Washington D.C.: On Sunday, 31 May 2026, the Light of Nyingmapa Foundation was formally inaugurated in Vienna, Virginia and it falls on 15th day of Saga Dawa month in the Tibetan calendar. The ceremony drew over 200 attendees from across the United States, including diplomats, scholars, and members of the Tibetan diaspora and it was timed to coincide with the year all celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.
The event was graced by a special recorded message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who conveyed his blessings and congratulations to the Foundation for marking his 90th birthday with the establishment of a new dharma centre. His Holiness emphasised the importance of founding such centres, stating: “The essence of establishing a dharma centre is to spread the Buddha’s teachings in general, and especially the Nyingma tradition. Community members should have lamas and practitioners who, through their own practice and with the spirit of bodhicitta and correct view, teach the dharma so that the seeds of the Buddha’s teachings are planted in students’ hearts — and who care for those in need with compassion and loving-kindness.”
Former President Barack Obama sent in a letter congratulating the Foundation and its founder, Shartul Dhamchoe Rinpoche, on the milestone. In his message, President Obama acknowledged the years of hard work by Shartul Dhamchoe Rinpoche and his team that led to this milestone, expressing confidence that the new centre would help expand their important mission. He also extended special congratulations to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, lauded His Holiness’s lifelong contributions to global human rights, and noted their enduring friendship as an inspiring example to the world.
The event also featured an interfaith panel on compassion and world peace, moderated by Professor David Germano of the University of Virginia, with representatives from Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, and Christianity.
The Foundation supports the Nyingma tradition’s religious and humanitarian activities across India, Nepal, and internationally.
Secretary Tshering Doma, on behalf of Representative Namgyal Choedup and the Office of Tibet, Washington DC attended the event and delivered congratulatory message for the opening of this Buddhist centre.
-Report filed by OoT, Washington DC
