The Activity of His Holiness Karmapa photos text

Establishment of a Buddhist Retreat and Meditation Centre at Martam

The first Project to be undertaken by the Saraswati Trust is the establishment of a Buddhist Retreat and Meditation Centre at Martam, East Sikkim. The consecration of the site was completed on 18th of April, 2006 after an elaborate three day cermony of pujas and prayers led by His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab  Rinpoche,  Venerable Drupon Dechen Rinpoche , and the monks of Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre and Ralong Palchen Choeling Monastery. Construction work has now commences in earnest. The retreat Centre upon its completion will serve to provide a secluded learning centre for all serious religious practitioners. (text continues below Fotoplayer.)

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(continued from top): On 16th April a group of monks led by His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche perform the “Sang and Bumi Puja” to consecrate the main area for the new retreat center in Martam, located about six kilometers from Rumtek.  Ven Drupon Dechen Rinpoche also participated in the ceremonies.  Mr. Karma Tobden (former Indian Ambassador to Mongolia) was the special guest for the occasion.

According to the “bumi sadana” ritual, first the image of the “Sa-dak Toche”was drawn on the earth at the location of the main temple to be buile. This was followed by a ceremony of digging holes in the earth for the burial of the “Ter-Bum” (Vase) under the ground. After the chanting of the aspiration prayers, His Eminence Gyaltsap Rinpoche dug the first hole. He was followed by Mr. Karma Tobden and an eight year old girl, who, per the traditional rules, was invited to dig the earth as an auspicious sign.

After digging the hole, the Ter-Bum was buried under the earth by His Eminence and Mr. Karma Tobden together.

The following day, 17th April, Vajra Yogini’s “Bumi puja” was performed and a sand mandala was created by the monks. The sand mandala was also placed inside the hole dug in the main site of the temple. The following day, 18th April, the daylong “Vajra Yogini” puja was performed by His Eminence, the lamas and monks. At the end of the day the tandala was covered. HE and Drupon Dechen Rinpoche blessed the mandala as it was covered forever.

“Tsok” offering was done at the end of the puja and Deputy General Karma Chungyalpa made an offering to HE and the monks thanking them for their work.

HH Gyalwa Karmapa

Visiting the Karmapa

Schedule of the Karmapa

Detailed biographical information about His Holiness the 17th Karmapa is available from the drop down menus above. The materials are divided into:

17th Karmapa (His Holiness's current activities and schedule)

Background (Kagyu history regarding predictions about the 17th Karmapa)

In Tibet (His Holiness's early years, enthronement in Tibet and activity at Tsurphu Monastery)

In India (The Karmapa's escape to India and activities in India)

Reference (Official releases from the Kagyu Office and historical background documents referenced in other sections)

When not traveling, His Holiness holds regular public audiences at his temporary camp at the Gyuto Ramoche Tantric University in Dharamsala, HP, India