His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, one of the claimant to the Karmapa title by the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche is set to visit Kalimpong from April 20 to 27, 2025 for a series of spiritually significant events at the Diwakar Buddhist Academy.

His Holiness the Karmapa is deeply respected as a great spiritual master. He is considered to be the living embodiment of Avalokiteśvara, also known as Chenrezig, who is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. He is also believed to be an emanation of Vajradhara, the source of all Buddhist teachings. As the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu lineage, he guides nearly 900 monasteries and centers in 68 countries around the world.

The Karmapa Lineage is the oldest reincarnate lineage in Tibetan Buddhism. It began in the 12th century with the 1st Karmapa, who established the Tulku tradition, where great teachers are reborn again and again to continue helping beings. For over 900 years, this unbroken line of teachers has passed down the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha to the present day.

This upcoming visit by His Holiness to Kalimpong is filled with sacred meaning. The highlight of the spiritual program will be the White Tara and Amitayus Puja, beginning April 20. These prayers are performed to bring long life, good health, and spiritual strength to all beings. White Tara and Amitayus are revered for their power to protect life and remove obstacles.

On April 25, there will be a Tenshug ceremony ; a special offering made by disciples and followers to wish for the long life of their teacher. This is not just a symbolic act but a deeply heartfelt offering, where the community comes together to show love, respect, and devotion to their spiritual guide.

The following day, April 26, will mark the graduation ceremony at the Diwakar Buddhist Academy. Monks who have completed their studies will be honored and awarded the Acharya degree, recognizing their dedication to learning and practicing the Dharma.

The final day of the program, April 27, will be another special event. His Holiness will bestow the Long Life Empowerment, also known as the Sacred Wang. This is a spiritual blessing given directly by the Karmapa. It is believed to support the health, happiness, and spiritual journey of those who receive it.

All these events will be held in the peaceful setting of the Diwakar Buddhist Academy, which is a place for serious study and meditation. The Academy was established under the guidance of the Karmapa to keep the teachings of the Buddha alive in both heart and mind.

This visit is a unique and meaningful opportunity for people to come together, learn, and receive blessings from one of the most respected spiritual teachers in the world today. People from the Himalayan region, across India, and from abroad are all warmly invited to attend. Whether one is a long-time practitioner or new to the path, these sacred events can bring deep peace, healing, and spiritual clarity.

His Holiness Trinley Thaye Dorje was officially recognized as the 17th Karmapa by the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, the second highest lama of the Karma Kagyu lineage. This recognition followed the traditional process that has guided the Karma Kagyu lineage for centuries. He was formally enthroned in 1994 at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi.

His recognition was also supported by many other respected teachers and masters, including Lama Jigme Rinpoche, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, Khenchen Rinpoche, Drupon Trinley Paljor, Topga Yulgyal Rinpoche, Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, and the Fourth Trungram Gyaltrul Rinpoche.