Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche Pilgrimage to Wutai Shan. - Shambhala

(sound of chanting, bells and gongs) Narration by President of Shambhala, Richard Reoch. High in the mountains of northern China is one of the world's most revered sites, Wu Tai Shan, the sacred abode of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. It is a place of drala that the Vidyadhara, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche always wished to visit. (sound of chanting, bells and gongs) As the reincarnation of Mipham the Great, who in his lifetime was enthroned as a living embodiment of Manjushri, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche held for a long time the aspiration to undertake a personal pilgrimage to this sacred site. In March 2007, he visited the principal temples and monasteries nestled among the mountain's five peaks. Most poignant of all, was the visit to a stupa, built by American nun, Ani Lodro, in commemoration of the great meditation master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, heart-friend of Trungpa Rinpoche and teacher of the Sakyong. His Holiness' writings filled 25 volumes, described by a close disciple as a veritable encyclopedia of practice texts, commentaries, prayers and poems. (the Shambhala Anthem is being sung) At his cremation, the Shambhala Anthem was the last offering, made before his funeral pyre was lit. After prostrating, making offerings, and circumambulating his stupa, the pilgrims again offered the anthem before bidding farewell.