Karmapa in Nepal November 2015 – program at Dhagpo Shedrub Ling
At the beginning of November 2015, Thaye Dorje, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, presided over the opening ceremony of Dhagpo Sheydrub Ling. This beautiful monastery situated close to Kathmandu, was built by Maniwa Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche.
Dhagpo Shedrub Ling Monastery.
On his arrival at Kathmandu Airport on 31st October, His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa was greeted by incarnate Rinpoches, Khenpos, monastic and non-monastic representatives of various organizations. This was the Karmapa’s third visit to Nepal.
His Holiness arrived at Nala on the 2nd November, where Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche and the official members of the newly constructed monastery, Dhagpo Shedrub Ling, officially welcomed him. The inauguration event started with His Holiness cutting the ribbon and lighting a butter lamp.
The Rinpoches who attended the event included: His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, His Eminence Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, Jigme Rinpoche, Chokling Rinpoche, and Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Khenpo Chodrak Tenphel Rinpoche, Shangpa Rinpoche, Dupsing Rinpoche, Sang Sang Rinpoche, and Lodro Rinpoche. Also present, were Tharig Yangsi Rinpoche from the Sakya school and Tulku Urgyen Yangsi Rinpoche of the Nyingma School.
Gyalwa Karmapa and Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche opening the door to Dhagpo Sheydrub Ling Monastery
On November 3rd, Gyalwa Karmapa presided over the consecration practice in the main assembly hall of the monastery. His Holiness blessed the monastery as he scattered blessed rice around parts of the buildings. His Holiness then presided in a Tenshug ceremony: a practice of appealing to teachers to remain and continue inspiring their students.
The following day His Holiness guided a Tsok ceremony at the monastery and afterwards bestowed an Amitayus (long life) empowerment and blessing for tens of thousands of Himalayan devotees and dharma practitioners who had travelled from all over the world to be there.
On November 5th, His Holiness gave teachings to the ever growing audience of his students and devotees. His Holiness spoke about the importance of Bodhicitta and then conducted a ceremony where the people were able to take vows and receive blessings for the practice. Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche then conducted a Mandala, along with offerings of symbols of body, speech and mind.
The next day, His Holiness left Kathmandu for a pilgrimage and retreat at Maratika Cave. After a welcoming reception by local representatives, His Holiness started his retreat, while the accompanying officials and guests were warmly welcomed at the Maritika Chimey Takten Choling Monastery. Abbot Ven, Ngawang Jigdral Chokyi Wanghuk Rinpoche graciously received all, and expressed his gratitude for Gyalwa Karmapa’s visit.
His Holiness conducted long life rituals continuously for three days, in a small house above the cave whilst His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche led practice in the cave.
Gyalwa Karmapa in Maratika Cave in Nepal
On November 8th, His Holiness departed by helicopter for Kathmandu.
The following day, His Holiness visited the Swayambhu Stupa, and the site of Karma Raja Maha Vihar Monastery. Read more about the visit to Swayambhu here. Accompanied by Rinpoches and other sangha members, he was received by the nuns at Ani Gompa. Abbot Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche and the nuns offered Mandala. After lunch, His Holiness performed Rabney to the monastery and to a newly-built three-year retreat centre for the nuns.
On November 10th, 2015, Gyalwa Karmapa left Nepal.
See the images:
Photos: Thule G. Jug, Norbu Zangpo, Magda Jung
List of events: Magda Jung
Writing: Sabchu Rinpoche
