Phodong Monastery all set to host 900th anniversary of Karmapa lineage, still hopeful that Karmapa will be among them on 17 Nov

PHODONG, 15 NOV:  The Karma Thupten Tashi Choling Monastery (Phodong Monastery) is all set to host the commemoration of first Karmapa, Duesum Khempa, the supreme lineage holder of Buddha’s teachings on 17 November coinciding with Lhabab Duechen. This will mark the 900th anniversary of the Karmapa lineage.
The celebration is being jointly organized by the Karmapa Reception Committee (KRC) and Phodong Monastery Duche, and preparations have been underway since the beginning of the month.  The institution of Karma Kagyu is completing 900 years in 2011.
Although the KRC was hoping to bring the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje for the consecration of the ceremony, no intimation has arrived yet from the Central Government on the possibility of the Karmapa visiting Sikkim.  The Chief Minister has already sent a request petition to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Ministry seeking that the Karmapa be allowed to visit Sikkim on the special occasion. “..and we have heard that the CM is in Delhi, so we are hoping that things will still turn in our favour in the last hour,” shared KRC president, Chewang Lama, while speaking to NOW!.
He added, “We have requested the central government to bring the Karmapa to his home in exile in Sikkim [where he has his seat at Rumtek], but this has been made difficult due to some legal complications at Rumtek monastery, so we have appealed to allow him to at least visit us at Phodong Monastery for this auspicious occasion”.
Goshir Gyaltsap Rinpoche,  Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche and Drikung Gyalse Rinpoche will be arriving at Phodong Gumpa on 16 Nov for the celebrations.  To mark the occasion, a grand consecration ceremony of the installation of a statue of Duesum Khempa is also scheduled.
Lined up as part of the celebrations will be the Mangalacharan to be recited by the monks of Phodong Monastery followed by the consecration ceremony of the statue and formal inauguration of the statue by Goshir Gyaltsap Rinpoche.  
The celebration will also include Mendal offering on behalf of Phodong Gumpa and dignitaries followed by key note address by monks and other speakers.  Goshir Gyaltsap Rinpoche will also deliver “Kawang” of “Buddha Amitatyu” for public initiation.
The KRC President has invited all devotees to attend this ceremony. He has also invited and requested all associations and organizations to attend the ceremony.  Monks from across the State will be attending the celebrations along with devotees from different places.