shrine to land protectress

"May I be as the mighty earth,

And the free and open skies
To support and provide the space,

Whereby I and all others may grow.

Shantideva

shrine to dorje yudronma

Dorje Yudronma rupa in process, brought from

Nepal by Lama Tashi in 2009, which will be installed

upon completion in 2010.

Dharma lineages in Tibet often have specific Dharma protectors associated with them. Dorje Yudronma is a wisdom deity that manifests out of her compassion in the form of a protectress. Tsoknyi Rinpoche has a special connection with her and asked her to reside on Yeshe Rangsal and help his students clear obstacles and progress on the path. There is a beautiful site on the land to honor her, close to the stupa. A meandering path from the Stupa leads to the Shrine, which initially began as a photo of the protectress with a brief supplication prayer and an offering bowl. Now, thanks to many donors, a permanent shrine to Dorje Yudronma has been completed, where students, retreatants and the public can come to make prayers, offerings, and practice.

Rinpoche inside the Shrine, preparing for the Blessing in 2009

Here is a photo of the nearly completed Shrine in September 2009. The site will have a domed roof with carved wooden precious jewels at each corner, as well as a footpath for circumambulating, and native landscaping.

South-facing shrine entrance 2009

For more about the Dorje Yudronma Shrine, please click here.

A pictorial documentary of the Shrine blessing in 2008:

summer blessing 2008

During the Crestone 2008 August retreats, Rinpoche performed a moving blessing ceremony and dedication for the Dorje Yudronma shrine. Participants walked a rough, winding, but short path on pilgrimage from the teaching tent to the location of the future shrine, where they offered flowers and prayers.