On August 11, 2018, a new moon day, Thaye Dorje, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa and his wife, Sangyumla, had the joy of becoming parents to their first child, Thugseyla.
Karmapa rejoiced that his son was born in France, where his European seat is located, and expressed gratitude to the medical teams. He paid tribute to Sangyumla and to all mothers,
I have spoken often of the unconditional love of a mother as one of the best examples of courage and compassion. Being present for the birth of our first child, I was deeply honoured to witness the dignity, courage and spiritual strength of Sangyumla—qualities that are present in all mothers around the world. Therefore, just as a mother’s love for her children knows no bounds, may there be no limits to our love for our mothers.
Karmapa explains that he aspires to follow the fine example of his father, His Eminence Mipham Rinpoche, as well as that of his predecessors, Choying Dorje, His Holiness the 10th Karmapa, and Khakyab Dorje, His Holiness the 15th Karmapa, who were also parents. The 15th Karmapa fathered three sons, two of whom were respectively recognised as the 2nd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and His Holiness the 12th Shamarpa.
The experience of becoming a father has further strengthened my inspiration and aspirations as Karmapa. In some ways, I have always been in a parental role, as head of the Karma Kagyu family. Now this spiritual role and title of Karmapa, and the responsibilities that come with it, are clearer than ever before. I will continue to try and preserve our precious lineage, a lineage of wisdom and compassion, with all my heart.
These photos come from our archives or were collected as part of the research for Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary. We have not been able to identify all the authors. The use of these photos is solely for informational purposes within the context of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary celebration. Their use is limited to this event and our website and is not for commercial purposes.
Event
To commemorate this event, we will make a mandala offering and the offering of body, speech and mind (time to be confirmed).
These photos come from our archives or were collected as part of the research for Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary. We have not been able to identify all the authors. The use of these photos is solely for informational purposes within the context of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary celebration. Their use is limited to this event and our website and is not for commercial purposes.