May 17th 2006: Announcement to Karma Kagyu Buddhist Centers in Asia, Europe, and the Americas from the Council of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa
Being entrusted with the legal and administrative responsibilities of His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, the trustees of the Karmapa Charitable Trust (KCT) have officially designated His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa the legal heir of his illustrious predecessor. As His Holiness has matured and received the teachings and transmissions of the Karma Kagyu lineage, he has successfully embarked on spreading the Dharma throughout the world. Today even at a relatively young age, he has earned the reverence of people of faith and the respect of public officials.
Established according to previous directives of The KCT trustees and operating under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness, the Council of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa has begun to assist and advise the 17th Karmapa. especially regarding the Administrative Office of the Rumtek Monastery, seat of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa. The Judicial proceedings in India will soon draw to a conclusion, and every step along the legal way has favourably indicated that the KCT, and thus His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, will soon assume legal control of the monastery.
His Holiness and the Council bear no animosity or disrespect for His Holiness Urgyen Trinley Rinpoche and his genuine followers. According to the former trusties decision, the council wishes it to be known that anyone who had supported the party which took over the Rumtek Monastery, directly or indirectly, should send an apology letter to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje or else be prevented from seeing the holy relics and attending future religious ceremonies at the monastery.
Until peace and religious functions have been properly restored at the Rumtek Monastery, the administrative work of the 17th Karmapa and the International Karma Kagyu Headquarters, founded by His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, will temporarily operate from Kalimpong, India.
Council of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa
Bajuratna Koti, 11th mile, Kalimpong
West Bengal, India 734301
May 10, 2006: Meeting with His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, the spiritual head of the Drikung Kagyu lineage
On Wednesday May 10, His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, the spiritual head of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, visited Kalimpong India to meet with His Holiness Karmapa. Upon arrival, he was greeted with the traditional pomp and circumstance. Thereafter, His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche blessed the Shri Diwakar Vihara Buddhist Institute, which was established by Shamar Rinpoche in 2002.
His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche was seated on the throne in the puja hall while those present made aspiration prayers for his long life. Mandala offerings as well as symbolic offerings of body, speech and mind of the buddhas were made. After the formal offerings were given, a long procession of the resident monks and well wishers made their way to present the traditional silk scarf and receive blessings from His Holiness. The students at Shri Diwakar Vihara were very pleased and excited that His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche blessed the Shedra (monastic university) with his presence.
Once the procession had finished, His Holiness met with H.H. Karmapa for lunch and conversation. His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche was well acquainted with His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa both in Tibet and in exile. However, this was the first time the two spiritual heads had met in the life of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje. The two spiritual leaders seemed to get on well and sounds of laughter could be heard from behind the doors of the private dining hall. His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa had a very fruitful meeting and enjoyed their time together before His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche went on to Sikkim.
Copyright:
All the photos are protected by international copyright law.
No copying, printing, publishing of any kind without permission.
All copyrights of the photos are with THE KARMAPA DOCUMENTARY PROJECT and the partners of the project.
If you need photos for any kind of publishing, please contact us first.