Between two intensive retreat periods at Dhagpo Kundreul Ling, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, held a public program at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling from August 15 to 17, 2002. He conferred the Chenrezig empowerment and the bodhisattva vows to some 1,500 people gathered under the marquee set up for the occasion.
While Karmapa’s presence alone was exceptional, the occasion was made even more special by the presence at his side of Mipham Chökyi Lodrö, His Holiness the 14th Künzig Shamarpa, for a momentous event. On the afternoon of August 15, 2002, Karmapa and Shamarpa consecrated the site of the future building of the Institute and the Dhagpo Kagyu Ling library, thus completing the five resources indicated by Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, to establish the Buddha’s teachings in a lasting way. On the existing slab of the future building, in the presence of Lama Jigme Rinpoche, they both symbolically laid the first stone of the building.
This first stone is a block of locally quarried stone. Its center was hollowed out to hold a bamboo case containing some words by Karmapa. As Karmapa was about to seal the case inside with cement, Shamarpa noticed an insect that had nestled in the empty space and seemed unwilling to leave. After several unsuccessful attempts, the insect was gently removed from its niche and the box was sealed. This stone is now visible on the ground floor of the Institute, encased in the library wall.
Aspiration and wishing prayers were recited. Karmapa notably stated:
Buddhadharma is suffering’s sole cure,
Buddhadharma is the source of all happiness,
May the Dharma be reverently supported!
May it flourish!
May it endure for all time!
Karmapa and Shamarpa thus continued to anchor the blessings of the Karma Kagyu lineage at this site so that the Buddhadharma may be accessible in all its authenticity, a guarantee of fruits carrying liberation. May the full reach of the enlightened presence of the Black Crown and Red Crown be realized by every sentient being who sets foot on the grounds of the Dhagpo Kagyu Ling Institute.
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 recite Kagyu Meunlam wishing and aspiration prayers (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.
