Mummification box of 9th Khalkha Jetsün Dampa Rinpoche, July 2012
Mongolia, while a traditionally Buddhist country, faced decades of religious oppression in the 20th century. The importance of Mongolia’s spiritual leaders during that period, however, did not decrease. Özer Rinpoche explains the significance of His Holiness the 9th Bogd Jetsün Dampa Rinpoche and the mummification of his holy body.
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama made the decision that the 9th Khalkha Jetsün Dampa Rinpoche should be mummified, a process not decided on or performed by just anyone. Mummification is not used for all lamas, only for the very highest of the high Lamas. Rinpoche’s mummification will be finished around March or April 2013 and his holy body will be placed in the former library of Ganden Monastery, which will be open for the public to receive blessings.”
From Mandala January-March 2013