Some of the members of the MBC community recently had the great honour attending the celebration of the 70th birthday of Lama Choedak Rinpoche, spiritual director of MBC, whose presence has been a beacon of wisdom and compassion within our lives and community for over 20 years. As we gathered to celebrate and commemorate this milestone, we were reminded of the incredible blessing it is to have Rinpoche in our lives—a privilege we should never take for granted.
Rinpoche has continuously opened his life and heart to others, sharing the wealth of knowledge and experience he has gained from his esteemed teachers. This generosity is most evident in the Calm Abiding courses he developed, which we have been hosting at MBC for over 20 years. These teachings, distilled from a lifetime of learning, have encouraged many of us to step forward as students, and in some cases, as facilitators of the course ourselves.
The impact of the course on our community is immeasurable. Thousands of individuals have found peace and clarity through Rinpoche’s guidance. The familiar words, “My mind has long been lost in search for happiness without knowing how transient all things are,” resonate deeply with many who have attended, a testament to the lasting influence of the Dharma in our lives and those of our families.
Rinpoche’s dedication goes far beyond his twice-yearly visits to our small community. Each time he comes, he imparts precious teachings that are not only profound but also practical, showing us how to be kind and gentle, how to nurture better relationships, and how to live with more compassion. His teachings are complemented by empowerments, translations, and the gifts of statues and sacred objects that enrich our practice.
Moreover, Rinpoche’s guidance was instrumental in helping our tiny centre host His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, an experience that would have been impossible without his support. Many of us have also had the privilege of traveling with Rinpoche on pilgrimage, deepening our spiritual connection under his watchful and caring guidance.
Through phone calls, emails, and personal visits, Rinpoche has helped us preserve the continuity of the Dharma on the South Coast. His teachings have been like the lion’s roar, clear and powerful, awakening us to the path of enlightenment. Yet, it is Rinpoche’s laughter, lightness, and humour that truly melt away our troubles, leaving us uplifted and inspired.
As we celebrate this special occasion, we express our heartfelt wish: Rinpoche, please live long and continue to turn the wheel of Dharma for the benefit of all. We are forever grateful for the light you bring into our lives.