Public Meditation Course: Sangyumla and Thugsey join Karmapa
The annual Public Meditation Course at Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) took place from 25 December 2018 to 3 January 2019. Throughout the course Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Professor Sempa Dorje, Venerable Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, Venerable Dupon Nyigyam from Sharminub Retreat Centre in Kathmandu, and Venerable Lama Choying from Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, taught and led practices for approximately 200 participants from both the East and West.
On the final day of the course, Karmapa surprised all those present by bringing along his son Thugsey, together with his wife Sangyumla, Yum Mrs Kunzang and other family members. For many of the students, this was their first opportunity to meet Karmapa’s son Thugsey.
A warm, ceremonial welcome was offered to the family by the assembled Rinpoches, monks, KIBI staff members and lay students. Everybody gathered in the temple for offerings of mandala; symbolic offerings of enlightened body, speech and mind; as well as traditional tea and rice.
Karmapa, Sangyumla, Thugsey, Yum Mrs Kunzang, and other members of the family, together with Rinpoches, monks, KIBI staff and lay students at the Public Meditation Course 2018/2019
Karmapa was seated on his throne in the temple, while Sangyumla sat beside him, holding little Thugsey in her arms. Everyone lined up to offer a white scarf (khata) to Karmapa, as well as to Thugsey.
Then, in the private shrine room on top of KIBI, Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche performed a ritual bath (Khrus – thrü) ceremony for Karmapa’s son.
In the private shrine on top of KIBI, Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche performed a ritual bath (Krus – thrü) ceremony for Karmapa’s son Thugsey
This visit represented a joyous conclusion to this year’s Public Meditation Course at KIBI.
