Tibetans Celebrate His Eminence Gyalwang Karmapa’s 25th birthday

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Tibet.net
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His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche/File photo

Dharamshala: The 25th birthday celebration of His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, head of Kam-tsang Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, was held yesterday (26 June) at his Gyuto Ramoche monastery near Dharamsala.

The ceremony began with a prayer recitation presided over by Gyalwang Karmapa.

Khen-Rinpoche, the head of Gyuto Ramoche Monastery, led the prayers and performed a Mandala offering to Gyalwang Karmapa, followed by a long life prayer (tenshug) offering.

Thousands of devotees from across the globe drove in at Gyuto monastery to attend the celebration.

His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche led the second session of the prayer ceremony, continuing the Mandala offering which was followed by a tenshug offering.

Many venerable Rinpoches and representatives of the Central Tibetan Administration presented Mendrel (auspicious offerings) and long life prayers. On behalf of the Kashag, Gonpo Phuntsok, secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, offered greetings to Gyalwang Karmapa.

Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony were Anyetsang Thubten Tashi, Justice Commissioner, Sonam Damdul, Member of Parliament, Khorlatsang Sonam Tobgyal, secretary, finance department, Nangsa Choedon, secretary, public service commission and Tsering Phuntsok, representative officer of Dharamsala.

The cake cutting ceremony was held later in the afternoon at around 5 p.m.