Tea & Rice Ceremony Welcoming HH the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa
at the Boulder Shambhala Meditation Center
On his historic first visit to America, His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje spent two days in Boulder on the weekend of May 24-25. His Holiness was welcomed by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, who interrupted his teaching schedule at Dechen Chöling to fly to Colorado for this occasion.
 The Sakyong personally presented the mandala offering to His Holiness at the Tea and Rice Ceremony and conveyed a heartfelt welcome on behalf of Shambhala.
 In his remarks, His Holiness emphasized a feeling of gratitude and celebration. He spoke at length of his gratitude to everyone who made his visit possible, in particular the foundation laid by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
 At the Tea and Rice Ceremony, Lady Diana Mukpo presented the Shambhala Teaching Gift, contributed by hundreds of Shambhalians from around the world.
 The gift consisted of gold and silver ratnas, gold bars, semi-precious stones, and a sizeable cash donation. Thank you to all who contributed to the auspiciousness of Shambhala's official welcome to His Holiness as co-host of the Boulder portion of the visit!
 The Dorje Kasung presented the Shambhala flag alongside the Karmapa "dream flag." Co-coordinator for the central region of the visit, Jim Fladmark recounted that the Sixteenth Karmapa's dream of this flag occurred while staying at Marpa House. At that time, His Holiness declared that wherever the dream flag was raised, the teachings of the dharma would flourish.
President Richard Reoch offered words of appreciation to conclude the ceremony.
The Tea and Rice Ceremony followed a children's blessing by His Holiness.
 
Photo Credit (all photos): Corey Kohn
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