Genla’s Mahaparinirvana: The Final Puja Days

After the cremation of Mahapandita Yongzin Prof. Sempa Dorje’s kudung, the puja continued for another eight days. The very next day we carried on with the Gyalwa Gyatso (Red Avalokiteshvara) puja, along with one thousand tsok and butter lamp offerings. Having concluded this part, the final week was dedicated to the Kunrig (Vairochana) puja entitled Namdrol Gochen (The Great Way of Liberation), composed by the 8th Karmapa Mikyö Dorje and according to the tradition of the great translator Chag Lotsawa. A good half way through, on 24th of August 2022, we performed a water purification puja and monlam at the Crematorium Katwaria Sarai, where Genla’s ashes had been left untouched for six days, thoroughly in line with our ancient Buddhist tradition. Consecutively, we collected the relics found in the ashes and welcomed them with great joy to KIBI’s main shrine. Today, on the final of the 49 puja days, the Kunrig puja was concluded, followed by a Mahakala Tsok puja, as well as KIBS charitable offering of two texts, one being the Gyä Tongpa (Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 lines), the other one the Zungdü (Collective Sutra of the Buddha), to the entire Sangha and all participants.

At this point, we would like to take the opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone involved in making this auspicious puja fruitful: To begin with, all the generous sponsors, whose financial contributions were invaluable – first and foremost, we sincerely thank His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Thaye Dorje for covering all expenses of the entire 49 puja days, as well as each and every of the numerous sponsors who contributed in any form. Our heartfelt Thank You also extends to the Karmae Sangha Rumtek, Prof. Sempa Dorje’s family and relatives, all the representatives of Their Holinesses the Gyalwa Karmapa’s and 14th Shamarpa’s associations, the delegates of Buddhist monasteries, the In-charge and committee members of the Crematorium Katwaria Sarai, the SHO of Kishangarh Police Station, as well as all KIBS Sangha and staffs for their tireless hard work at KIBI, day-in and day-out. Finally, we wholeheartedly thank everyone who sent their condolences: estimated Rinpoches, Khenpos, Genla’s students, and all devotees – expressing your sympathy was met with deep appreciation from all of us.

Thus a page turns. Yet, we do uphold our sincere wish that Genla’s path is swift, that all his vast aspirations are fulfilled instantaneously, and that he will benefit oceans of beings, equally through his inspiring presence as well as ceaseless Dharma activities. Our hearts filled with deep gratitude, may the memory of his immense compassion time and again motivate us on our paths; may the seeds he planted in our minds through expounding the profound authentic Dharma quickly mature and ripen into limitless fruits for the benefit of the multitude of beings.

May each and every one of you progress without hindrance along the meaningful path to the wisdom of Awakening.