December 9, 2010 – Bodhgaya | www.karmapa900.org
As thousands gathered before daybreak for Karmapa 900, the image of Buddha Shakyamuni was already basking in golden light beneath the painted sun on the Karmapa 900 stage. From dusk to dawn, this second day of the commemoration was devoted to the protection of the Karma Kagyu teachings received from Dusum Khyenpa, whose 900th birth anniversary will be celebrated throughout the upcoming year. With 108 smoke offerings in the morning and 100,000 offerings to Mahakala in the afternoon and evening, the day of practice was centered on Mahakala, whose history as Dharma protector of the Karma Kagyu is nearly as long as the lineage itself.
Morning Smoke Offering Ceremony
The crowd repeatedly rose to its feet respectfully, as the Karma Kagyu’s seniormost lamas entered and took their seats one after another: His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, His Eminence Jamgön Kongtrul, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Tenga Rinpoche, Bayö Rinpoche, Yonge Mingyur Rinpoche, Khenpo Lodrö Dönyö, the young Drupön Dechen Rinpoche and many, many others. His Holiness then Read the rest of this article