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Starting on December 30 through January 3, 2006
His Holiness has been teaching the Four Foundations at the request
of the Taiwan Hwa Yue Foundation (www.hwayue.org.tw)
to everyone gathered at the Vajra Vidhya Institute. Most of the
students are Chinese from Taiwan, Hong Kong, USA & Canada.
There are also a |
| number of students from Singapore,
Malaysia and Korea as well as a number of western students. Morning
sessions are from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche is teaching in the afternoon from
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. |
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Dear Dharma Friends,
Wish you all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2006!
On Christmas Day His Holiness, who is currently in Varanasi, gave
a special teaching for the foreign students and also as per His
Holiness wishes the Tsurphu Labrang organized a special Christmas
Dinner for all the foreign |
| His Holiness pointed out that last
Christmas passed while he was in Bodhgaya and now it is Christmas
2005 and a whole year has gone by with the natural passing of
time. His Holiness said that none of us can predict what will
happen by Christmas 2006, so advised that instead of eagerly waiting
for the time to pass for the purpose of celebration, we should
instead focus our energies on any important aspirations and objectives
that we may have, and try to fulfill them.
His Holiness felt that most people present were Buddhist and as
such, talk about 'karma' often in ways that it is somehow unchangeable.
However, he said that we should realize that 70-80% of karma is
actually what one creates, the lesser percentage being things
and events that are not in our control such as the passing of
time. There are some cases where karma has ripened beyond the
point where it can be changed, and His Holiness gave the example
of a person on board a airplane ready for take-off. It might be
too late for that person to change their mind about flying at
that point but there was a lot of freedom of choice within the
process of buying the ticket, getting to the airport, passing
through the security checks etc. Karma is a creative process and
has a lot of flexibility, so we certainly do have some control
over what we can accomplish within a certain period of time.
His Holiness said that whether one will accomplish the state of
complete awakening is entirely dependent on the individual and
that all of us are fully equipped with the potential to achieve
that. He expressed that whenever he teaches Dharma, it is his
hope that it acts as a cause for us to appreciate that potential
and that we might experience a sense of urgency to put this into
practice. His Holiness felt that perhaps many of us have aspirations
and objectives that remain currently unfulfilled and that his
words may impact on us so that we gather renewed conviction to
pursue and fulfill them.
Then with a touch of humor, His Holiness noted that the day was
Sunday and usually a day off. On top of this it is Christmas day,
so he did not prepare so much to say, simply we should all relax.
His Holiness advised that in general, we should learn to relax
the conceptual mind as it is in such a relaxed atmosphere that
real communication can take place.
In conclusion, His Holiness expressed that through his sincere
good wishes and prayers on this occasion, may the unfulfilled
aspirations and objectives of everyone be fulfilled.
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On December 13, 2005 His
Holiness departed for Varanasi from New Delhi to
visit the Vajra Vidhaya Insititute in Sarnath. His Holiness arrived
around 2:30 pm where he was met by His Eminence Gyalstab Rinpoche
& Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche at the Varanasi Airport. There
was a large gathering waiting at the Vajra Vidhaya Institute to
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receive blessings from His Holiness.
His Holiness is visiting to attend the Karmai Gun-cho (winter logic
retreat where monks from different Shedras debate and study) which
ends on January 2, 2006.
His Holiness is giving teachings to the monks on "Tsema Rikchung
Gyato" composed by Seventh Karmapa Chodrak Gyatso from 8:00
am to 9:00 am. His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche is offering a teaching
on "Zabmo- Nang-Dhon" to His Holiness from 9:00 am to
10:00 am. Private and public audiences are given by His Holiness
at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm daily.
On December 18th 2005 His Holiness led the newly composed "Lama
Chopa" (Guru Yoga of 16th Karmapa) by His Eminence Gyaltsab
Rinpoche. The Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche with the sangha of monks
attended along with His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche. |
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On December 12, His
Holiness visited the Tibetan Settlement at Majnuka-Tilla,
Old Delhi as requested by Tibetan Welfare Office Delhi to perform
special prayers for the victims of recent bomb blast and Earth
Quake. The prayer meeting was organized by the Tibetan Welfare
Office. He arrived at 10:00 am at the Settlement. |
| Mr. Lhakpa Tsering, the Welfare Officer,
offered a khata as a traditional welcome to His Holiness. As His
Holiness took his seat on the throne the welfare officer introduced
the occasion. Afterward, Mr. Lhakpa Tsering and the leader of the
Tibetan Camp Mr. Phuntsok made a mandala offering to His Holiness.
Traditional ceremonial rice and tea was offered to His Holiness
as well as all guests and public. A special prayer was recited and
dedicated to the victims of the recent bomb blast and earth quake.
His Holiness gave advice and then offered the Chenrezig Mani Lung
to the gathering. The program ended with Mr. Lhakpa Tsering expressing
his gratitude to His Holiness. Many Tibetan people living in Delhi
attended the ceremony. |
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On Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 9:00 AM the second
Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche was appointed General Secretary to His
Holiness Karmapa at Gyuto Monastery in Dharamsala.
In attendance were the Tsurphu Labrang, Karmai Garchen representatives
from Rumtek Monastery, and Mr. Tenzin Chonyi president of Karma
Triyana |
Dharmachakra Monastery. His
Holiness then gave a lengthy talk advising all present with particulars
to each administration. A celebration with refreshments followed
at 11:00 AM. Drupon Rinpoche will serve a one year term.
His
Holiness will be leaving for New Delhi and then on
to Varanasi to preside over the Karma Gon Cho at the Vajra Vidya
Institute. |
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On November the 26th, His Eminence the fourth
Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Lodro Cho-kyi Nyima celebrated his 10th
Birthday . His Eminence visited Dharmasla to receive the Rinchen
Terzo transmission from the most Venerable Sangya
Nyenpa Rinpoche along with
His Holiness and other Rinpoches. |
His Eminence the Fourth Jamgon Rinpche
was born in the wood pig year in Central Tibet on the 26th of November
1995. His birth was prophesied by His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwa
Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Supreme Head of the Kagyu Lineage,
who also confirmed the authenticity of his incarnations.
The Tsurphu Labrang in Gyuto organized today's birthday celebration.
Early in the morning there was a Lung given until 10:00 am. Then
the Rumtek sangha performed the "Sang Puja" for His Eminence's
long life and to have his activities flourish around the world.
His Holiness and other Rinpoches enjoyed the birthday lunch in his
chambers while there was a large lunch offering to the rest of the
sangha and members gathered. They all offered their respect with
kathas and gifts to His Eminence.
His Holiness gave a public audience at 2:30 in the afternoon. Around
4:00 pm there was a birthday cake celebration in His Holiness chambers
with His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Sangya Nyenpa Rinpoche, Mingyur
Rinpoche, Bokhangkar Rinpoche, Dolpo Sheri Tulku and members of
the Tsruphu Labrang . Representatives from the Palpung Labrang,
Gyaton Rinpoche, the General Secretary and Discipline Master and
Gyalpo Rinpoche from "Lekshay Ling Monastery" Nepal came
to offer their respect to His Eminence. Kagyu Representative Mr.
Sonam Dradul, Member of the Parliament Central Tibetan Government
was also present for the celebration. |
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On November 21tst, His
Holiness paid a daylong visit to TCV (Tibetan Children's
Village) Vegetarian school in Chauntra. All the members of this
school are vegetarians and the school is known today as the TCV
Vegetarian School. His
Holiness started at |
7:20 am from Gyuto Temple. On the
way, in honor and devotion of His Holiness, the Tibetan Communities,
Monasteries in Bir and Suja, Sambota Tibetan School and the Chauntra
TCV School raised their welcome gates. A great number of monks,
nuns, lay people and school children lined up along the road to
welcome His Holiness and get a precious glimpse of His presence.
First His Holiness had a short visit to Sambota Tibetan School
under the Central Tibetan Education Department. Mr. Kunchok, the
headmaster, and the school band received His Holiness at the school
gate while children were filed in lines along the roadside. Besides
hallowing the school campus His Holiness offered special prayers
in the School Prayer Hall.
His Holiness reached the Chauntra TCV School at 9am. The executive
dircetor Mr. Tsewang Yishi, the school principal Mr. Dhondup,
the director for Upper TCV Mr. Phuntsok Namgyaul and the Suja
TCV director Mr. Pema Tsultrim were there to receive His Holiness
in the traditional welcome style. Also Venerable Khenpo of the
Dzongsar Institute, members of Local Tibetan Council and Tibetan
Welfare Officer were there to receive His Holiness at the school.
His Holiness consecrated the newly completed Namygyal (Victory)
Stupa. Then His Holiness was led to their main hall. Here Mr.
Dhondup thanked His Holiness for accepting their invitation and
requested His Holiness to give some advice and wisdom to all the
members of the school.
His Holiness expressed his own happiness for being with them at
the school on the first anniversary after coming from Patli Kullu.
His Holiness also highlighted the importance of the current year
i.e. 2005 being observed and celebrated as the year of paying
our gratitude to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
His Holiness said that he has no better advice to give than the
advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. However, he mentioned the
importance of cultivating unity among all Tibetans, preserving
ones culture and language and developing a non-sectarian outlook
in the sense that we must pay equal respect and reverence to all
traditions of Buddhism.
His Holiness also urged students not to lose their hearts when
a paper or a year goes bad for them. One test cannot measure the
true potential of a student. There is always a second chance in
life as long as you try. His Holiness reminded teachers that children's
minds are very receptive and they must always be very careful
not to leave any bad impressions on them.
His Holiness visited some sections of the large school campus
at the Special School for retarded children and the Girls Hostel
and School Health Center where he blessed the grounds.
Other highlights at the schools included a cultural presentation
from the school and staff in the main auditorium and a friendly
football match between the students and staff. His Holiness, as
always, enjoyed the cultural presentation and folk dance.
His Holiness' daily schedule being very tight with the presence
of His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, His Eminence Goshir
Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Gangkar Rinpoche and others
receiving Rinchen Terdzod transmission at Gyuto from the Most
Vererable Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, decided to depart the schools
and return to Gyuto by 2 o'clock.
Mr. Namdol Tashi, the school headmaster, thanked His Holiness
for His most kind visit to their school. His Holiness then contributed
10,000.00 rupees to be used as seed money to each of the two schools. |
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On November 19th, His
Holiness and other Rinpoches gathered in His Holiness'
audience room to celebrate the 41st Birthday (according to western
calendar) of Venerable Sangay
Nyenpa Rinpoche. Rinpoche is here offering Rinchen Terzod
Oral Transmission toHis Holiness and the other Rinpoches present.
There was birthday cake, tea |
| and soft drinks for all the Rinpoches
and lamas. His Holiness and each of the Rinpoches offered a Birthday
present to Sangay Nyenpa Rinpoche. |
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Very
Venerable Tenga Rinpoche, the former Vajra Master of Rumtek
Monastery, paid a short visit to the monastery on 4th of November
2005 regarding the holding of first Chagdor Tumchen (Vajrapani
Puja), at the request of the Monk's Sangha. This puja was to be
held in Rumtek as per the recent order of His
Holiness the 17th Karmapa Orgyen |
Trinley
Dorje.
On the 5th of November, he gave brief training to the monks on the
holding of this puja.
On 6th November, all the monks of the monastery and Shedra did 1
day Puja of Chagdor Tumchen with Rinpoche to commemorate the auspicious
occasion.
On 7th November, Rinpoche gave Chagdor Tumchen Empowerment to the
monks and the public and gave oral transmission of Chador Tumchen
to the monks in the afternoon.
On 7th November, the actual five days Chagdor Tumchen Puja commenced
at the monastery.
Rinpoche left to Palchen Choling Monastery of His Eminence Gyaltsab
Rinpoche in Southwest Sikkim. |
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After returning from Mirik on October 22, His
Holiness Karmapa began receiving the teachings and
transmission of Sabmo Ngangdon Text (Profound Internal Meaning)
from His
Eminence Gyaltsab
Rinpoche and Oral Transmission of Rinchen Terzo from Venerable
Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche. In addition, His
Holiness called the Chopons |
| (Offering Masters) of major Karma
Kagyu Monasteries to Gyuto to received special instructions and
training in various decorative skills for making the colorful
butter torma offerings. These torma skills will be used in the
coming Kagyu Monlam Yearly Prayer Festival in Bodh Gaya.
On October 23, 2005 His
Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche completed the teachings of Mahamudra
to His Holiness and the Tsurphu Labrang made a mandala offering
to His Eminence.
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His
Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinlay Dorje's
10 day visit to Bokar Ngedhon Chokhor ling Monastery
in the township of Mirik in Darjeeling district began on 8th Oct
2005. His Holiness left Gyuto Monastery, Sidhibari at 7am and
reached Chandigarh at 12 noon. |
After one and
a half hour lunch stopover in Piccadily Hotel Sector 22B Chandigarh
His Holiness and the entourage left Chandigarh on time and reached
New Delhi safely by 5.30pm.
The principle secretary and the acting Representative of His Holiness
Dalai Lama's Bureau in Delhi and Venerable Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
received His Holiness at the Radisson Hotel. Several other devotees
were also there who extended their warm reception to His Holiness.
On October 9th, His Holiness was given a warm departure by the Secretary
and Acting Representative of HH Dalai Lama's Bureau to the domestic
airport. His Holiness and entourage flew in to Bagdogra from New
Delhi by Jet Airlines and arrived on time at 12.15pm.
At the Bagdogra Airport there was a huge reception in honor of His
Holiness. His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and Venerable Khenpo
Dhonyo Rinpoche received His Holiness in all traditional manners.
Besides representatives of various monasteries and associations,
other VIPs coming to extend their warm welcome to His Holiness were
Mr. Namkha Gyaltsen former minister of the Government of India and
current chairman of the Ecclesiastical Department, Mr. Pawan Chamling
the Chief Minister of the State Government of Sikkim, Mr. Tsewang
Tamdin Additional Secretary of the Ecclesiastical Department, Mrs.
Tsering Dolma Joint Secretary for Water Security and Public Health
Engineering Department of the State Governement of Sikkim, Mrs.
Tenzin Dolkar Joint Secretary Police Department of Sikkim Government,
Mr. Nar Bhadur Bandhari the former Chief Minister of Sikkim and
President of the Regional Congress Party, Mr. Karma Topden former
MP and Ambassador to Mongolia, Lharipa Gaden Vice President of Denjong
Lhadey Tsokpa and Mr. Sonam Damdul Member of Assembly of Tibetan
People's Deputies, CTA, Dharamsala.
It was a very pleasant drive up to the Monastery passing through
beautiful tea gardens and lush greenery all around which were very
absorbing. The weather was a bright sunny day. Apparently the weather
cleared up only a day before His Holiness arrived.
His Holiness reached the Monastery safely at 2.30pm. At the main
gate of the Monastery His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche received His
Holiness with a huge procession of Sangha Monks including monks
from both old and new Rumtek Monastery, Lava Monastery, Ralang Palchen
Choling Monastery, Ralang Karma Rabten Ling (old) Monastery, Sang
Monastery, Phodong Monastery, Druk Sa-ngak Choling Monastery, Samdrup
Darjay Ling Monastery Sonada, Dortsik Gumpa Darjeeling and Salugara
Monastery.
The Double Tenth of the year 2005 is an unforgettable day for the
Bokar Ngedhon Choekhor Ling Monastery as His Holiness performed
the opening ceremony of their new Monastery at 9 am and consecrated
all the fillings of all the shrine halls along with His Eminence
Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Venerable.
Khenpo Dhonyo Rinpoche and great many Sanghas. There were nearly
one thousand sangha monks and nuns and the huge temple hall was
completely packed by monks and nuns and devotees from all over the
world. Again the weather was excellent and the ceremonies went on
very peacefully.
In order to fulfill the wishes of all devotees, certain additions
to the main Monlam Program of Activities were made which mainly
included provisions for private and public audiences.
His Holiness' activity on October 7th 2005 i.e. before His Holiness
departure to Mirik, included an hour long meeting with His Holiness
the Dalai Lama at Theckchen Choling Palace. In the afternoon Francisco
Floves, former President of El Salvador, his wife Mrs. Loufoles
Hores and Mr. Jet Li’s group called on His Holiness seeking
blessings and guidance in developing mental peace and happiness. |
PHOTO
GALLERY |
Visit the gallery to see highlights
of His Holiness Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje’s month-long
tour of the Tibetan settlements in South India that took place
earlier this year. Visit His
Holiness in India to read more about the trip. |
His Holiness Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje and monks at Gyuto Ramoche
Tantric University performed the Reling Phurpae (Ratna Lingpa) tordok
from July 20-27, which included a tordok (torma burning) on July 26.
On July 30, they will begin a one-week long-life puja. These pujas have
been specially recommended by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, at the
request of the Tsurphu ladrang, for the long life of His Holiness Karmapa
and the removal of obstacles.
His Holiness Karmapa joined in the celebration of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama’s 70th birthday, and was seated next to the Dalai Lama
during the public festivities. The occasion was celebrated by thousands
of devotees amidst monsoon rains outside the Tsulakhang in Dharamsala
on July 6.
The twentieth birthday of His Holiness Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje was celebrated June 26 at Gyuto Ramoche Tantric
University, his temporary residence near Dharamsala, India. (In the
Tibetan tradition this would be counted as his twenty-first birthday.)
The program began at 5:30 a.m. with an elaborate,
2-1/2 hour long-life mandala offering presented by the entire Gyuto
monks' community. At 10:00 a.m., His Holiness received distinguished
guests and a great number of visitors from throughout the Himalayan
region who filled the Main Shrine Hall to capacity. His Holiness had
lunch with His Eminence Situ Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, and many young
tulkus from the area. Lunch was offered to a group of 200 visiting dharma
students from Asia and Europe, who had travelled to Gyuto expressly
for His Holiness's birthday. At 3:00 p.m., the celebration concluded
with the cutting of the birthday cake. Compared to past birthday celebrations,
this one was conducted with a low profile.
The following day, June 27, His Holiness Karmapa
granted an audience to the group of 200 visiting students, and in the
afternoon, gave them the Four-Armed Chenrezig Empowerment.
Thrangu Rinpoche spent a month with His Holiness
at Gyuto, offering him instruction. His Holiness also studied with Khenpo
Rinchen Thundup.
His Holiness Karmapa consecrated a new temple
and hostel at a shedra being constructed by Khenpo Rinchen Thundup in
Gopalpur on June 20 and 21.
His Holiness Karmapa joined heads of other Tibetan
Buddhist traditions in Dharamsala on June 8 to make an elaborate long-life
offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the first event of the year-long
celebration of his seventieth birthday.
The ceremony was organized by the Central Tibetan
Administration and presided over by His Holiness Sakya Trizin at the
Tsulakhang. Other religious leaders participating included Gaden Tri
Rinpoche, Drubwang Penor Rinpoche, Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche, Taklung
Shabdrung Rinpoche, Menri Trizin Rinpoche, and Sharpa Choje Rinpoche.
The group joined His Holiness the Dalai Lama at a special luncheon and
were later entertained with a performance by artists from the Tibetan
Institute for Performing Arts.
His Holiness Karmapa's long-planned and much-anticipated
month-long tour of South India was a great success and included visits
to the Tibetan settlements of Mundgod Dhoeguling, Kollegal Dhondenling,
Bykaluppe, Hunsur Rabgyaling, and Chowkur. These settlements are home
to a combined population of 40,000 Tibetans, the largest concentration
of Tibetans in exile, and include numerous monasteries, nunneries, shedras,
schools, senior citizen homes, cooperatives, and agricultural centers.
His Holiness left his base in northern India
on February 27 and arrived in Goa the next day. On March 1 he embarked
on an extensive itinerary where he consecrated monasteries, gave public
empowerments, dharma talks, and advice to students, and met with groups
and individuals. During his travels he was received with great warmth
and devotion by thousands of Tibetans, being feted with great receptions,
and offered performances by cultural troupes. The tour concluded on
March 26 when His Holiness departed for Delhi.
A few of the highlights of the tour: In Kollegal
His Holiness was asked to compose a special prayer for timely rainfall,
after which rain actually began to fall during a mandala offering. In
Bykaluppe His Holiness inaugurated the new Nalanda International Institute
on March 16. The institute was founded by the Nyingma teacher Kalsang
Rinpoche, and will combine a traditional shedra curriculum with a liberal
arts and sciences program. Also in Bykaluppe the Karmapa offered a public
Chenrezig Empowerment attended by an estimated 9,000 people. At the
end of his tour in Bangalore he offered a prayer for world peace and
a speech at Saint John's Auditorium, and also addressed an unexpected
crowd of 1,000 at the Tibetan Youth Hostel.
The South Zone Kagyupa Buddhist Council, a group
composed of seven Kagyu monasteries in South India, was a chief organizer
of the tour, with assistance from the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and
the Government of India.
His Holiness Karmapa celebrated Losar, the Tibetan
New Year, quietly on February 9 out of deference to the passing of Bokar
Rinpoche last year. The monks of Gyuto Ramoche Tantric University organized
and offered a long-life prayer for the Karmapa, and a luncheon was hosted
by the Tsurphu Labrang. On the second day of the New Year, His Eminence
Tai Situ Rinpoche and a party of lamas and monks from Sherab Ling visited
and
had lunch with His Holiness.
His Holiness Karmapa returned to Bodhgaya on
January 25 for a one-day Monlam with leaders of the many Tibetan Buddhist
traditions. This prayer gathering was convened by His Holiness the Dalai
Lama for the benefit of the recent tsunami victims, and to enhance the
merit of the Tibetan people.
On the day of the Monlam, a special luncheon
hosted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama featured a detailed presentation
by Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche and Kasur Lodi Gyari on the current
state of dialogue between the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the Chinese
government. In addition to His Holiness Karmapa, some of the religious
leaders in attendance were Penor Rinpoche, Sakya Trizin, Drikung Chetsang
Rinpoche, Menri Trizin Rinpoche, Jangtse Choeje Rinpoche, Shartse Choeje
Rinpoche, Trulshig Rinpoche, Ling Rinpoche, and Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche.
At the invitation of the Indian Council of Religious
Leaders and Mahabodhi Society president B.K. Modi, His Holiness Karmapa
presided over the Council's World Peace Day gathering at the Holistic
Centre in Delhi on January 2. His Holiness returned to Gyuto Ramoche
Tantric University on January 4.
December 2004: Following the Kagyu Monlam
in late December, His Holiness Karmapa stayed in Bodhgaya for several
days and assembled a gathering of all the heads of the myriad temples
in Bodhgaya to join each other for tea and share prayers in their respective
traditions and languages for the benefit of the victims of the earth
quake and tsunami in South Asia. His Holiness left Bodhgaya on January
1 for Delhi.
  
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