Feb 5th, 2014 – Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya.
The Gyalwang Karmapa today visited the Mahabodhi temple where the anniversary of the 25th Nyingma Monlam was being celebrated. The sun was at last shining brilliantly lighting up the stupa grounds, where various groups gathered round ancient stone monuments and bodhi trees to chant prayers. While devotees gathered outside the inner sanctum of the temple, the Gyalwang Karmapa entered and offered a new shining gold robe to the sacred Buddha statue. He then led a procession of enthusiastic followers around the inner kora stopping at the thrones of Nyingma masters to offer katags and light butter lamps. On the south side was Khyentse Yangsi and Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, on the north Dudjom Yangsi, on the east Khenchen Pema Sherab, and on the west Namkha Drimed Rinpoche.
The Gyalwang Karmapa did four outer circumambulations with calm dignified steps, while a growing procession of monks, Himalayans, and Western lay devotees followed. Seeing his radiant face shining like a full moon made it a joyous occasion.
