His Holiness performs prayers at the cave the great Kagyu lineage holder Tilopa
From February 19-26, His Holiness Karmapa visited Drubten Pemo Jalpay Gatsal, the newly constructed Tilokpur Nuns’ Monastery near Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. During his visit, His Holiness taught on the life of Tilopa and the 37 Actions of a Boddhisattva, as well as bestowed a number of empowerments. His Holiness consecrated a new temple at Tilokpur, as well as made a pilgrimage to the historic cave of Tilopa near the nunnery.
His Holiness made a short pilgrimage to Tilopa’s cave in the morning of February 20, 2007, accompanied by Gyaton Tulku from Sherabling. Later in the day were International Cultural performances, including Tibetan and Indian performers presented there traditional dance and songs.
His Holiness started the 21st with an insightful teaching on the life of Great Yogi Tilopa. Afterwards he conferred a long life empowerment and bodhisattva vows. An abundant gathering of international devotees, as well as numerous monks and nuns were in attendance. His Holiness performed a small Gya-lha puja on roof top at sunset. Afterwards, fire crackers lit the night sky. On February 22, His Holiness began teaching on the Thirty Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, from the famous text written by Thogme Zangpo. The teaching on the 37 Practices continued until the 24th.
His Holiness changed the program and performed Karma Pakshi Tsog offering during the morning puja. According to Tibetan calendar, this date marked His Eminence XII Tai Situ Rinpoche’s birthday. Headed by His Holiness, the celebration commenced at the main shrine hall of new Karma Drubgyu Thargay Ling. Cakes were distributed with joyous songs of Birthday to His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche, His Holiness adverted to the magnitude of the importance of His Eminence to the Kagyu lineage, as well as to His Holiness personally, and concluded the celebration with greetings to His Eminence. Earlier in the day His Holiness gave the Tara empowerment as requested by the nuns. – Tashi Paljor
| Programme Outline | |
| February 19, 2007 | |
| 9:30 am | Arrival of His Holiness Karmapa at Drubten Pemo Jalpay Gatsal (new Tilokpur Nuns’ Monastery) |
| 10:30 am | – Welcoming Ceremony in the main Temple of the New Monastery – Mandala offering – Offering of tea and ceremonial rice – Public blessing by His Holiness |
| February 20, 2007 | |
| 9.00 a.m. | PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY CAVE OF TILOPA |
| 1.00 p.m. | – SACRED LAMA DANCE performed by Tilokpur nuns – INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL PERFORMANCE Traditional Tibetan and Indian performers will offer song, dance and drama to His Holiness (Groups or individuals who would like to offer a performance are very welcome to do so.) |
| February 21, 2007 | |
| 9.00 – 11.00 a.m. | TEACHING ON THE LIFE OF TILOPA |
| 2.00 p.m. | LONG LIFE EMPOWERMENT |
| February 22-24, 2007 | |
| 9.00 – 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 – 4.00 p.m. |
TEACHING ON THE 37 PRACTICES OF A BODHISATTVA His Holiness will give teachings on this famous text written by Thogme Zangpo. |
| February 25, 2007 | |
| 9.00 a.m. | CONSECRATION OF THE NEW TEMPLE BY HIS HOLINESS |
| 3.00 p.m | GREEN TARA EMPOWERMENT |
| February 26, 2007 | |
| 12.00 p.m. | After lunch His Holiness will return to His temporary residence at Gyuto. |
