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Usually, we have a two month summer vacation according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, from the 10th day of the fourth month until the 10th day of the sixth month, but this year we had two and half months of summer vacation as all our khenpos and monks went to attend a Chakrasamvara teaching, given by H.H. Drikung Kyabgön at Phyang monastery, Ladakh. We not only received these wonderful teachings from H.H., but moreover during every afternoon teaching session, we had very deep and meaningful discussions about the ritual performances. We were fortunate to have some senior monks who had learned all aspects of ritual performances in Tibet. Some of these monks received their education in Drikung Thil and some in Yangrigar. Since the ritual performances in these two monasteries differ a little from each other, the monks had some arguments. Each one of them insisted that what they had learned was correct. Fortunately, we were grateful to have His Holiness make the final decision. After the two weeks teachings by Kyabgön Rinpoche, we had an important and significant Second International Gongchig Conference. All the participants were very impressed by the Gongchig teachings of Lord Jigten Sumgön. Many of the attending scholars didn’t know of the existence of the teachings before and they expressed their good fortune to participate in the seminar.  July 31, was the last day of our summer vacation and all the students and staff members arrived back on time. Before the start of the summer retreat, all the monks cleaned up the areas inside and outside the college. We then began the summer retreat lasting 45 days. Summer retreat started during the Buddha’s lifetime and its main purpose is to protect the summer insects.On the day of full moon on August 5, we started the summer retreat and afterwards we performed the annual puja for three days. The first day we read a text from the Buddha and the next two days we did all the Dharma protector prayers, and in particular Achi Chökyi Drolma’s puja. I hope these prayers bring peace and harmony to each of you and remove all obstacles. Let me mention some of the routines of our summer retreat. The retreat is quite strict compared to some other monasteries. During the summer retreat all the monks have to stay on the college campus and are not allowed to go out at all. During that time we invite a Tibetan doctor to see to the monks’ health once a week. We are not allowed to eat onions or garlic. As mentioned in the Vinaya, if someone eats garlic, even once, he is not allowed to enter the temple for a week. All the bhikshus eat their lunch out of begging bowls and afterwards they make offerings to the local spirits. Every evening we hold special pujas for world peace and harmony. This year there were four monks who graduated from Kagyu College and one of them was invited to teach at Jangchubling and the rest are teaching at the College. We welcome our new English conversation teacher, Mr. Jeff Beach, from the USA. We are grateful to have Mr. Jeff Beach teaching conversation with his native English skills. We also welcome our new secretary and accountant, Mr. Dhondup Rinchen, and more than fifteen new students who came from various locations.  On August 10, we had our annual meeting with teachers, staff, and the managing committee members of the Kagyu College. All members gave their opinions and suggestions to improve conditions and quality of the education. Some teachers expressed their belief that we should teach in a more modern way so students can more easily understand their courses.We are grateful to know that Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche will be coming to Kagyu College for two months starting in December to teach the Gongchig (Dorsherma, rdor sher ma) commentary by one of the closest disciples of Lord Jigten Sumgön, Dorje Sherab Jungne. We would like to inform you that if anyone is interested in receiving this invaluable teaching of the Gongchig commentary, please let us know so we can try to arrange accommodations and food during that time. After completing his teachings by the beginning of next year, we are hoping to hold the Third International Gongchig Conference. Regarding the seminar we will keep you informed from time to time. Every Monday is our day off, so if any of you would like to request us to hold any special puja you are more than welcome to do so. Last but not the least, I pray for the fulfillment of your dreams and to the success of all your Dharma activities. Khenpo Konchok Rangdol Principle of Kagyu College |
The wheel of blessing and power, the symbol HUNG. 
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