Conference on ‘Dzogchen Rigdzin Sogdrup’ at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), Deorali, in collaboration with the Ecclesiastical department, Government of Sikkim, is organizing a two-day State-level conference on “Dzogchen Rigdzin Sogdrup: Foundational Tantra of Bayul Dremojong” from November 6 to 7 at the NIT conference hall, Deorali here. The event is being held as part of the ongoing celebrations marking 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood.

The inaugural session was attended by Rural Development minister Arun Upreti as the chief guest, with Gyalse Palden Gyurmed Namgyal as the guest of honour. Senior lamas, scholars, monks, and representatives from Buddhist associations across Sikkim were also present.

Rigdzin Sogdrup, a sacred treasure text (terma) revealed by Terton Gyalwa Lhatsun Namkha Jigme Kunzang Namgyal, forms the foundation of this conference. The event aims to provide a platform for the monastic community of Sikkim to discuss, preserve, and promote the practice of Rigdzin Sogdrup and to ensure the continuity of this spiritual lineage.

Through keynote addresses, academic papers, and oral history presentations, the conference seeks to encourage in-depth discussions among monastic scholars on diverse ritual practices associated with Rigdzin Sogdrup across Sikkimese monasteries. The deliberations are expected to help sustain the authenticity of these traditions while fostering uniformity in rituals and practices.

The conference focuses on four key thematic areas: the lineage of the Lamas, melodic variations in changtin, differences in ritual musical instruments, and variations in ritual offerings. The discussions are expected to help preserve the sanctity of the teachings and further strengthen shared understanding within the Sangha community. The medium of instruction for the conference is Lhoke and Tibetan.

In his address, minister Arun Upreti highlighted the spiritual and cultural significance of Rigdzin Sogdrup and Vidyarasa Jivanasiddhi, describing them as profound treasures of meditation, wisdom, and enlightenment that continue to guide humanity’s inner path. He emphasized that the teachings of Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, who revealed Sikkim as the sacred hidden land (Beyul Dremajong), form the very foundation of Sikkim’s cultural and spiritual identity. He also noted the importance of adapting these ancient traditions to contemporary contexts while retaining their depth and essence.

The minister expressed appreciation for the efforts of the NIT and the Ecclesiastical department in preserving and promoting Sikkim’s spiritual heritage through such initiatives.

Guest of honour Gyalse Palden Gyurmed Namgyal commended the organizers for hosting this significant conference and reflected on the visionary leadership of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, founder of NIT, who established the institute to preserve Tibetan language, culture, and spiritual traditions. He also acknowledged the continued contributions of Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal in nurturing the lineage of Gyalwa Lhatsun Namkha Jigme through his support for monasteries, monastic education, and the compilation of authoritative Rigdzin Sogdrup texts.

He further proposed the establishment of a Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal Chair at NIT - supported by the royal family - to promote research, teaching, and the study of the Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo tradition, emphasizing that collective effort is needed to safeguard and advance Sikkim’s living heritage.

Earlier in the event, Khenchen Tshering Rinpoche delivered the keynote address, while NIT director Dr. Passang D. Phempu presented an overview of the objectives of the conference.

The programme saw the presence of Rinpoches, Trulkus, Khenpos, Tsampos, dignitaries, and members of the monastic community, along with officials and staff of the NIT and the Ecclesiastical department.