On Friday, July 24, 2026 Karmapa Center 16 will hold a traditional consecration ceremony for a life-sized bronze statue of Guru Rinpoche (the 8th century Indian master who brought Buddhism to Tibet), crafted by an artisan in Nepal, and newly installed in the middle of the pond located on the property. Renowned Buddhist teacher Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche will lead the ceremony on Friday, July 24, and offer a free public teaching on The Life and Teachings of Guru Rinpoche on Saturday, July 25. The events are free and open to the public, and will take place both onsite at the Center, and broadcast live online via Zoom.
Karmapa Center 16 was established near Zion, IL to commemorate His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the head of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to the statue, the Center will eventually include a temple with a large shrine room and meditation hall to house the Parinirvana Stupa (a reliquary monument for His Holiness), a library, classrooms, and other associated buildings. The site was chosen because Zion is where the Karmapa passed away at the Cancer Treatment Center of America on November 5, 1981. Karmapa Center 16 will be a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is intended as a sacred space for everyone; dedicated to cultivating kindness, peace, understanding and compassion.
Considered by many to be a “living Buddha,” the 16th Karmapa was well-known for his great love for animals, especially birds of all kinds. Recent groundwork at the site included an expansion of the existing pond, which will offer a larger resting place for migrating birds such as the Canada Goose and several species of heron, while also providing water to prevent fire in case of emergencies. In keeping with the teachings and example of his predecessor, the current head of the Kagyu Lineage, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, regularly speaks about the importance of living and acting in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Therefore, the Center is grateful that this first phase of construction was completed successfully and contributed to the protection of the environment.
Board Advisor Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche recently said, “In my view, anything one can do to extend assistance and support is not only deeply appreciated but is also a powerful contribution toward ensuring that the precious Kagyu lineage and all of its teachings remain present in the world, that His Holiness’ presence may remain uninterrupted, and that the world may continue to experience happiness, well-being, and benefit. That support and the contributions will help this benefit spread throughout the world.”
We hope you can join us onsite, online, or in spirit, for these very special events.
Karmapa Khyenno!
Photo courtesy of The Shambhala Archives. All rights reserved.
