Ceremony for Laying the Foundation Stone of the KIBI in New Delhi
In the late 1970s, Karmapa was at the peak of his activity and renown. Many lamas of different schools had immense confidence in him and sought his blessings and advice. Even people from the military came for similar reasons, and political leaders, such as the previously mentioned Indian President Shri Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, also visited him. The latter was so impressed with the Karmapa that he accepted his invitation to attend the ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi, which took place in November 1979.
But on the eve of this extremely significant event, which was expected to attract several hundred guests, including a number of very prominent people, it became clear that His Holiness’s Buddha activity would not be continuing indefinitely in this incarnation. Shamar Rinpoche picked Karmapa up at the airport and talked with him until the early hours of the morning, when his teacher suddenly began to vomit blood.[1]
His Holiness insisted that the event should not be cancelled. And, in fact, during the solemn ceremony itself what people noticed was not his illness but simply his great joy at finally building the institute that was so dear to his heart. President Reddy honored His Holiness’s efforts in his speech:
"I think it is only appropriate that an important centre for the dissemination of the message of the Buddha should also be set up in India from where Buddhism originated. When His Holiness asked me to lay the foundation-stone for this centre, I readily agreed to do so, as I considered it a privilege to be associated with this noble cause. Today, more than ever before, the world needs the message of peace and compassion preached by the Buddha. (…) The world is full of conflicts and tensions, and thinking people everywhere are turning to religion and spiritualism as a way out. I have no doubt that the Dharma Chakra Centres started by His Holiness in various parts of the World will spread the spirit of amity and goodwill preached by the Buddha. I hope the Delhi Centre for which I have the privilege of laying the foundation-stone today will be an accomplished fact very soon, adding to the architectural beauty of this historic city. May the Centre grow from strength to strength in radiating the message of love and brotherhood. I once again thank His Holiness for setting up this Centre and also for affording me an opportunity to participate in this function."
Sikkim’s governor B. B. Lal added:
"The arrival of His Holiness in Sikkim in 1959 and his establishment of the now famous Dharma Chakra Centre at Rumtek signify that the clock has gone round full circle, and now a vitally important centre of Buddhist teaching has once again been established in the land in which Lord Buddha initiated the faith over 2,500 years ago.
It is not surprising that His Holiness’ name and prestige as a great exponent of the Kagyupa faith has spread round the world with the result that pupils and disciples have flocked to him from many countries in the West as well as in the East."
The whole event reflected the achievements of the 16th Karmapa and the high esteem in which he was held even in the highest circles of the government.
(Extract from: Radiant Compassion, Vol Two.)
[1] Shamar Rinpoche in Eller, Gregg: Recalling a Buddha, Tendrel Films, 2006.
In the late 1970s, Karmapa was at the peak of his activity and renown. Many lamas of different schools had immense confidence in him and sought his blessings and advice. Even people from the military came for similar reasons, and political leaders, such as the previously mentioned Indian President Shri Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, also visited him. The latter was so impressed with the Karmapa that he accepted his invitation to attend the ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi, which took place in November 1979.
But on the eve of this extremely significant event, which was expected to attract several hundred guests, including a number of very prominent people, it became clear that His Holiness’s Buddha activity would not be continuing indefinitely in this incarnation. Shamar Rinpoche picked Karmapa up at the airport and talked with him until the early hours of the morning, when his teacher suddenly began to vomit blood.[1]
His Holiness insisted that the event should not be cancelled. And, in fact, during the solemn ceremony itself what people noticed was not his illness but simply his great joy at finally building the institute that was so dear to his heart. President Reddy honored His Holiness’s efforts in his speech:
"I think it is only appropriate that an important centre for the dissemination of the message of the Buddha should also be set up in India from where Buddhism originated. When His Holiness asked me to lay the foundation-stone for this centre, I readily agreed to do so, as I considered it a privilege to be associated with this noble cause. Today, more than ever before, the world needs the message of peace and compassion preached by the Buddha. (…) The world is full of conflicts and tensions, and thinking people everywhere are turning to religion and spiritualism as a way out. I have no doubt that the Dharma Chakra Centres started by His Holiness in various parts of the World will spread the spirit of amity and goodwill preached by the Buddha. I hope the Delhi Centre for which I have the privilege of laying the foundation-stone today will be an accomplished fact very soon, adding to the architectural beauty of this historic city. May the Centre grow from strength to strength in radiating the message of love and brotherhood. I once again thank His Holiness for setting up this Centre and also for affording me an opportunity to participate in this function."
Sikkim’s governor B. B. Lal added:
"The arrival of His Holiness in Sikkim in 1959 and his establishment of the now famous Dharma Chakra Centre at Rumtek signify that the clock has gone round full circle, and now a vitally important centre of Buddhist teaching has once again been established in the land in which Lord Buddha initiated the faith over 2,500 years ago.
It is not surprising that His Holiness’ name and prestige as a great exponent of the Kagyupa faith has spread round the world with the result that pupils and disciples have flocked to him from many countries in the West as well as in the East."
The whole event reflected the achievements of the 16th Karmapa and the high esteem in which he was held even in the highest circles of the government.
(Extract from: Radiant Compassion, Vol Two.)
[1] Shamar Rinpoche in Eller, Gregg: Recalling a Buddha, Tendrel Films, 2006.