Dalai Lama lays foundation stones of statues of 16th Karmapa,Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo

EOI & IPR GANGTOK, DECEMBER 12, 2023 : The Dalai Lama on Tuesday virtually laid the foundation stone of the Karmapa Park project at Rumtek where a 52 feet high copper statue of the 16th Karmapa would be set up.

It may be mentioned that the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of the Tibetan Buddhist order, has given recognition to the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje who is now reported to be living in the U.S. His return to Sikkim is a long-standing demand of the people of the State. The Rumtek monastery is the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Buddhism.

The proposed statue of the 16th Karmapa, a beacon emanating wisdom and compassion to the believer, is a tribute to his transformative teachings and spiritual guidance.

The park has been planned to serve as a consecrated space, celebrating and enduring the spiritual legacy of the ‘Karma Kagyu’ lineage. The diverse elements of the park include the old Sang Monastery, ‘Mane Lakhang,’ ‘Chamkhang’ cum eco- cottages, parking areas, a multipurpose hall and a cafeteria. The proposed park is strategically positioned at a mere 10km from the Rumtek monastery, founded by the 16th Karmapa himself. 

The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 70 crore and the estimated time for completion is by March 2026. During the day, the Dalai Lama also laid virtually the foundation stone of the Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo Statue Project at the Simik- Singtam Khamdong Constituency in east Sikkim. Initiated by the State Culture Department under the vision and guidance of the Chief Minister, the project is located in the premises of Simik monastery. 

A 50 feet statue of master scholar of Nyingmapa order of Buddhism Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo will be constructed as a part of Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo Centre of Excellence. Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo was one of the three monks who had coronated the first Chogyal of Sikkim.

The Cultural Centre will explain in detail, through the ‘Interpretation Centre’ and ‘Open Museum’, the concept and importance of ‘Ridzin Sokdrup’, ‘Riwo Sangcho’ and other important teachings ensuring that Sikkim would become a spiritual dwelling particularly for the ‘Dzogchen’ teachings and practitioners. 

The Centre will also incorporate meditation practices into the project, emphasising the connection between art, spirituality and mental well-being. The Centre will contribute to the preservation and promotion of Buddhist art and culture, also serving as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and understanding.

The Dalai Lama is slated to attend a State Lunch to be hosted by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on December 13 at Samman Bhawan. He will leave Sikkim for Salugara near Siliguri on December 14, where he is scheduled to impart ‘Semkye’ Teachings at Sed-Gued Monastery, Salugara.