26 November 2009
When it had been washed and blessed, the statue was then lifted into a shiny red pickup truck to begin a ceremonial procession to Lhawang Gatsal led by Rinpoche, Jetsünla, the nuns and the six Lopöns, followed by the sangha.
Musicians gathered by the door of the shrine room played an invocation on traditional instruments.
The Buddha was placed in Lhawang Gatsal where it could be secured and made safe for the coming year. Lopöns offered khatags in the colors of the five families and flowers were placed at his feet. Rinpoche, Jetsünla, the nuns and the entire sangha then joined in prayers reciting the Supreme Sage and praises to Shakyamuni together. After this, the Buddha was draped with cloth to protect it through the long process of repair, cleansing, filling and consecration during the winter months.