H.H. Karmapa with the head of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage

On Wednesday May 10, His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, the spiritual head of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, visited Kalimpong India to meet with His Holiness Karmapa. Upon arrival, he was greeted with the traditional pomp and circumstance. Thereafter, His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche blessed the Shri Diwakar Vihara Buddhist Institute, which was established by Shamar Rinpoche in 2002. His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche was seated on the throne in the puja hall while those present made aspiration prayers for his long life. Mandala offerings as well as symbolic offerings of body, speech and mind of the buddhas were made.

After the formal offerings were given, a long procession of the resident monks and well wishers made their way to present the traditional silk scarf and receive blessings from His Holiness. The students at Shri Diwakar Vihara were very pleased and excited that His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche blessed the Shedra (monastic university) with his presence. Once the procession had finished, His Holiness met with H.H. Karmapa for lunch and conversation.

His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche was well acquainted with His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa both in Tibet and in exile. However, this was the first time the two spiritual heads had met in the life of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje. The two spiritual leaders seemed to get on well and sounds of laughter could be heard from behind the doors of the private dining hall. His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa had a very fruitful meeting and enjoyed their time together before His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche went on to Sikkim.