Leo Dunma prayers begin at Tashiding

GANGTOK, 25 Nov: One lakh recitations of ‘Leo Dunma’ prayer began at Tashiding Monastery in West Sikkim on 23 November at 5 a.m. on the occasion of Guru Tshe-Chu. Kyabje Gyari Lodoe Rinpoche, Miniling Tulku Penam, Nayten Chogling Rinpoche and Tingkoe Gonjang Rinpoche were present for the inaugural session, joined by around 300 monks representing 30 monasteries, mostly from Nyingmapa and Kagyupa sects, from all over Sikkim, informs a release issued by S Gyatso [Joint Director, Ecclesiastical Affairs Department]. The one lakh recitations of the prayer is expected to continue for around 15 days.
The prayer congregation is being jointly organized by Lobpon Tempa Gyatso of Pemayangtse, monks of Tashiding and Jamyang Dorje under the patronage of Kyabje Gyari Rinpoche, Miniling Penam Tulku,  Kyabje Sogyal Rinpoche, Phagchog Rinpoche, Nayten Chogling Rinpoche and Richard Gary from USA. The Department of Ecclesiastical Affairs represented the State Government at the inaugural session and offered the prayer contribution.
The prayer, it is informed, propitiates Guru Padmasambhava’s blessing to restore peace in the entire world and also to ward off natural calamities. More monks and Rinpoches are expected to join the prayer in the coming days.
Leo Dunma means ‘Seven Chapters of Payer’ and is believed to have been prescribed by Guru Padmasambhava himself on the behest of his closest devotees on his departure from Tibet. He is said to have instructed his devotees that “whenever you are in trouble, you may invoke me by reciting this prayer; I will certainly come to your rescue”. Its power value is immeasurable and is often recited by lamas to remove obstacles during a journey or during the start of domestic or professional works, the release informs. All well wishers have been invited to participate or contribute to make this prayer successful.