HH the Karmapa at HH the Dalai Lama’s birthday celebration
Photo: Contact/Lha
This June marks the 30th birthday of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa.
Born into a nomad family in Eastern Tibet, the Karmapa was officially recognised by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and enthroned at the Tsurphu Monastery at the age of seven. In order to learn from the Kagyu lineage teachers, many of whom were in exile in India, the Karmapa traveled to Dharamsala in 2000. He has been living as a refugee, continuing his monastic training and education, and receiving visitors in Dharamsala ever since.
Despite many requests for the Karmapa to celebrate his birthday in a manner worthy of a world spiritual leader, he has released a statement indicating that he will not be celebrating this year. Citing a number of reasons both personal and political, the Karmapa has decided to refrain from any formal commemoration, opting instead to thank those who have offered their support and love over the years.
A young Karmapa
Photo: Kagyu Office
In his message, the Karmapa reflects on the precious memories that come to mind as his birthday passes. He comments on “keenly” feeling the absence of his parents, who “created and nurtured” his body, and writes that he is also thinking of the “sparkling beauty of the pristine natural environment” of Tibet, the land in which he was born and raised.
In light of these memories of Tibet’s fragile landscape, the Karmapa incites his readers to “preserve and protect” the planet, saying that the occasion of his birthday is far less important than the state of the environment. He prefers to focus his energies on environmental sustainability and expressing gratitude to his followers.
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