28th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo - The Three Elders Long Life Blessing Ceremony - Tibetan

Today on the last day of the Monlam, there are three new shining Buddhas on a tiered shrine to the right of His Holiness's throne. Arrayed in front of the altar's eight tall tormas are rows of colorful victory banners and victory pendants, along with brocade umbrellas, their red and golden streamers gently moving in the early morning breeze. Facing the Karmapa and set in a line across the central aisle are three brocade thrones with high, yellow backs. They will soon be occupied by the three main elders of the Karmapa's lineage: Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Dolop Tenga Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. The three senior teachers are being honored and celebrated today by His Holiness, major tulkus in the lineage, teachers, and the thousands who have gathered for the Monlam. The three will receive a long life ceremony bestowed by the Karmapa, an encomium composed by him, and a set of three books, one on each lama, especially and elegantly printed for the occasion. His Holiness has personally overseen all of these special arrangements.