His Holiness's Birthday Party, Kathmandu - February 2005

by Mary Mike/Jigme Pema Chutso

His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa began the retreat with most encouraging words on pure, good motivation and selflessness, reminding us that Bodhichitta is the most essential practice of Buddhism. We were guided through various dharma practices such as Tcheu Sengey Tsewa and at other times we did koras and offered lights around the stupa at Swayambounath with monks, local people and dogs all being encouraged by His Holiness to join us. At the Amitabha Monastery we joined the ganachakra birthday offerings given by the nuns to our Guru, and we made multiple light offerings to benefit all beings. From our hill-view we could see Kathmandu lit up at night, and this spectacularly added to our own offerings. On the evening of His Holiness's birthday, IDP and the international sangha of the Drukpa Kargyud lineage, put on the best show in town! Sangha members offered songs, poetry, dance and laughter from the depth of their hearts. His Holiness gave us the first view of the new DVD,'My Life, My wishes', created in honour of His birthday. His Holiness's parents, Bairo Rinpoche and Myomla, were present, together with Thuksay Rinpoche (who shares the same birthday as His Holiness), and also Khamtrul Rinpoche and many other Rinpoches and Venerable Lamas, monks, yogis and yoginis. It felt as though each international sangha had some representatives there as well. It really was a fun time, and when we were reminded of the suffering of others who are not able to speak for themselves, nor defend themselves in this life, the refuge of the Dharma lifted our hearts. Thus we, and all beings, were given the blessings of long life, dharma teachings and our Guru's presence to help us through samsara.