Ngala Nor’dzin’s ordination
the ceremony
The ordination ceremony within the Aro lineage is similar to an empowerment ceremony. Ngak’chang Rinpoche has in front of him the empowerment text, as well as instruments, and objects of empowerment.
Ngala Nor’dzin sits in front of Ngak’chang Rinpoche receiving empowerment into ordination as a Ngakma. Her hair is wound onto the top of her head in a yogini’s bun. Apprentices seeking ordination within the Aro Lineage practise living within the vows for an extended period of time before they actually formally take the commitment, and part of this process is allowing one’s hair to grow. Long, uncut hair is the most visible demonstration of ngak’phang ordination and living within the Vajrayana vows. Behind Ngak’chang Rinpoche can be seen a photograph of HH Kyabjé Chhi’mèd Rig’dzin Rinpoche holding up a crystal. This photograph was also taken in the shrine room where Ngala Nor’dzin received her ordination vows, when Kyabjé Rinpoche visited Cardiff and stayed with Ngak’chang Rinpoche.
