An Offering of Gratitude, Devotion, and Reflection
Each year, Tibetan Buddhist communities around the world solemnly observe the Maha Parinirvana Anniversary of Jetsun Sherab Singey, a day of deep spiritual significance and heartfelt remembrance. It is on this sacred day that we honor the life, teachings, and enlightened activity of one of the great realized masters of the Dharma.
Who Was Jetsun Sherab Singey?
Jetsun Sherab Singey was a highly accomplished Tibetan Buddhist master renowned for his profound wisdom, boundless compassion, and unwavering commitment to the preservation and transmission of the Dharma. As a pillar of spiritual integrity and insight, he guided countless disciples on the path to liberation, offering profound teachings rooted in the authentic lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
His presence radiated a powerful sense of peace and clarity. Through meditation, scholarship, and direct realization, Jetsun Sherab Singey left an indelible mark on both the monastic and lay communities. He was not only a teacher, but also a living example of the enlightened qualities that all practitioners aspire to cultivate.
What Is Maha Parinirvana?
Parinirvana refers to the final passing away of an enlightened being — a moment not of sorrow, but of supreme transcendence. It signifies the complete liberation from samsara (the cycle of birth and death), when the enlightened master dissolves all physical ties and enters the ultimate state of peace. The anniversary of this event is not only a time of remembrance, but also an opportunity for renewed spiritual practice, devotion, and connection to the teacher's wisdom.
How Is the Anniversary Observed?
The Maha Parinirvana Anniversary of Jetsun Sherab Singey is observed with a variety of sacred activities, including:
-
Puja Ceremonies: Special pujas (ritual offerings) and recitations are performed to honor Jetsun Sherab Singey’s enlightened mind and to accumulate merit for the benefit of all sentient beings.
-
Light Offerings: Butter lamps and candles are lit as a symbol of the master’s illuminating presence and the continued light of the Dharma.
-
Reflections and Teachings: Practitioners may listen to recordings or read transcriptions of Jetsun Sherab Singey’s teachings, reflecting on how his guidance continues to inform and inspire their path.
-
Acts of Merit: Many choose to engage in virtuous actions — such as giving to charity, making offerings, or practicing meditation — dedicating the merit to the enlightenment of all beings.
A Time for Inner Reflection
This anniversary is more than a remembrance — it is an invitation. An invitation to reflect on impermanence, to deepen our faith, and to embody the teachings that Jetsun Sherab Singey so lovingly transmitted. As we remember his great kindness and spiritual attainments, we are also reminded of our own potential for awakening.
Jetsun Sherab Singey’s life is a testament to the transformative power of the Dharma. On this sacred day, may we honor his legacy not only through prayer, but through sincere practice, compassion in action, and unwavering dedication to the path.
May the blessings of Jetsun Sherab Singey continue to guide us.
May his teachings flourish across generations.
May all beings swiftly attain enlightenment.