The Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) is one of the oldest and biggest monasteries in the district of Delhi and unique in combining a traditional monastic setting with an Institute for Higher Buddhist studies for an international audience. Due to the personal efforts of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and the then Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi, KIBI was established in the late 1970s and henceforth flourished greatly.
Yesterday, 5th of February 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of KIBI. In celebration of this joyful occasion the present Sangha, KIBI staff, students and guests gathered at KIBI garden for a brief flag hoisting ceremony which was presided over by Ven. Maniwa Drupon Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, Prof. Sempa Dorje,
and Ven. Nendo Tenam Rinpoche. After hoisting the Buddhist, Kagyu and Indian flags, prayers of auspiciousness and the Indian anthem were chanted. Afterward, all attendees met in KIBI Cafeteria for a casual tea gathering. Furthermore, the Sangha had the good fortune to receive the oral transmission of the Monlam from Maniwa Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche. In the evening, everyone enjoyed a grand dinner which was provided by KIBI.
This celebration day on occasion of KIBI’s 30 years of existence was preceded by four days of Khandro Yesho Korlo (Tsedup) Long-Life Puja, as well as a Tenshug offering to His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje and Yongzin Prof. Sempa Dorje. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have organized, prepared, conducted and attended these days of prayers and celebrations: our precious Lamas, who are guiding all our activities; the Sangha who have wonderfully prepared the ceremonies; the administration staffs for offering the platform and organizing the program; all Volunteers for their help in manifold ways; to the students for their patience and attendance; and to all guests who joyfully joined in.
May all virtuous prayers offered swiftly be fulfilled, all obstacles removed, and may KIBI’s activities flourish even greater!