Annual Meeting of Drikung Kagyu Institute

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The Annual Meeting of the Drikung Kagyu Institute (DKI) was held on May 5, 2010 in the main conference hall of the Songtsen Library. The meeting was co-organised by the members of DKI and the Songtsen Library. The Chairman of the Governing Council, His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang, teachers, staffs and students of the Songtsen Library, Kagyu College, Jangchubling Monastery and Samtenling Nunnery were all present.

dki02The vice chairman of the DKI Dr. Tashi Samphel gave a warm welcome speech, and Ven. Khenpo Rangdol, the Principal of Kagyu College, gave an introductory speech on account of the DKI and read out the existing reports of the Governing Council. Khenpo Rangdo explained that the main objective of the administration is to take responsibility and resolve every issue and problems related with any department under the administration of DKI. Members should observe the rules and regulations and also to pay attention to sudden occurrences of unfavourable incidents, urgent needs for help of individuals and accidents. He also added that the Council should organise all the annual festivals, pujas, important activities and programs.

Thereafter, Mr. Buchung Bokar, the General Secretary of Jangchubling Monastery, read out the financial reports and the statements of annual expenditure of the DKI and its branches. Mr. Bokar showed his serious concern about the limited budget of the DKI and requested all members to be careful with expenditures.

dki01Finally, His Holiness gave a speech about DKI based on four points: First he recalled some of the history of DKI during its inception and how it was first started meeting many difficulties. Secondly, His Holiness gave an overview on the present situation, its shortcomings and problems. He also gave advice, by stating that we should keep good relationship with each other and collaborate for a common noble goal. He added that in such challenging conditions one should learn how to avoid and also know how to face problems skilfully and peacefully. Thirdly, His Holiness shared some ideas about the annual budget of DKI and gave advice on the careful use of the budget as the committee is facing a shortage of income sources. Holiness said, in order to solve problems resulting from sudden accidents and urgency that we are facing all the time, DKI is in the process of raising the reserve assets of the Emergency & Medical Fund. Finally, Drikung Kyabgön Cheetsang talked about the future of the DKI expressing his great hopes and wishes for peace and happiness to all, through the noble activities of the Drikung Kagyu Institute.

Dr. Tashi Samphel gave a short concluding speech, expressing thanks and offered a scarf to His Holiness for kindly giving advice and direction for the society. The meeting lasted for two and half hours, and though serious issues were discussed there were also delightful moments.

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