Directly in front of my eyes, not three feet away I watched as Karmapa gracefully placed the "Red Crown of Activity" on Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche’s head, a great gift of recognition and respect, a sight so powerful it literally had me in tears and shaking from head to toe for the remainder of the day.
Such a connection these two have, well beyond my comprehension and understanding of course, merely being in the proximity as they exchanged this gift was quite mind blowing. Such strong devotion, deep reverence and humility as well, their faces incredibly serene and gentle, full of admiration for each other as they stared into each other’s eyes. The moment the crown touched Jamgon Rinpoche’s head I felt a pulse of energy, a torpedo hitting me in the chest, like being thrown into outer-space pulled only by my toes, upside-down, it was outrageous. I can’t really explain it but witnessing Rinpoche’s great presence transform in front of me, his expression as the crown sat atop his head for the first time, it was truly incredible and a sight that shall remain forever in my memory. During the mandala offering they both locked eyes once more, hugely wide open and glaringly present, two people more connected I have never witnessed more evidently as this before. The black crown, and this special red crown, united in this precious moment. Bowing to each other, it was tremendously beautiful. And the ritual and blessings continued; His Eminence Beru Khyentse Rinpoche offering the Eight Auspicious Signs, the Eight Substances, and the Seven Attributes To Royalty to Jamgon Rinpoche, an extremely touching moment seeing them exchange in this way. Father and son, united in this ceremony and ritual together, once again, a rare and special treat for all of us here. History in the making, indeed it was. Overpowering? Indeed it was as well. I feel as though I have witnessed not only history but a powerful exchange of lineage blessings as well. Something one would speak about for decades. Something we will tell our grandchildren about. With great regaling, thinking back to the time when the great gift of the Red Crown was performed directly in front of me, so close I could feel it in my bones.
*NOTE: This red crown, also called the "official crown", or "activity hat" (tib. Le Sha) is not meant to be confused with the Red Hat or Red Crown of Shamar Rinpoche. It is a ceremonial object, an honor of respect and achievement for Jamgon Rinpoche and in no way replaces, circumvents or changes the Red Crown of the Shamarpas in any way.
The Kagyu Monlam
