Yesterday, 12/21/2025, on the winter solstice–the shortest day of the year–Rinpoche conducted what may have been his last Water Blessing in Pacific Grove, California. Starting in 2008, Rinpoche has performed a blessing of the waters twice a year, every summer and winter solstice, to propitiate the local deities and to restore harmony between humans and the environment, offering prayers for peace. This would mark around the 35th water blessing since Rinpoche began over 15 years ago.
This year, the Manjushri Dharma Center conducted the ceremony near the usual location, which was on Lover’s Point beach. Tragically, earlier that day, a 55 year old woman who was with a group swimming just north of the shore was reported missing with reports of a potential shark attack. A search by the Coast Guard and fire department has been underway to find or potentially recover the poor woman. Because of this devastating event happening just hours before the ceremony, Rinpoche prayed for her in particular. May she be well wherever she may be!
Even though the beach was blocked off, many roads were closed, and despite the tragedy, many were in attendance for the water blessing ceremony, magnifying the prayers sent out on this day. Many locals expressed gratitude and appreciation to Rinpoche for his dedication and contribution to the local community after many years of selfless service. As always, Rinpoche always says that he is very happy to do this “job” in Pacific Grove, which he has happily called his home for many years.
Written by Karma Choeying (Tony Belmonte) in collaboration with Khenpo Karten Rinpoche. Photos by Karma Palden (Miles McBreen). See More Photos Below
