Karmapa to lead Buddha Jayanti celebrations at KIBI

May 16, 2019

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, will lead celebrations on the auspicious occasion of the 2563rd Buddha Jayanti on 18 May 2019, at Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi, India.

Buddha Jayanti, also referred to as Buddha Purnima and Vesak, marks the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni.

As Karmapa said on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti last year,

Vesak is an opportunity to reflect not only on the life of Buddha, but on the journey that all of us are on, the path of a Bodhisattva, and the practical steps that it takes to become enlightened. For we do not need to take a leap of faith. Prince Siddhartha did not become a Buddha through some kind of magic or mystery. He became a Buddha through dedicated practice, through being an example of great courage, and this is what I encourage all of us to consider on this auspicious day.

Karmapa will preside over traditional offerings and ceremonies, which will also be open to the public.

Further details about the programme (courtesy of KIBI), can be read in English and Tibetan below.

For more information about KIBI and its various education initiatives, please visit the KIBI website.