Karmapa participates in Buddha Purnima celebrations in Delhi

NEW DELHI - Delhi celebrated Buddha Purnima Thursday, enriched by the presence of hundreds of monks and lamas from all over the country besides Tibet and Nepal, including the Karmapa, one of the most important lineage holders of the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

It is for the first time that Buddha Purnima has fallen on the same day as per the Hindu and Tibetan calendars, according to the South Asia Buddhist Association.

“This makes the day very auspicious. This is why monks and lamas from all over the country, and Nepal and Tibet were be here to offer prayers and perform ceremonial practices,” a member of the association said.

The association organised special prayers at Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in Qutab Institutional Area in south Delhi, where His Holiness, the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje prayed and meditated for world peace and for spread of compassion among people.

The Karmapa is the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

“The Dharma is known as one of the best objectives of the life, and it is accepted by one and all as the path of peace and prosperity. I pray for the sake of world peace and urge you all to do same to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome unrest among all the people of the entire nation,” the Karmapa said.

“This is not only a day to commemorate but also to take an oath to spread the peace and happiness among all the people of the world and for that we shall have to work with dedication and passion with huge amount of enthusiasm,” he added.

“It was for the first time that the Karmapa was present on this auspicious day,” said Covy Brigenza, a Buddhist monk from England, who had come to Delhi especially for this occasion.

Buddha Purnima, which falls on a full moon night in the month of Vaisakha, either in April or May, commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. It is celebrated with traditional spiritual fervour amid religious ceremonies.