We then made our way through the airport which was no simple matter with an entourage of several dozen Lamas, Rinpoches and monks all over the place, going through security and then on to the plane, a sea of crimson and gold filing into the jetway. Upon arriving in Singapore the crowds are huge, hundreds have come to welcome Karmapa once again to the Lion City, that wonderful ambience of singing and joyful screams are in the air everywhere. Shangpa Rinpoche is right in front, his face glowing, I am touched to see him so happy and beaming. It seemed like every high Rinpoche on the planet was waiting in the terminal, never before have I seen such a family gathering, the smiling faces, joy and respect in the room was enough for me to explode with happiness and turn into rainbows. Then everyone quickly stuffed onto busses and we’re off though the wildly modern and luxurious cityscapes of downtown to the new center for the welcoming ceremony. Too see this center finally built is such a treat for me as I was here for the groundbreaking in 2014, my very first event as it turns out. To say that the final result is spectacular would be such an understatement, for it is almost as though the entire building is made of red satin and pure gold. It shines like a diamond, such elegance and color, statues unlike anything I have seen, and a chandelier in the main gompa casting a golden glow on everything… it’s unbelievable. Then to great fanfare Karmapa arrives, with our dearest Shangpa Rinpoche once again eagerly awaiting at the front of the line, the excitement clearly visible on his face. And rightfully so, this event and this new center has been his great work, his endless determination has created all that we see here. The crowds make their way into the new gompa for the traditional mandala offering and the welcome is complete, what a wild and amazing ride. And this is only the beginning- dear friends the Karmapa is back in Singapore!!!
Karma Kagyud Buddhist Centre Singapore Shangpa Rinpoche Karmapa Visits Singapore Karma Kagyud Singapore
