At 5:30 am, in twilight, His Holiness the Karmapa presided over the Monlam prayers, which have been held in Tergar monastery. Earlier, His Holiness had given directions to the ordained monks regarding the sitting arrangements which he said would to be according to the old tradition of Tibet: whoever arrives earlier will be seated on top of the line. Later His Holiness explained the importance of this tradition as it places emphasis on willingness to practice the Dharma.
At around 9:30 am His Holiness visited the Maha Bodhi temple to represent the Buddhist religion on the occasion of the interfaith prayers for world peace held on 2550 anniversary of Lord Buddha's mahaparinirvana. His Holiness was requested by the Maha Bodhi Temple Society who organize the prayers. The Governor of Bihar, His Excellency R.S.Gawai, was also present. After a quick lunch, His Holiness the Karmapa attended the Monlam’s next session and gave Akshobya empowerment. Later, back at the Tergar Monastry, His Holiness gave a public audience to all who had newly arrived from Tibet and came to Bodh Gaya for a pilgrimage, and to international devotees.

December 27th was the first day of the 24th annual Kagyu Monlam. Thus far over 4,500 ordained monks and nuns have registered as well as 2,000 foreign pilgrims and at least 2,000 Himalayan pilgrims.
The Monlam began at 5:30 am with an amazing procession of 500 gelong, all carrying crystal lotus mandalas and meditating as they walked slowly around the outer courtyard of the Maha Bodhi temple and took their seats. His Holiness the Karmapa arrived and all who wanted to renew their sojung vows were invited to do so. Soon after that His Holiness began to teach on the life of Milerapa with profound clarity and devotion. All enjoyed hearing His Holiness speak and many of the sangha sang Milerapa's "Song of Aspiration." Dedication prayers followed and the program at the Great Stupa ended for day one.
After a brief dinner break, His Holiness gave a teaching on meditation at the beautiful new Tergar monastery. Many eyes and minds were opened.

Following is a report on a climatic phenomenon that occurred after the gelong procession as attendees were being seated. Lama Chodrak called the phenomena a "Rain of Nectar." Within an area of about 75 feet in diameter, about 100 feet in front of the Karmapa's throne, shortly after the sunrise, people began to feel wetness. It was not a wetness of typical "falling" rain. This "rain" just appeared at about ten feet from the ground and then fell to the ground. The drops were of unusual shape and of a very low intensity. Adding even more wonder, the sky was blue. Yes, a rain of nectar fell from a cloudless blue sky, and a blue sky is somewhat rare in Bodh Gaya! The temperature stayed comfortably warm well into the night.

On the Christmas day morning His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa gave a teaching on the four extraordinary preliminary practices. Later His Holiness presented a calligraphy from his own collection as a Christmas gift to each of the international devotees who were gathered for the teaching. His Holiness signed each one of the calligraphies on the spot. It took two and a half hours for more than two thousand devotees waiting in a long line to receive the gift from the Karmapa. His Holiness wished merry Christmas to all at the end. After that His Holiness offered short time for questions and answers for the representatives of centers and had group photos taken later on.

21st December: in the evening His Holiness the Karmapa performed the initial preparation puja for the Chakrasambhava (Khorlodumpa) preliminary Empowerment at Tergar Monastery in Bodh Gaya. There were more than 2000 international devotees gathered from western countries and eastern countries. His Holiness teachings are sponsored and organized by Hwa Yue Foundation of Taiwan.

22nd December-morning: Chakrasambhava Formal Empowerment attended by Mingyur Rinpoche, Khenchen Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche and Tenga Rinpoche and Venerable Hai Ta Fa Su from Taiwan received the Vajrayana Crown from His Holiness.
In the afternoon His Holiness gave Green Tara Empowerment for the public at the request of the Korean group.

23rd December at 10 am: His Holiness began teaching on the Four Extraordinary Preliminary Practices, later His Holiness gave refuge to all the devotees. Later in the evening Mingyur Rinpoche gave a more thorough  teachings (kyar tri-in tib) on the same text given earlier by His Holiness at his request.

complete schedule 12/21-12/26

On the 20th December at 9:30 am His Holiness the Karmapa visited the Mahabodhi Temple. The head of the Mahabodhi Society welcomed him and escorted His Holiness inside the main shrine hall. His Holiness performed a short puja and circumambulated the temple three times, then headed to the Bhutanese Temple. There His Holiness looked at the tormas and offerings made out of butter for the Kagyu Monlam Chenmo. He was joined by Mingyur Rinpoche and Khenchen Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. Later in the afternoon, His Holiness gave an audience to international followers at Terga Monastery.

complete schedule 12/21-12/26

His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa, continuing his fall winter tour, leaves Sarnath early in the morning and arrives at Bodhgaya in noon, serbang headed by Mingyur Rinpoche and Khenchen Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche received His Holiness at Terga Monastery. Many international followers welcomed His Holiness by chanting “Karmapa Khyenno” out loud. This is the first visit of His Holiness Gylawa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje to the newly built Terga Monastry after its completion.

At 8 am His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa presides over prayers to mark the successful finishing of 10th Karmay Gonchoe at the main shrine hall of Vajra Vidya Institute together with Thrangu Rinpoche, Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and Tenga Rinpoche. His Holiness acknowledged Thrangu Rinpoche for hosting the event for one month.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived at Sarnath airport on Sunday at noon to give religious teachings beginning December 19th at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS) in Sarnath. His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa received him at the airport.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama accompanied by His Holiness the Karmapa arrived at Vajra Vidya Institute, where Thrangu Rinpoche made a mandala offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After finishing the prayers, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had a lunch at Vajra Vidya Institute along with His Holiness the Karmapa, Thrangu Rinpoche and Tenga Rinpoche.

Later that day His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Vajra Vidya Institute for CIHTS. It has been His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s fourth visit to Vajra Vidya Institute.

Continuing the fall winter tour in Sarnath, His Holiness the Karmapa gave teachings about Mahamudra (Chagya Chenmo) as well as the great Kagyu lineage and its masters. These topics had been requested by the Kagyu Association (KA) and were presented at the Sarnath University for Higher Buddhist Studies, at the Vajra Vidya Institute main shrine hall.
His Holiness mentioned that the relation with the KA had started two years back, and he was happy to have an opportunity to speak on topic requested by the Association.

December 8th mid-morning, His the Holiness Karmapa visited Dhameka Stupa and took the bodhisattva vow. Thrangu Rinpoche, Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, and Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche were also present. After that His Holiness visited the nearby Deer Park and the Relic Stupa where the head of the temple offered His Holiness a miniature framed stupa.

Morning of December 7th, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa presides over morning puja at Vajra Vidya main shrine hall along with Thrangu Rinpoche.

Later on, lunch was offered at Ramada Hotel in Varanasi, Thrangu Rinpoche, Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and Drupon Dechen Rinpoche were also present, along with the whole entourage.

Very Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche celebrated His 74th birthday in Saranath India on Nov 30th 2006. The auspicious occasion was celebrated on a grand scale and was attended by all the Shedra monks and Labrang members.
The birthday occasion began at 9 am in the main shrine room of Vajra Vidya Institute. A Mandala offerings were presented to VV Trangu Rinpoche by Khenpos and monks of various monasteries. After the morning prayers, at 3pm His Holiness Karmapa proceeded to the temple courtyard of the Vajra Vidya Institute joined by Sangey Nyenpa Rinpoche to wish VV Trangu Rinpoche Happy Birthday. At this time the birthday cake was also cut.

Nov 27th The International Kagyu Monlam Organizing Committee meeting started, headed by His Holiness Karmapa and Lama Choedrak.
Nov 28th His Holiness, Thrangu Rinpoche and Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and all the working committee for Kagyu Monlam had lunch at Hotel Radisson organized by one of the Monlam sponsors. Nov 29th His Holiness continued the Kagyu Monlam meeting, Thrangu Rinpoche and Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche were also present , His Holiness discussed the schedule of Monlam and appointed persons for various jobs to have productive monlam, His Holiness concluded the meeting with prayers best wishes for Monlam.

His Holiness gave a talk about the origin of the Karme Gunchoe at Vajra Vidya Institute, Saranath.

His Holiness Karmapa mentioned to bring out concrete results from Karma Gonchoe and it would be greatly beneficial for the Kagyu Lineage if the learned khenpos from various monasteries would do some editing on Kagyu Sungrabs. HHK will try to finish the teachings of "Tarig” (lorig and tarig) later on during his time of stay in Saranath.

National Highway 31A in Salugara, a town at the outskirts of Siliguri City West Bengal. This is also the main highway and artery to the Himalayan State of Sikkim, which houses the reknowed Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the main seat of his Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje.

Upon his arrival His Holiness was led to the main Shrine Hall in the Chorten at Salugara where a Mandala Offering was made by the Chief Abbot and Sangha of the Samdrup Targye Ling Monastery, which is Ven. Kalu Rinpoche’s Monastery in Sonada, Darjeeling Dist. Mandala offering was also made by Kalu Rinpoche’s Mayumla. Thereafter His Holiness received dignitaries from Sikkim, Bhutan and West Bengal in private audiences for more than one hour.

As scheduled His Holiness reached the venue – i.e the Phodang at Salugara, for bestowing the Abhisheka Initiation (Long Life Empowerment-Tsewang) to the general public at 1.00 pm. A crowd of more than 14000 devotees from West Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan had gathered to receive blessings from His Holiness despite the miday heat and dust. The entire atmosphere was reminiscent of the Kalchakra pujas held by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the same venue in 1996. Upon His arrival his Holiness was first led to the main Dukhang in the Phodang where a long life mandala offering was made to him by representatives of the Himalayan Buddhist & Cultural Association – (An Organization rerpresented along the entire belt of the Himalayan Range). Thereafter His Holiness bestowed the Abhisheka Initiation (Tsewang) to the gathering interspersed with very eloquent teachings on the merits of good deeds, thoughts and the need to practice the Buddha Dharma. The pujas concluded after two hours and thereafter His Holiness continued to give audience to a large gathering which had gathered at the Chorten. His Holiness is scheduled to depart for Delhi on the 17th November.

Early next morning the sangha from the monastery made the long-life mandala offering to His Holiness followed by offering of khata and mandala by the entire monks and lay devotees. His Holiness left Droden Kunchab Chodey around 12:30 pm and visited Sed-Gyud Buddhist Monastery (Gelugpa Sect). The welcome reception was made by traditional ceremony and the chief abbot made the mandala offering to His Holiness. The sangha chant the long life prayers for HH and also ceremonial rice and tea were serve to all the gathering. His Holiness also paid a brief visit to surrounding Buddhist center and stupas were he did the consecration of various stupas. HH paid a short visit to Men-Tsee Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astor Institute of the Exile Govt. of Tibet) and left for Bagdora Airport. His Holiness will be at New Delhi for two days and fly to Varanasi.

On Monday, November 13, 2006, His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa received the Mandala Offerings from Bokar Ngedon Choekor Ling. The procession of offerings included a mandala of precious substances, sacred texts, robes, numerous statues of the Buddhas, offering bowls and vases and Tsok. Both the monastic and the lay sangha gathered to celebrate the offerings made to His Holiness, Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Payu Tulku Rinpoche, Drupon Rinpoche and monks from various monasteries who arrived earlier to pray during the 4 day consecration of Bokar Rinpoche's stupa.

In the afternoon, His Holiness once again met with the international students to share personal stories of the Venerable Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche.

nature of mind. After the teaching, His Eminence graciously offered the Vajrakilaya empowerment for the international community.

On November 9, 2006, His Holiness Karmapa arrived early morning at a local scenic viewpoint to catch a view of majestic Kanchenjunga. Afterward, His Holiness continued his teaching on Guru Yoga during the morning teaching session. In the afternoon, His Holiness Karmapa, Gyaltsab Rinpoche and Khenpo Lodro Donyo Rinpoche performed the consecration ritual for Venerable Bokar Rinpoche's Stupa. Gyaltsab Rinpoche concluded his teachings on Mahamudra, Buddha nature and Bodhicitta.

His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje celebrated his 21st birthday at Gyuto Monastery. This joyous occasion was shared with over 1,000 devotees who attended the morning prayers and afternoon festivities. Among the guests were spiritual and lay

The "Karmapa Khyenno" mantra recitation has begun in all four districts of Sikkim and West Bengal. The participating monasteries are: Mirik, Sonada, Salugara, Rankha, Lava, and Rumtek.

During the three days from May 22-24, 2006, the Gyalwa Karmapa was invited to Dharamsala, India, to attend the Third Conference of The Revival of Tibetan Bhikshuni Ordination Academic Conference". At the opening ceremony, His Holiness the Dalai

Lama, the Gyalwa Karmapa, Sang-tung Rinpoche, Geshe Tupten of the Graduate Institute of Geshe Studies, and geshes, kenpos; and Vinaya scholars from all the lineages as well as the ga sha officials from the Tibetan government were present. This gathering testifies to the importance of the Revival of the Bhikshuni Ordination System. The official schedule commenced at 1:30 p.m. on May 22nd.

The First Day Agenda:

1. According to Mulasarvastivada lineage is there permission for bhikshunis to receive the bhikshuni ordination from bhikshus?

The Second Day Agenda:

1. Is it possible for a bhikshuni who has received the shikshamani vow from other Vinaya lineages to receive the bhikshuni vow from a bhikshu of the Mulasarvastivada lineage.

2. Is it possible for a bhikshuni to receive ordination from the Mulasarvastivada lineage and other bhikshuni vinaya lineages.

3. Is it possible to receive the bhikshuni ordination solely from other vinaya lineages.

The Third Day Agenda:

1. The discussion of the topics of the previous two days, citing evidence from the scriptures, and the testimony to questions.
Immediately following this discussion, the Gyalwa Karmapa gave some remarks.
The last day, all the participating representatives from each lineage directed their attention to the last two topics:
According to the Mulasarvastivada lineage is it possible for a bhikshu to bestow ordination to a bhikshuni?
Is it possible for a bhikshu of the Mulasarvastivada lineage, and other vinaya lineages together bestow the bhikshuni ordination?
The result of a vote by representatives of all lineages on these last two topics failed to reach a consensus.
Sang-tung Rinpoche in his concluding remarks said that the topics for the discussion have made great advancement. Moreover, there are concrete methods to implement them. These topics will be further discussed in the International Conference to be held in Germany next year, with the anticipation that the Tibetan bhikshuni lineage will be established as soon as possible.

(the birthday of the Buddha). On his arrival at Mavalankar Auditorium, the venue for the function, His Holiness was accorded a rousing reception by Dr. B.K. Modi, President of the Mahabodhi Society of India, Ven. Chosphel Zotpa Honorable Member National Commission of Minorities, Government of India, and senior functionaries of the Society. Several religious leaders from different faiths were seated on the dais. After chants by the monks, His Holiness lit the traditional lamps and released a book titled, Whispers of Peace, compiled by Dr. B.K. Modi, containing teachings and texts from various religious traditions. Thereafter, His Holiness was invited to make the inaugural address. The 17th Karmapa in his remarks reminded the audience that Buddha's message of peace and amity is beyond any religious or sectarian basis and is founded on a quest for the general benefit and well-being of humanity as a whole. His Holiness stated that the world looked to India for wisdom and guidance. He expressed his appreciation and applauded the initiative of the Mahabodhi Society of India. Among the dignitaries present were the Ambassadors of Sri Lanka and Mongolia. A large delegation from Japan was in attendance as well as a large number of local Indians.

The second day of celebrations organized by the Mahabodhi Society of India to commemorate the 2550th Buddha Jayanti was held on the grounds of the Buddha Jayanti Park in New Delhi on April 9, 2006. In spite of the hot weather, devotees congregated in large numbers to hear Gyalwa Karmapa. Prof Samdhong Rinpoche, Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government- in-exile and Union Minister Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan were among the invited guests. The Japanese delegation comprising of Parliamentarians, Mayor of Okinawa and eminent citizens as well as a large cultural troupe were present. Welcoming the Karmapa, Dr. B.K. Modi, President of the Mahabodhi Society of India lamented that high spiritual Masters like the Dalai Lama and the Karmapa were still being treated as refugees, when, in essence, they are the lineage holders of the Buddha Dharma, which has its roots in India. Dr. Modi stated that such eminent leaders of the Buddhist faith should be conferred honorary Indian citizenship with all honor and privileges,in appreciation for their role in bringing the Buddha back to his country of birth. Echoing the sentiments expressed by Dr. Modi, Union Minister Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan promised to raise this issue before the Indian leadership. Mr. Paswan stated that he saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Karmapa as Indian Dharma Gurus and therefore, deserving honorable treatment as such.

His Holiness exhorted the gathering to spread the message of the Buddha across the world and pre-empt strife. His Holiness stressed the value of spreading amity and goodwill as a sustainable basis to bring peace in the world. His Holiness reminded the audience of the singular contribution of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedakar, architect of India's constitution for giving impetus and ensuring that people of India remembered the greatness of the Buddha, as a social emancipator and a kind teacher. His Holiness applauded the role of the Mahabodhi Society of India and in particular, expressed appreciation for its President, Dr. B.K. Modi's leadership. On behalf of the Mahabodhi Society and other co-organizers, His Holiness presented traditional Indian shawls to the delegates as a token of honor. His Holiness offered a khatak, the traditional Tibetan silk scarf to Dr. Modi as a gesture of appreciation for his leadership.

On February 20th, His Holiness arrived at Vajra Vidya Institute around 2:00pm from Bodhgaya. He visited the Relic Stupa and also went to feed the Deer at the Deer’s Park, Buddha’s first teaching location.

On February 22nd, His Holiness left Varanasi for New Delhi and stayed at Oberoi Hotel. On 24th Feb late afternoon His Holiness gave a teaching to the Tibet Study Group India at the International Centre Auditorium New Delhi. The teaching was gaven outdoor.

After a prolong tour His Holiness returned back to Gyuto, Dharamsala on the 25th.

On February 28th, His Holiness was invited to the main shrine hall to celebrate the Tibetan Losar by the Gyuto Monastery’s Sangha. The early morning prayers started with Mandalala offering of Long life to His Holiness by the Ven Khenpo Rinpoche of the Gyuto Monastery. Ceremonial Rice and tea was served to the entire gathering. At the end everyone offer khatas and HisHoliness gave blessing as well. March 1st His Holiness went to participate the Losar celebration at His Holiness Dalai Lama’s residence and offer Tashi Delek khata to His Holiness Dalai Lama.

On February 17th His Holiness arrived in Bodhgaya from Varanasi to attend the 2550th Buddha Jayanti Celebration held from February 13 - 19, 2006. The Maha Bodhi Society of India issued the invitation. His Holiness along with his entourage arrived at the Mahayana

Guest House around 2:00 pm. The Venerable P. Seewalee Thero, Bhikkhu-in-charge, MBSI, Buddhagaya center received His Holiness with a khata at the main gate of the Guest House.

On the morning of February 18th His Holiness visited the Maha Bodhi Temple. There he made flower & fruit offerings to the main image of Lord Buddha. He also made a robe offering to the statue and chanted supplication prayers. After that he circumabulated the main stupa and visited the ongoing month-long Tripitaka Chanting by monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and India.

On February 19th the week-long Celebrations of the 2550th Buddha Jayanti concluded with an International Inter-Religious Dialogue Conference. His Holiness was the principle guest.
The theme was Inter-faith Understanding and Tolerance, with special reference to the teachings of Lord Buddha; a need for mankind.

The program started at 9:00am with His Holiness' arrival at the venue. Venerable Dr. Rewatha Thero, General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society of India welcomed His Holiness by offering a khata. Ceremonial lamps where lit by distinguished guests followed by an invocation.

A welcome and introductory speech was given by Venerable P. Seewalee Theero followed by speeches of different religious leaders from Hindu, Jain, Islam, Sikh and Christian traditions.
His Holiness then spoke about understanding and tolerance. The concluding addresses were given by the Venerable Dr. Rewatha Thero and Mr. A.H.Khan, organizing secretary of the conference.

Late afternoon at 5:00pm, His Holiness was invited to the Meditation Park to ring the Peace Bell at the Maha Bodhi Temple. Afterwards he proceeded to light butter lamps and then assembled under the bodhi tree to join the chanting of the Keraniya Metta Sutta (loving-kindness) by the venerable Maha Sangha. The ceremony concluded with His Holiness chanting prayers for the World Peace.

On the morning of February 20th, before leaving for Varanasi, His Holiness launched the newly created Website - ‘Buddha Dhamma’ by Venerable Jnanananda Thero, Sri Lanka. He then visited the main temple to pay His last respects and left Bodhgaya around 8:30am.

On February 22nd His Holiness left for New Delhi.

On Februrary 13th His Holiness joined the last day of the Dak-me-ma puja at the Vajra Vidaya Institute as requested by the
Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche. His Holiness joined the morning session from 10:00 am to noon.

After His Holiness attended the Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya for the first time in December 2001, he travelled to the Vajra Vidya
Institute and called upon the many Rinpoches and Lamas from the different Kamstang Monasteries to attend a meeting. At that time they decided to revive the most profound puja text of the 12th tantra by the Great Marpa Lotsawa. Each monastery was given a different puja to practice. The Vajra Vidya Institute has the He-Vajra and Dak-me-ma pujas. He-Vajra was performed last year and this year the Dak-me-ma was perform for the first time. The Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche made a long-life offering mandala to His Holiness at the conclusion of the morning session.

On Wednesday, February 8, 2006, His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa attended a conference entitled “The Convergence of the Views of the Four Great Lineages of Tibetan Buddhism” at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The conference was held at the

Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, Varanasi. His Holiness the Karmapa had not originally planned to attend the conference, but since he had stayed in Sarnath longer than expected, he accepted H.H. the Dalai Lama’s request that he attend the conference.

The conference was officiated by H.H. the Dalai Lama and featured scholars from each of the four main lineages of Tibetan Buddhism: the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Geluk, who were to present the views of their respective lineages.

The morning section opened with a speech by H.H. the Dalai Lama, which was followed by presentations by two Geluk scholars: Geshe Lobsang Tenzin, from Sera Monastery and Prof. Yeshi Thabkhe from the Central Institute, and then by Khenpo Gyamtso, a scholar from Sakya College.

His Holiness attended lunch with H.H. the Dalai Lama along with Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche and His Holiness’s sister Ngodub Pelzom.

The afternoon section started around 1:30pm.
As requested by H.H. the Dalai Lama, His Holiness Karmapa shared his opinions and gave a talk to the gathering. After that the Nyingma Khenpo Yeshe Dorje from Namdroling Monastery gave his presentations followed by the Kagyu scholars Khenpo Gawang from Rumtek and Khenpo Tsultrim Norbu from Sherab Ling. Following this, His Holiness returned to the Vajra Vidya Institute where he gave a teaching on Refuge to Western students.

On January 28th, Mahakala Day according to Tsruphu Calendar, His Holiness Karmapa attended The Mahakala Puja with the Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche at the Vajra Vidaya Institute.

On January 30, 2006 Tsurphu Losar was celebrated. Early in the morning at His Holiness' chamber the Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche, General Secretary Venenrable Drupon Rinpoche and the Khenpos and staff of the Tsurphu Labrang offered khatas to His Holiness wishing him a Tashi Delek and long life. Traditional offering of tea and ceremonial rice was offered to all gathered and according to the Tibetan tradition che-mar was also offered.

Around 8:00am His Holiness proceeded to the main shrine hall and offered a khata to the main Shakyamuni Buddha Statue and then sat on the throne. The main ceremony of Losar began with supplication prayers to the Three jewels. Prayers to the Sixteen Arhats followed. Tradition tea and dre-si was offered to everyone gathered. At the end of the program His Holiness requested we sing one of the Milarepa songs, the melody composed by His Holiness himself. After the program His Holiness gave a blessing to all the participants of the Losar. The Tsruphu Labrang then offered lunch at the Vajra Vidya Institute.

On January 31, His Holiness visited the Central Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies, in Sarnath arriving around 10:30 am. At the gate of the main assembly hall Director Ngagwang Samten greeted him with a khata and led him to the main hall. His Holiness gave a blessing to the students and staff and also addressed the gathering. A thank you speech was given by Yeshi Thabkhe followed by tea and refreshments in the Directors office.

On January 18th and 19th, His Holiness called a meeting with the Khenpos from the different Shedras (participants of Karmae Gon Cho) here at the Varja Vidhaya Insititute, Varanasi. His Holiness discussed further rules and regulations of the Gun Cho and chose the main text to be used for debating during the winter retreats.

Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche and General Secretary Venerable Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche also attended.

The 23rd Kagyu Monlam concluded on January 14th with the butter lamp offering and aspiration prayers at the main temple. His Holiness arrived at the Vajra Vidhaya Institute in Varanasi on January 17th where he will be staying for sometime. Before he left Bodhgaya, His Holiness visited the main temple to pay His last respects.

He offered a robe to the main statue and a short prayer in the main shrine room. He then circumabulated the Bodh tree and left for Varanasi. For more details on the Kagyu Monlam please visit http://www.kagyumonlam.org/

His Holiness left the Vajra Vidhya Institute, Varanasi on January 5th at 8:00 am for Bodh-Gaya to attend the Annual Kagyu Monlam. He was accompanied by His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Bo Khangkar Rinpoche and others traveling in ten vehicles by ground. His Holiness arrived in Bodh-Gaya around 1:00 pm. There was a ceremonial welcome by the monks and lay devotees at Shechen Monastery. He will stay at the Shechen Monastery and lead the 23rd Kagyu Monlam Chemo starting on January 7th.

On January 6th at 1:00 pm His Holiness visited the Mahabodhi Temple. There he said some prayers and made offerings of flowers and fruit inside the temple. After making offerings, His Holiness looked over the newly made tormas and butter decorations for the Monlam which will take place behind the stupa under the Bodhi tree where Sakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment.

On New Years Day, January 1, His Holiness gave the refuge vow to all the disciples gathered for the teachings. His Holiness then gave a special New Years present to the sangha and lay devotees in attendance. His Holiness has recently compiled a "Lama Chopa" (Supplication or Offering to Guru) which He himself typed. Each Text

Book was signed by His Holiness and presented to everyone after the teaching.

The Tsurphu Labrang offered a ceremonial rice & tea to the entire group of students as a New Year celebration offering.

His Holiness invited Venerable Hai Tao and two other Mahayana Masters along with His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche and Bo Khangkar Rinpoche to join Him for New Years lunch in His chambers