Sacred Avalokiteshvara Fasting Empowerment Bestowed by His Eminence Sangay Rangjung Rinpoche in New York

Elmhurst, NY — On the auspicious full moon day, hundreds of devotees and community members filled the United Sherpa Association (Sherpa Kyidug) Monastery for a spiritually significant gathering organized by the Dolakha Shyama Sherpa Association of America. The highlight of the day was the rare opportunity to receive teachings, blessings, and the Wang (empowerment) and Lung (oral transmission) of the Avalokiteshvara fasting practice (Nyungné), bestowed by His Eminence Khen Sangay Rangjung Rinpoche.

During his address, Rinpoche spoke about the profound significance of taking refuge in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—as the foundation of all Buddhist practice. He emphasized that before beginning the Avalokiteshvara fasting retreat, it is essential to first receive the proper empowerment (Wang) and oral transmission (Lung). These empowerments, he explained, not only authorize the practitioner to engage in the practice but also connect them directly to the blessings and compassionate energy of Thousand-Armed Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara).

Following his teaching, Rinpoche    bestowed both the Avalokiteshvara fasting empowerment and the oral transmission to all assembled practitioners. The ceremony was conducted with great solemnity and devotion, creating a deeply moving atmosphere for everyone present.

(Venerable Tulku, Khenpos and Lamas with His Eminence)

The event was further graced by the presence of Venerable Urgen Tulku Rinpoche, along with  Khnepo Pema Chhiri Sherpa, other venerable monks, and a large gathering of devoted lay practitioners. Together, they participated in prayers, offerings, and sacred rituals, making the occasion a rare and precious opportunity for the entire community.

Held with the aspiration for world peace and the well-being of all sentient beings, the gathering brought together Sherpa, Tibetan, Nepali, and other Himalayan Buddhist practitioners from across the United States. Participants engaged in prayers, meditation, and traditional offerings, making it both a cultural and spiritual reunion for the community.

(Members of Dolakha Syama Sherpa Samaj with His Eminence)

About His Eminence Khen Sangay Rangjung Rinpoche

Born in 1960 in Dolakha, Nepal, a remote Himalayan district, Khen Sangay Rangjung Rinpoche entered monastic life at the age of seven. Recognized early for his devotion and brilliance, he embarked on a lifelong journey into the teachings of the Nyingma tradition, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism.

After completing his basic studies in Nepal, Rinpoche advanced his education at the prestigious Ngagyur Nyingma Institute at Namdroling Monastery in Karnataka, India, earning the title of Khenpo (equivalent to a Ph.D. in Buddhist philosophy) in 1994 under the guidance of His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche, the 11th throneholder of the Palyul lineage.

He has received profound empowerments and transmissions from some of the most revered Tibetan Buddhist masters, including:

• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche – renowned Rimé (non-sectarian) master.

• Dudjom Rinpoche and Dudjom Yangsi Rinpoche – heads of the Dudjom lineage.

• Penor Rinpoche – head of the Palyul tradition.

• Chatral Sangay Dorje Rinpoche – a famed Dzogchen master known for his strict discipline.

Rinpoche is the founder of Ngagyur Phayul Urgyen Dorje Chöling Monastery in Pharping, Nepal—a thriving institution with over 600 monks, producing highly qualified Dharma teachers and recognized by Nepal’s Ministry of Education. His monastery combines deep spiritual practice with rigorous academic training, including Buddhist philosophy, ritual, and meditation.

In recent years, Rinpoche has traveled extensively, sharing the Dharma across Europe, the United States, and Asia, inspiring communities to live with compassion, wisdom, and discipline. His teachings stress that without purifying the heart, true peace cannot be achieved, either within oneself or in the world.

This weekend’s event in New York left participants deeply moved, strengthening both their spiritual commitment and communal bonds. Many described it as a rare and precious blessing to receive such direct guidance from a master of Rinpoche’s caliber.

Photo Courtesy: Sangay Sherpa

For more photos from the event, please click here.