On December 2, 2010, a day of religious festivities at KIBI (Karmapa International Buddhist Institute) in New Delhi marked the beginning of the month-long celebration of the 900th anniversary of the first Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa’s birth year.
About 800 monks and lamas from all over India and also from Tibet and Nepal celebrated Buddha Purnima in Delhi under the guidance of His Holiness, 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism on Thursday, May 27. This year the date of the Buddha Purnima as per the Hindu calendar has coincided with that of the Tibetan calendar and this has happened for the first time according to the South Asia Buddhist Association. An association member said, “This makes the day very auspicious. This is why monks and lamas from all over the country, and Nepal and Tibet gather here to offer prayers and perform ceremonial practices.”
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinle Thaye Dorje, who had just returned from his spectacular travel to Hong Kong, offered again a week-long course with teachings and empowerment for an audience of international students at his Karmapa International Buddhist Institute, New Delhi.
As the highlight and conclusion of this year’s program of study, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje offered teachings and initiations at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi. Two hundred devotees from all over the world gathered at the Institute to meet with His Holiness and hear him speak about the path of the Bodhisattva.The intense and genuine spiritual atmosphere during the course left a deep impression on everyone who was present.
On the 6th of May, 2007, the students and faculty of the Shri Diwakar Vihara in Kalimpong held a puja and celebration in honor of the 24th birthday (Tibetan calendar 25th birthday) of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje.
There was a mixture of holiday festivity as well as pomp and circumstance on the blessed occasion of His Holiness’ birthday celebration.
