On June 26, 2006, followers of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism gathered at Gyuto Tantric University in Dharamsala, India to celebrate the 21st birthday  and coming of age of His Holiness, the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. This DVD provides a visually beautiful and spiritualyy meaningful forty-five minute documentary of this wonderful occasion. The documentary includes scenes from Karmapa’s discovery, enthronement and education, a mandala offering and long life puja perfromed for His Holiness by the Gyuto monks, colorful images of the afternoon folk festival, an excerpts from a teaching by Karmapa on generating Bodhicitta.

Celebrating Karmapa’s birthday is a celebration of the birth of the Karma Kagyu lineage which began with the 1st Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa in 1110 C.E. The birth of each Karmapa represents the birth of enlightened mind, the enlightened mind practitioners aspire to realize for the benefit of all. The birth of Karmapa means the birth of an enlightened master capable of bringing enlightenment to countless beings. Celebrating Karmapa’s birthday, therefore, celebrates both enlightenment and the cause of enlightenment.

Coming of Age, The 21st Birthday Celebration of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Vajra Echoes, 2006, DVD-R/ NTSC, 45 min., $20.00