RONGTON BUDDHIST CENTRE Inc.



On the 16th of December Tony Agnew arrived at Kathmandu airport on his way to the beginning of what was to be a new life. This was to take place sometime within the schedule of a pilgrimage lead by Lama Choedak Rinpoche, accompanied by 16 other pilgrims. It was uncertain whether this would actually take place. Tony had been contemplating taking robes for some years, after previously travelling to Kathmandu for teachings. This time, many of the lamas were away at teachings at Manduwala - ironically where His Eminence Ludhing Khen Rinpoche resided. Having suffered some previous illheath, it was unsure if we could obtain permission from His Eminence and go ahead with the ordination.



Flying on from Kathmandu and arriving at Pokhara the group paused to visit the Tibetan refugee village where Rinpoche's mother lived. No more information was to be forthcoming about His Eminences condition and hope began to fade even as further inquiries were made by Rinpoche. The idea started to become more remote and the group moved on to Lumbini and beyond.



As the pilgrimage proceeded on to Dehra Dun and the end of the pilgrimage started to draw near finally we arrived at Manduwala, and went in side of His Eminence's monastry with great anticipation - not knowing what was to happen. His Eminence appeared with his wonderful smile and great warmth "It is good to see old friends" he said. Then Rinpoche made the request on behalf of Tony and His Eminence beamed his approval, and all was well. Tony was taken and dressed in robes and proceeded to take His refuge and ordination vows. His Eminence rejoiced and remarked to Venerable Jamyang Tharchin that he had "become good" as in the line in the King of Prayers. "May I become ordained and be good" for the benefit of all sentient beings.