropa and Marpa, your status in the history of Buddhist Philosophy and so on.

It is believed that Milarepa was born at Kya-Nagatra in Lapache Village in the district of Dokha in Nepal.

You are visiting this former motherland to show your devotion. We are highly obliged and thank you.

Ashakhaji Bajrachrya and Dharma Ratna Shakya

Click here to view the video of the Golden Temple Recognition cermony