The intensive practice of Korlo Demchok, or Chakrasamvara, one of the main yidams of the lineage, took on a special significance this year as Dhagpo Kagyu Ling marks its fiftieth anniversary. As Lama Jigme Rinpoche reminded us, this is a particularly auspicious month:
Indeed, in November 1977, His Holiness the 16th Karmapa Ranjung Rigpe Dorje visited Dordogne for the second time. On this occasion, he performed the extensive practice (drupchö) of Korlo Demchok on the Côte de Jor and signed the deed of donation of the land, which henceforth legally belongs to the Karma Kagyu Lama association. Several centuries earlier, the 1st Karmapa, Düsum Khenpa (1110-1193) performed the same gestures and spoke the same words in Tibet, when he founded Tsurphy Monastery, the seat of the Karmapas.
Jigme Rinpoche stressed the meaning of accomplishing this practice at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in order to keep it alive, in connection to the history of the place. Monastics from Dhagpo Kundreul Ling relayed each other from November 5 to 11 alongside the community of Dhagpo Kagyu Lling to prepare and perform this practice in the historic temple as well as outside, thereby enabling both retreatants to reconnect with the experience they acquired in retreat, and for all practitioners to attend and receive the blessing.