In August of  2008, His Holiness the Dalai Lama came to Lerab Ling to direct the inauguration and consecration of the Institute of Wisdom and Compassion. Three thousand people from all over the world were present at the ceremony.

Since ancient times tradition has it that a Buddhist temple, as well as its statues, texts, and other sacred objects should be consecrated by a rabné ceremony. The practice of rabné brings together numerous elements of the very rich Tibetan Buddhist Vajrayana tradition, such as prayers, visualizations, mantras (sacred words and syllables), mudras (symbolic gestures), offerings, and sacred music. One thus invokes the blessing of all the buddhas, bodhisattvas, and enlightened masters to enter the consecrated objects. It is said that after having thereby been blessed—above all if it’s by a great master—the power of these objects to bring wellbeing, inspiration, and spiritual enlightenment to those who see them is greatly enhanced.

After the ceremony consecrating the main statue of Buddha, the Dalai Lama emphasized during his address the importance of promoting, in the secular framework, fundamental human values like love and compassion. He also spoke of the need for harmony and understanding between different spiritual traditions, insisting on their equal potential for bringing us inner peace.
During his stay at Lerab Ling, His Holiness gave advice and numerous detailed instructions concerning Rigpa’s work, and he left promising to return.

The Dalai Lama with Bernard Kouchner, French Minister of Foreign Affairs; Rama Yade, Human Rights Secretary; Carla Sarkozy, First Lady of France; and Sogyal Rinpoche.