Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a blessed New Year. May kindness and compassion guide our hearts, bringing well-being and care for everyone.
Sometime at the beginning of 2025, we aspire to publish a summary of Acharya’s commentary on our website. After a break for one week, you are also welcome to join us again for Meditation for All: The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, starting on Sunday, January 5.
As Acharya Lhakpa expressed at the end of last Sunday’s Meditation for All session, may you all have happy holidays and a happy New Year!
It is with heartfelt sorrow that we received the news of the passing into parinirvāṇa of the great Kagyü master, His Eminence Chöje Ayang Rinpoche. His absence will be deeply felt by many within our community and beyond.
In this time of mourning, our resident Lamas at Karmapa Center 16 are offering butter lamps and prayers to support everyone affected by this loss. We invite all to join us in honoring Rinpoche’s memory and legacy.
This year (2024) marked the 43rd parinirvāṇa anniversary of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. Preceding our annual pujas and prayers on November 5th, the day of His Holiness’ passing, we hosted our first extensive 16th Karmapa Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat onsite in Taiwan and online from November 1 to 3. We felt humbled and honored by the hundreds of people who joined us from around the world, and especially for His Holiness the 17th Karmapa to give a special teaching during this retreat. Below is an impression of the teachings and practices and how to make guru yoga a lifelong remembrance of the inspiring life and enlightened presence of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa.
Day 1: Guru Yoga and lung of the Rainfall of Nectar
Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche opened our 16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat by brief explanations about the meaning and practice of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga called “Rainfall of Nectar” and his personal connection with this practice. He noted that this was one of the very first Dharma teachings he received as a small child from His Holiness.
Later, the sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, instructed Rinpoche to offer reading transmissions or lungs of this Guru Yoga “Rainfall of Nectar” as one of his responsibilities. After receiving it himself from His Eminence the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche, he supplicated Gyaltsab Rinpoche to explain how to do this practice and compose a commentary, which he did. Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche’s teachings of the first evening of our Guru Yoga Teachings were based on this.
One of the aspects Rinpoche pointed out is how the guru is equal to the Buddhas in terms of excellent qualities, yet excels the Buddha in terms of kindness. He is someone who can directly guide someone to move away from negative qualities and cultivate positive qualities in terms of body, speech, and mind.
Sharing about His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s qualities and activities, Rinpoche mentioned that His Holiness was able to liberate the mindstream of others with his enlightened speech. Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche shared various stories to illustrate this. He also pointed out how the great love and compassion for animals were evident from His Holiness’ actions.
In his teachings, explanation of the practice, and reading transmission/lung of the 16th Karmapa’s “Rainfall of Nectar” Guru Yoga practice, Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche also shared how he doesn’t have the prajna of hearing, experience of meditation, or the power of giving blessings himself, but through offering these during this Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat that the compassion and blessings of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa would be transferred to all present. Along these lines, we concluded this evening with the following prayer: “May everyone attain the state of the enlightened body, speech, and mind of the guru.”
Day 2: Devotion and special teaching by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa
On the second day of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat, we started practicing HH16K’s “Rainfall of Nectar” under the guidance of Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche.
Later in the morning, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche gave his first teaching during this retreat. He shared that “we are very fortunate to have this opportunity to be together and remember such an enlightened master [the sixteenth Karmapa], and having this opportunity to connect with the heart of the Karmapa-lineage through the heart of the guru.” He taught that practicing is the key emphasis of this lineage and, therefore, this lineage is called the practice lineage. He also shared how His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, in countless ways, was the very embodiment of this lineage, which he passed on to others, and how his presence showed the meaning of being a genuine guru, the Buddha in person.
In the afternoon, following another Guru Yoga Practice Session, Acharya Jampa offered more instructions about how we find a guru and, once we do, that our practice is not only something we do on the cushion. We have to put it into action in everyday life and, like the great masters, benefit all sentient beings. By doing so, we can be the enlightened activity of the Karmapa. This is, Acharya Jampa-la said, what His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, always encourages us to be.
In the evening, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa kindly offered a special teaching. He pointed out that the main point of guru yoga is devotion. Since having devotion towards someone you have never seen or met is not that easy, His Holiness said it would be good to hear stories about the sixteenth Karmapa from those who were familiar with him. This way we can know his activities and qualities. So, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa passed on some of the stories as told by people close to the sixteenth Karmapa, and his personal feelings, which concluded our second day.
Day 3: Genuine Practice
Both Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche expressed how fortunate and blessed they felt by receiving teachings and hear stories about the sixteenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, from His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. What else was there to say on this third day of this year’s Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat to commemorate His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s Parinirvāṇa Anniversary?
Yet, alongside His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga “Rainfall of Nectar”, songs and other practices, both Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche kindly shared some of their own experiences and offered further instructions on how to practice dharma and deepen our inner experience in general, and how to rely on a genuine guru with a heart of devotion in particular.
Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche pointed out how the experience of illness can deepen our experience and understanding of the teachings, like the nine ways of the genuine ones, and putting them into practice. He also kindly offered some time for questions.
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche taught about the five things we need to know regarding guru yoga practice – based on the oral lineage of Patrul Rinpoche and his disciples. He emphasized that “the method of relying on the guru is devotion, not protocol.” It is a matter of the heart, not our heads. Through our hearts, we can see the excellent qualities of the guru, have the realization of wisdom arise in our mind-stream, and do everything we can to benefit sentient beings.
This concluded our 16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat this year.
November 5: 43rd Parinirvāṇa Anniversary
In commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa’s parinirvāṇa, we held our annual pujas and prayers on November 5th.
This year, after our Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat last weekend, we recited the supplication to the Dagpo Kagyü, practiced His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga, sang songs, did Mahakala practice, made offerings and dedications at Nalandabodhi Taichung’s dharma center, Namkha Ösal – presided by Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
Towards the end, Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche shared a little bit about the history behind Karmapa Center 16. One thing he pointed out, is that the place of the passing of a great master, in this case His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, is traditionally considered a sacred area, full of blessings. Therefore, building his Holiness’s Parinirvāṇa Stūpa and the entire Stūpa Project is a way to honor the great dharma king, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, and also offer a place for pilgrimage, study, and practice of the dharma in general, the Kagyü in particular, and especially the lineage of the Karmapas.
Under the guidance of our resident teacher, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering, kindly joined by Lama Tashi Gawa and many dharma friends onsite and online, our annual parinirvāṇa pujas and guru yoga practices were also held (in Tibetan) at Karmapa Center 16 itself. A beautiful mandala was created with a special statue of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa for today’s practice and Acharya expressed his gratitude to everyone for helping make this possible.
With these practices, we fully concluded this year’s 43rd Parinirvāṇa Anniversary of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje.
Words of Gratitude
Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche noted at the conclusion of our Guru Yoga Teaching Retreat and completion of our pujas on Tuesday, November 5th, that we veel very fortunate that we were able to have this year’s extensive commemoration onsite in Taiwan and online, with teachings on HH16K’s Guru Yoga from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
All of this was only possible thanks to everyone at Karmapa Center 16 in the United States, members of KC16’s team in Taiwan, all benefactors and sponsors, and all volunteers. While many of them have not met His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa personally, everyone has helped so greatly in appreciation of His Holiness’ kindness and enlightened activities.
Being able to gather and practice together onsite and online, with the presence of the sacred relics of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, is something we are deeply grateful for.
In the words of Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche: “I want to thank His Holiness the 17th Karmapa for his great compassion, giving us the lung (reading transmission) of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga, and teaching us about Rangjung Rigpe Dorje’s life and enlightened qualities. I want to thank DPR for his teachings on Guru Yoga and personal advice. Finally, I want to thank all coming from far and wide for this year’s significant anniversary of the Sixteenth Karmapa. Thank you.”
We feel extremely grateful and blessed for the precious words this year by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, and wish for His Holiness to live long and continue to benefit all sentient beings.
All our activities to remember and honor the compassion and enlightened activities of the 16th Karmapa, putting the teachings of the Dharma and the lineage of the Karmapas into action for the benefit of everyone in this world as much as we can.
Karmapa Khyenno!
PHOTO GALLERY
Next year: 44th parinirvāṇa anniversary
Together with our annual pujas and prayers on November 5th, 2025, we will commemorate His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, with another guru yoga weekend retreat from October 31st till November 2nd, onsite in Hong Kong and online. Please save the date and join us again to make guru yoga a lifelong remembrance of the inspiring life and enlightened presence of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa.
Offering prayers, making aspirations, and many supplications to Tārā, KC16 joined Nalandabodhi’s ninth Annual Tārā Drupchen from our shrine room together with friends onsite and online from all around the world.
Tārā is not only one of the most popular deities in the Buddhist world and part of the Vajrayana tradition. Tārā was also one of the main practices of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Ranjung Rigpe Dorje, and is taught to be a very powerful practice, with vast blessings, and immeasurable kindness.
We would like to express our gratitude to Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Nalandabodhi for organizing this Tārā Drupchen, and a special thanks to our dear resident teacher, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering for his presence, practice, and guidance at KC16.
We concluded this year by chanting the Aspiration for the World, composed by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje.
In the spirit of this song, which is like a poem or doha, may we transform the world into a pure realm, a world that is equal for all, loving, warm, and where all creatures can experience peace, joy, and freedom. And, as the final words of this poem read, “filled with the many sweet scents of freedom. May we fulfill our countless and boundless wishes.”
We feel extremely fortunate to announce there will be a Ullambana Festival Puja this year with our precious Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche on August 16 and 17 (Chicago Time).
The origins of this festival can be found in the Ullambana Sutra and is traditionally celebrated throughout the centuries in Asia during the 7th month of the lunar calendar. It relates to the story of Buddha’s disciple Maudgalyāyana wanting to repay his mother’s kindness. Therefore, this month focus on generosity to accumulate merit in general and the dedication of our practice for the benefit of our parents and ancestors.
Please find the schedule of teachings and practices below, how you can join us online, and make auspicious offerings during this special puja.
Schedule
Starts Live at 8PM (Chicago Time, CT) DAY 1 (August 16) – Oral teachings & Essential teachings; Namchö, The Sky Dharma Maha Sukhavati Sadhana (Tibetan/Chinese)
DAY 2 (August 17) – Namchö, The Sky Dharma Maha Sukhavati Sadhana (Tibetan/Chinese), Tsok Offering
On the occasion of this special Ullambana Festival Puja, you can make auspicious offerings. Find below the various options for donations and fill in the form to donate.
Learn more here about the auspicious offering options.
Sage Millennium Buddha Offering. Supporting the Relic Hall – For 1,550 USD, you can permanently sponsor a Buddha statue in the Nirvana Holy Land Relic Hall
(All donations will be used for the construction of the Relic Hall; installment payments are available; donation receipts can be issued for tax deduction).
Tsatsa Offering. Supporting the Relic Hall – For 2,062 USD, you can connect with a Tsa Tsa stupa prayer shrine.
Deceased – Option 1. Friends and relatives can place the most meaningful items of the deceased, such as clothes, jewelry, photos, rosaries, etc., in the Nirvana Holy Land. The sangha lamas will make a Tsa Tsa clay stupa and enshrine it together with the memorial items of the deceased as a source of blessings.
Deceased – Option 2. Regardless of how long the deceased has passed away, a portion of their ashes can be handed over to the Nirvana Holy Land, where the lamas will make a Tsa Tsa clay stupa to be permanently enshrined in the Nirvana Holy Land.
Pre-Reservation. It is also possible to pre-reserve a Tsa Tsa clay stupa shrine during one’s lifetime.
(All donations will be used for the construction of the Relic Hall; installment payments are available; the Karmapa 16th Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States; donations to the Karmapa 16th Center are tax-deductible according to U.S. law; the names of donors will be permanently kept in the Relic Hall of His Holiness and will be blessed and prayed for eternally).
Karmapa Center 16 offers its heartfelt condolences to all the nunneries, students, and all who are mourning the passing into parinirvāṇa of Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche on June 22, 2024.
I remember the great kindness of Khenpo Rinpoche for teaching us the buddhadharma in general, and in particular, instructing us in the Kagyü tradition. Practicing in accordance with Rinpoche’s wishes and instructions, I offer my prayers and devotion – may all of them be accomplished.
On the occasion of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje’s birthday, resident monastics and lay visitors made special offerings and prayers at Karmapa Center 16, presided over by our dear Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche.
ཀརྨ་པ་གསུམ་པ་རང་བྱུང་རྡོ་རྗེའི་གསུངས་འཛམ་གླིང་སྤྱི་བསང་དང་། ཀརྨ་པ་ཨོ་རྒྱན་ཕྲིན་ལས་རྡོ་རྗེའི་གསུངས་གསེར་ལྡན་རྔ་སྒྲའི་བསང་མཆོད། The universal smoke offering for the world as taught by the great third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, and the purifying offerings with fire and the sound of the drum, as taught by the precious 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje.
His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa’s father, Honorable Karma Dhondup, passed away on Buddha Purnima Day, the 15th day of the Vesak month (May 23, 2024).
According to the Tibetan calendar, Buddha Purnima is called “Düchen Sumdzom,” meeting three special occasions: the day when Buddha Sakyamuni was born, attained enlightenment and passed away into parinivana.
The resident lamas and members of Karmapa Center 16 in Wadsworth, Illinois, will be holding daily prayers and butter lamp offerings through the 49th day
Since October of last year, our resident teacher, Acharya Lhakpa Tshering, has offered guided meditation and short dharma teachings every Sunday at Karmapa Center 16, and friends in the area have been able to join us onsite.
As everyone is welcome, and no prior experience is needed, Acharya calls the Sunday sessions Meditation for All.
We are delighted to announce that beginning January 14, 2024, Acharya’s teaching and the opportunity to practice together, will be offered online, so that Meditation for All will, indeed, be available to all!
Please join us onsite or online!
Foronline access,pleaseregister here for the Zoom link. The sessions begin at 10 am and finish at 11:30 am Central Standard Time. Please be sure to log onto Zoom a few minutes before we start. Below, you can find a few other guidelines that will help all of us practice together in the most beneficial way possible.
We aspire to follow in the footsteps of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa by offering Meditation for All to everyone and practicing together as he once expressed:
“I will always exert myself in dharmic recitation, proclamations, and readings. In mind, I will not flutter back and forth like a young bird on a branch. Not getting absorbed in discursive thoughts of good and bad, I will meditate, cultivating forbearance and relying on my own perceptions, not those of others. I will reflect on how best to benefit the teachings and beings.”
