Phodong Monastery celebrates Lhabab Duechen with commemoration of 900 years of Karmapa lineage

KRC WILL WAIT THREE MORE MONTHS FOR PERMISSION TO ALLOW KARMAPA TO SIKKIM
MANGAN, 17 Nov:  The Karma Thupten Tashi Choling Monastery (Phodong Monastery) celebrated the 900th anniversary of the commemoration of the First Karmapa, Duesum Khempa, today with a special event coinciding with Lhabab Duechen.
Rajya Sabha MP, OT Lepcha, Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche and Drikung Gyalse Rinpoche were present on the occasion.  The statue of the first Karmapa Duesum Khempa was installed in the monastery by Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche along with an offering of prayers.
The Chultimpa of Phodong Monastery, welcoming the gathering, explained the importance of the day. Recitation of Mangalacharan by the monks of Phodong Gumpa was followed by the consecration ceremony of the statue with Rabney and special prayers by monks. The statue was then formally installed by Goshir Gyaltsap Rinponche. 
In his key note address, KRC president, Chewang Lama, informed that KRC was formed with the sole agenda to bring the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje home to Sikkim and added that this was not only for the Buddhists but for all Sikkimese.  The KRC, it may be recalled, was hoping that the Central Government would grant permission to the Karmapa to be among his followers at the Phodong Monastery today, a hope which went undelivered.
The KRC president further expressed, “We will wait for another three months after which we will take recourse to other necessary steps for this noble cause of bringing the Karmapa to Sikkim”. 
Speaking on the same, KT Bhutia from Ralang Monastery Duche also reiterated that this single demand has been placed with the Centre for the past many years and is yet to be resolved. Similarly, the area MLA, PHE Minister TT Bhutia, in his address, highlighted that the State government and the Chief Minister himself were working hard towards bringing the Karmapa to Sikkim.
He informed that almost all the official procedures have been completed with the Home Ministry and now the Ministry of External Affairs needs to be convinced.  He assured that he along with the Lok Sabha MP will lead a delegation comprising of at least twenty KRC members to approach the Home Ministry. The Minister also requested the visiting Minorities Commission member to raise the issue at the centre.
The Rajya Sabha MP, in turn, informed that the CM was in Delhi at the moment and unwell but has assured to meet Central government officials on the matter after two or three days when his health improves. He also informed that the CM has sent his best wishes to all the people in Sikkim on this auspicious day.
The gathering was also addressed by National Minorities Commission member, Spalzes Angmo who informed that the Central Government was ready to allow the Karmapa to Sikkim and that the public and the government should not give up hope.
Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche delivered Kawang of “Buddha Amitatyu” for the well being of all.
While speaking to NOW! KRC publicity secretary, N Bhutia expressed gratitude to all the zindas (sponsors) and devotees for making the celebration successful. The celebration was jointly organized by the Karmapa Reception Committee (KRC) and the Phodong Gumpa Duche and was also attended by former Chief Minister, Nar Bahadur Bhandari, former MP, Karma Topden, Sangha MLA, Pheetuk Tshering Lama,  government officials, monks from across the state and devotees.