On September 17th H.E. Kabje Kalu Rinpoche celebrated his 19th birthday in the garden of his private residence at Sonada Monastery. All of the Western disciples who were attending the Shangpa Empowerments were invited along with other special friends and relatives of Rinpoche. Just as the party began it started to downpour and the guest were invited into Rinpoche house to wait for the rain to stop. After the rain the guests moved to Rinpoche's garden which had been decorated in festive lights to watch a fireworks display. Together every one sang Happy Birthday and the cake was cut and distributed, then as Rinpoche had requested each of the groups of disciples sang songs from their countries. The French, Brazilian, and North Americans offer group songs and a few courageous disciples sang solo. Rinpoche received and blessed everyone in attendance. This Birthday party was in stark contrast to the thousands who attended Rinpoche's 18th birthday party last year, yet it was an extremely special day for us all.