treasure vase for the dandenongs

Today I joined with Khentrul Rinpoche and members of the Tibetan Buddhist Rime Institute to participate in a Treasure Vase Ceremony for the Dandenong Ranges. I was invited along as the community representative for the Dandenongs.

The ceremony was lead by Khentrul Rinpoche with the day including two special celebrations, one to generate blessings for the local community and rejuvenation of the environment, the other to celebrate the birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama tomorrow.

The Treasure Vase is filled with jewels, medicines and holy relics, blessed and buried. Community members were invited to join in and contribute their own items as well as special 'dirt pills' and blessings prepared by Rinpoche.

Participants were also given a mantra to bestow on them good wishes and blessings in the Buddhist tradition.

It was a beautiful ceremony and a reminder of the great diversity we enjoy in this country. Our community is certainly spiritually richer for their contribution.