Today is a very special day for all of us and we have all gathered here in the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute to celebrate the 35th birthday of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Thaye Dorje.
To celebrate the occasion, K.I.B.I. organised a series of events to which the administrative staff members, Rinpoches, Lamas, Khenpos, students and many local devotees were invited.
Our program started at 9:00am with a Mandala Offering and a Ceremonial Scarf Offering. This was followed by a service of saffron rice and butter tea to everyone, alongside a Smoke Puja.
At 11:00am, we recited long life prayers for His Holiness Karmapa, followed by a cake cutting ceremony.
After lunch, we had organised the recitation of a special prayer to accompany the life realise of fish and birds, the benefits of which were dedicated to all sentient beings and more particularly towards the long life of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa.
In the evening, we hosted a Gala Dinner which was followed by a final gathering in the Auditorium Hall of K.I.B.I., and everyone joined in for a special quiz accompanied by a great amount of singing, joyfulness and laughter.
Finally, we would again like to wish His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Thaye Dorje, the supreme head of the Karma Kagyu lineage, continued good health and a happy 35th birthday.
