Dear devoted lay and ordained followers across the world,

As everyone is aware, recently there was a devastating natural earthquake in Latö, Dingri and many other areas around the Shigatse region in the snowy land of Tibet. Many people of all ages – young, middle-aged, and old- suddenly lost their lives. Additionally, many were injured, homes were completely destroyed, livestock perished – in short, there has been unbearable damage to people, property, and animals. We express our deep sympathy and condolences with profound emotion for this sorrowful situation.

Here at Pal Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling and its affiliated nunnery Nangkyid Tongsal Ling, as well as at Pema Ösal Ling, located at the sacred Guru Rinpoche practice site at Asura Cave, we are performing Guru Rinpoche’s profound practices including Korwa Dongdruk (Dredging the Depths of Samsara), Zhitro Kunzang Tuktig (Heart Essence of Samantabhadra Peaceful and Wrathful Deities practice), Dechen Zhing Drub (Practice for Rebirth in the Pure Land of Sukhavati), as well as other prayers and rituals to guide the deceased, as well as dedications and aspirations.

Furthermore, following our monastery’s annual scheduled programs, under the guidance of lamas and monks nearly two hundred retreat practitioners from many different places who have previously completed the preliminary practices are currently engaged in a one-month three roots practice retreat. There are also nearly one thousand practitioners doing a one-month preliminary practice retreat. During breaks between sessions, they are accumulating mani mantras and performing prayers.

Simultaneously, at one of our Gomde centers in Europe, nearly one hundred devoted practitioners from around the world are participating in a month-long preliminary practice retreat, and are also accumulating mani mantras during their breaks. We have also encouraged our Gomde centers and Dharma Houses in the US and all over the world to join in practicing for this purpose.

For those who were injured, we are performing practices for their swift recovery and relief from physical and mental suffering, including recitation of the Long Life Sutra, Long Life Dharani, Medicine Buddha Dharani, as well as Barchey Lamsel, Sampa Lhundrub, Tara, and other obstacle-removing rituals, which are ongoing.

We urge all concerned to engage in whatever offerings, prayers, and obstacle-removing rituals they can according to their individual means. We pray from the depths of our hearts to the Three Jewels that such disastrous calamities may become nothing but a distant memory, and that all beings may enjoy the splendor of the dharma, prosperity, freedom, and peace.