June 26, 2003

Today is the day I have reached the age of eighteen, according to the Western calendar. For those who have come to the celebration headed by His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche: all the monks at the seat of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa; the monks of Karma Shri Nalanda Institute; the monks of all the Kagyu monasteries in Sikkim; the monks of the monasteries of various sects; the members of the Rumtek community and the other communities of Sikkim; government officials of Sikkim; and all the many guests who have purposely come for this occasion to extended their high honor and respect, I am very happy and I convey my thanks to all of you.

Generally, samsara--the cycle of birth, sickness, old age, and death--is a cause of suffering and is to be abandoned. There is nothing about it to celebrate and honor. However, if a person born in this world is helpful to all sentient beings and serves the teachings of the Buddha, then this kind of birth is not to be belittled and should be praised and honored. Through karma I have been born in this world, and if by virtue of my birth I can be of any help to sentient beings, and especially serve the teachings of the Buddha, my birth in this world will have been worthwhile, and your celebration of my birthday will be a reasonable one. I take responsibility with determination and courage to serve the teachings of the Buddha and to do my best to benefit all sentient beings. I request all of you to pray for the fulfillment of these aspirations.

The most important thing is that the lamas and monks of Rumtek monastery must have pure morality and be in harmony. I have great hope and confidence to be able to return soon to Rumtek, the seat of my predecessor, His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa. The people and government officials of Sikkim also have confidence regarding this and have given it much importance. Therefore, I am hopeful that in the near future this wish will be fulfilled and I ask everyone to keep this in mind.

Finally, I hope you will enjoy this day of celebration.

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Three thousand devotees celebrated the birthday of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre on June 26, 2003. The assembly, presided over His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche, included the ordained sangha and lay staff of Dharma Chakra Centre and Karma Shri Nalanda Institute, the Rumtek community, senior monks from monasteries throughout Sikkim, distinguished guests from the government of Sikkim and Sikkimese Buddhist associations, and followers from all parts of Sikkim.

The day began at 6:00 in the morning with a Karma Pakshi puja performed by the monks, followed by a juniper and incense burning ceremony, and the hanging of new prayer flags at the tenkhar (hillside) above the monastery.

At 9:00, His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche offered a mandala to His Holiness Karmapa, and led the gathered assembly in the offering of khatas to the Karmapa's throne, joined by the day's chief guest, Trinley Tshering Bhutia, Sikkim's Minister of Urban Development and Housing.

Sweet rice and Tibetan tea were served to the invited guests and the general public to mark the auspicious occasion, followed by the screening of a special message from His Holiness Karmapa to the Rumtek community, videotaped for the occasion.

His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche was the first of several speakers to address the large gathering. His Eminence stated that His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje is an incarnation of the First Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa, whose name means "knower of the three times." His Eminence said he has seen the Seventeenth Karmapa exhibit these same qualities, and expressed his confidence that, in accordance with the prophecies, His Holiness Karmapa will continue to take rebirth and his activities will continue.

Other speakers included Kunzang Sherab, president of the Joint Action Committee of the All-Sikkim Buddhist Organization, and representatives from that group's Block Level Committees from throughout Sikkim and from the Tamang Buddhist Association. Chief guest Trinley Tshering Bhutia gave the closing remarks, echoing the sentiments of the speakers from Sikkim's Buddhist associations in calling for the speedy return of His Holiness Karmapa to Rumtek.

In the early afternoon, after the speeches concluded, His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche offered a public Karma Pakshi empowerment, followed by his personal blessing to all present. The birthday celebration concluded with members of the Rumtek lay community performing Tibetan folk dances.