Gyaltsab Rinpoche inaugurates Martam Retreat Centre REBYNA RANA

GANGTOK, 24 Nov: Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, accompanied by Justice, High Court of Sikkim, SP Wangdi, inaugurated the Martam Retreat Center of the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center established under the spiritual direction of the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje here at the Drub-De Yid Wong Sam Ten Ling Center, Martam today.
The Rinpoche consecrated the Retreat Center and led the prayers and rituals.
The Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet, the seat of the Karmapa, is also named Drub-De Yid Wong Sam Ten Ling [Center] and the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, gave the same name to the old retreat center at Rumtek Monastery, it is informed.
The 17th Karmapa had desired that the same name be used for the new Retreat Center in Martam.
It was informed that this is the first project of the 17th Karmapa since he took refuge in India. The reason he chose Sikkim was mainly on account of the fact that the Karmapa’s principal seat outside of Tibet is the Rumtek Monastery here, it was explained.
The construction has maintained the traditional concept of a Mandala with a Main Shrine for common congregation and prayers and surrounded by individual rooms and a central courtyard in the middle. There are provisions for those who want to undertake short spells of meditation/retreat on the lower ground floor with independent access so as not to disturb the main center.
The retreat center can house 22 persons with rooms for the permanent retreat master and visiting Rinpoches, a main shrine hall for prayers, teaching hall and meditation practice room as well.
The construction began sometime in 2006 and was completed by 2010. The finishing touches were given recently after the decision was made to begin the retreat center from this year onwards on the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duechen.
A total of 13 monks will be entering retreat from 26 November which will go on for three years, three months, and three days. The retreat will be under the spiritual guidance of Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche and senior Buddhist priests namely Khenpo Lodro Dheyue of Bokar Monastery in Mirik, West Bengal and Lama Tenzing Gyurmey of Palchen Choling Monastery, Ralong, West Sikkim will guide the retreat.