November 7, 2026
“Truly, he was such a master, such a guru – just by meeting him, it would be liberation upon seeing.” – Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
This year we commemorated the 45th Parinirvana Anniversary of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. Our activities began with a pilgrimage to the Asura Cave and Yangleshö in Pharping, both sacred sites connected with the enlightened activity of Guru Padmasambhava.
From October 24 to November 5, hundreds of friends walked the kora around the great Boudhanath Stupa during our second annual Boudhanath Kora, with many others around the world joining as sponsors and entrusting their aspirations to the walkers.
16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga
On the anniversary itself, November 5, we practiced His Holiness’s Guru Yoga at Dilyak Monastery in Boudhanath, Nepal, and at Karmapa Center 16 in Illinois, near where His Holiness passed into Parinirvana in 1981, together with all who joined online and in heart from around the world. On that day, to conclude the kora, more than 15,000 butter lamps were offered at the Stupa, with prayers dedicated to every participant.
Before our practice in Nepal, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche shared memories of growing up in the care of His Holiness, and how amazing it was to be in his presence. Rinpoche then spoke about the profound and transformative practice of guru yoga. When we as students listen well, with an open, relaxed, and spacious mind, Rinpoche explained, we can receive the guru’s wisdom:
“Through the meeting of these two, there can emerge this power, this capacity to dispel the darkness [of ignorance].”
We concluded this year’s commemoration with our monthly Guru Yoga practice on Saturday, November 7.
Continuing our practice and efforts together
We feel very fortunate to have gathered in this way. Throughout the year, we hope to continue honoring the 16th Karmapa’s life and teachings by practicing His Holiness’s Guru Yoga together and exerting ourselves on the path shown by the great masters of the Karmapa lineage.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to our president, Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche, and to Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche for their teachings and guidance, and to Acharya Lhakpa la for his ongoing presence and tireless efforts in support of our mission. Heartfelt thanks as well to all the volunteers for their hard work, and to everyone who supports and is part of the Karmapa Center 16 community.
May the darkness of our ignorance be dispelled, and may we embody the wisdom and compassion of the guru.
Karmapa Khyenno!
