17TH GYALWANG KARMAPA’S BIRTHDAY EVENTS AND HIS SPEECHES, TAIWAN AND RUMTEK MONASTERY, INDIA: Report on the 2025 Birthday events and speeches of the 17th Karmapa and special long-life ritual event led by HE 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche in Taipei, Taiwan (17 Karmapa birthday II)
“We should remember several kinds of kindness: the kindness of parents, the kindness of sentient beings, the kindness of the guru, and the kindness of the Three Jewels.”
“Third, because the Karmapa of each generation has a deep affinity with Chinese disciples, I am also keen to improve my Chinese proficiency. I believe that I will have more opportunities to share my understanding of the Dharma with everyone in Chinese in the future. Finally, I hope for world peace, ethnic harmony, and social stability. This is also an important foundation for the Dharma to benefit more people. So I always pray that in this era of increasing speed and chaos, there will be more patience, tolerance, communication, and trust between people and between societies” –17th Karmapa’s birthday speeches (26 June 2025)
In the third in series of articles related to the 17th Karmapa’s 40th birthday commemoration on 26th June 2025, here is my report on the personally delivered speech given in Chinese by the 17th Karmapa for a birthday event hosted by the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche in Taipei, Taiwan, as well as the birthday event itself. As well as another main event hosted at Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim attended by the Chief Minister of Sikkim and HE Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, at which the 17th Karmapa also gave a speech in Tibetan and led a Protector/Sang Sol ritual live online.
Chinese Karma Kagyu Taiwanese birthday event in Taipei, Taiwan with special guest HE 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche and long-life offering for the 17th Karmapa of the Three Roots Unified
Powerful photo for the Taiwanese 17th Karmapa birthday event.
The Taiwanese birthday event was held in Taipei, Taiwan at a conference centre and there were a few hundred people in attendance. I was very fortunate to be able to attend this birthday event in person too, organised by the Chinese Karma Kagyu Buddhist society and share some video and photos I took of it here below. It was a historic event in other ways too, as the first time in 30 years that Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche had visited Taiwan, which the 17th Karmapa mentioned in his personal speech.
The main stage was exquisitely decorated with huge thangkas of Green and White Tara and in the centre, Amitayus, the long-life deity. This image was for the main event of the day, a long-life offering ritual of the Three Roots Unified (which I have just translated here), with Gyaltsab Rinpoche leading the monastics and laypeople. The event began with a dakini dance too, which was a joy to see and hear.
During this long-life puja, it was as if the 17th Karmapa appeared on the throne energetically at least, and a strong visualisation of union, embrace with the three roots deity, as well as one of the central visualisations of the sadhana, Buddha Amitayus in union with consort Vajrayogini, continually alternated and amazingly lasted throughout the whole ritual. This was also no doubt due to the vajra master expertise of the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche. As the unions happened the head was naturally thrown right back with several long AHs during the musical interludes with the gya-ling horns too ha ha. No time for self-consciousness then, even though my ego mind kept telling me to stop. In any case, it was a blissful time and the body, speech, mind union with Karmapa re-established and revived.
Me (blonde one on the far left) following behind the “Guru” as his photo is placed on the main throne. Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Kagyu Monlam Office FB page.HE Gyaltsab Rinpoche entering the event towards the throne to perform the long-life ceremony for HH 17th Karmapa.Dakini dance offering for the 17th Karmapa’s birthday celebration event in Taipei, Taiwan (26 June 2025).12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche offering a three roots mandala for the 17th Karmapa birthday celebration in Taipei, Taiwan (26 June 2025).The 17th Karmapa giving a pre-recorded speech in Chinese at the Taipei, Taiwan birthday event. 26 June 2025. For English translation and Chinese transcript, see below.Masses of “pink” breast-shaped buns for the 17th Karmapa’s birthday offering. Touche as they say in France! ha ha haHE 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche and Khenpo Donyo Lodro Rinpoche cutting the 17th Karmapa’s birthday cake.
Huge, stunning thangka paintings of Green and White Tara and the Buddha Amitayus, with a mandala for the Three Roots at the Tapei, Taiwan 26 June 2025 17th Karmapa birthday event. Photo: Adele Tomlin (26th June 2025).17th Karmapa birthday event in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Adele Tomlin (26th June 2025).17th Karmapa birthday event in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Adele Tomlin (26th June 2025).17th Karmapa birthday event in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Adele Tomlin (26th June 2025).17th Karmapa birthday event in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Adele Tomlin (26th June 2025).Venue of the 17th Karmapa birthday event in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Adele Tomlin (26th June 2025).Participant’s view. everal hundred people attended the 17th Karmapa birthday event in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Adele Tomlin (26th June 2025).
HE 12th Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche also published a verse of praise to the 17th Karmapa, which I have translated into English here, and gave a speech, in which he spoke about the connection of the Karmapas to the Chinese people and language, historically and currently. In particular, that of the 2nd Karmapa, Karma Pakshi and the 10th Karmapa (for more on the 10th Karmapa’s flight and refuge in South China during the violent Mongolian military invasion of Tibet in the 17th Century, see my pilgrimage articles about that here). I was told by a Taiwanese attendee at the event, that Tai Situ Rinpoche was also not allowed to travel to Taiwan (seemingly for political reasons).
The 17th Karmapa’s two main online appearances
1) Dharma Protector/Sang Sol ritual on Karmapa Facebook live for Indian monasteries and events, summary of his speech
17th Karmapa gave two speeches on his birthday that were aired publicly. The first was during a live ritual event streamed in the morning. The second was during a Taiwanese birthday celebration hosted in Taipei.Ritual for Palden Lhamo and Mahakala was done on the morning of the 17th Karmapa’s birthday on the livestream FB page.
On the birthday, the 17th Karmapa made three “public” online appearances (of which I am aware). First was in the morning, a surprise unannounced speech and leading of a Dharma Protector ritual on Karmapa Facebook live (see here). Fortunately, I managed to catch it being aired just in time, I was about to leave to go to the Taiwan event!However, the beating drums and praises and offerings to Mahakala and consort, Remati/Rangjung Gyalmo pulled me to stay in the Karmapa’s intense visualisation and embrace.
I have not had time to translate the speech word for word in Tibetan, but hope someone else will do so soon, if not I will. However, for those who would like to know what he spoke about, here is my summary.
1) Birthday celebrations in morning at Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim with special guest, CM of Sikkim
First, the 17th Karmapa welcomed all those who had gathered for the event at Rumtek Monastery, and then spoke briefly about the special connection that previous Karmapas had with the land of Sikkim and the kind support the Sikkimese had shown the Karmapas in supporting them and in relation to Rumtek Monastery as well as his wish to visit and teach there in the future. He then spoke about the increasing amount of conflicts and wars in the world today, as well as the situation in Tibet, with the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday approaching how some Tibetans were concerned about what will happen in relation to Tibet after he passes away. He mentioned how, on the one hand, it was very fortunate and a matter of rejoicing that the 14th Dalai Lama had lived to a ripe, old age. Yet, on the other hand, as he was now very elderly he was unable to teach and do as much as he had done previously and so people were worried about that. [I might be wrong, but from the tone of his voice and body language, it seemed as if the 17th Karmapa was being slightly “ironic” when he said that some people were excessively worried about what was going to happen in the future. As all Buddhist practitioners know, excessive worrying about the future is actually the sign of someone who is not a genuine practitioner.] He did also say that worrying alone is of no benefit at all, and that it was an opportunity for Tibetans themselves to take on the responsibility of Tibet and have resilience and effort to do so. However, he said that these days, there seems to be fewer and fewer people prepared or willing to do that. But that is was important for people to approach the issue with a vast and long-term vision, not just for ten or twenty years, but for centuries to come.
Again, I might be wrong, but it seemed from the tone that the 17th Karmapa was suggesting that too much short-term worry and focus on the Dalai Lama’s passing, may not be long-term beneficial unless they are able to expand their aims and visions beyond only that. Which is very true!
Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang Golay paying respects to the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje at the birthday event hosted at Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim on 26th June 2025.
The other public appearance was at a birthday event held at Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim. Interestingly, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang Golay, who has often expressed his wish that the 17th Karmapa be able to return to Rumtek Monastery and visit there, also publicly celebrated the 17th Karmapa’s birthday at an event hosted at Rumtek Monastery Sikkim, with HE Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche in attendance, and shared video and photos of that on his Facebook page too, see here.
CM of Sikkim celebrating the 40th birthday of HH 17th Karmapa at Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim on 26th June 2025.
My public petition launched several months ago (with several updates) to try and put pressure on the Tibetan exile leader and politicians, Sikkimese courts and government to ensure the 17th Karmapa returns there, raised over one thousand signatures and public awareness about the ongoing issues, but has not produced the desired result. I was informed by an Indian government official that the main obstacle to his return is the ongoing court case for control of Rumtek Monastery launched many years ago by the Thaye Dorje faction and his followers, who despite lack of any major support with the Sikkimese Chief Minister, or Sikkimese people, or from the vast majority of Karma Kagyu community of monastics in Tibet and outside, sadly continue to maintain a claim to the title and to the 16th Karmapa’s property in India, and seem very active on social media and Youtube to “stake a claim” on it.
2) 17th Karmapa’s speech in Chinese for Taiwan event in Taipei, Taiwan in afternoon
17th Karmapa during his second speech of the day in the Chinese language, for the Taipei event, Taiwan.
The second major public appearance at which the 17th Karmapa appeared and spoke, was the Taipei birthday event with special guest HE 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche. I also saw HE Dilyag Rinpoche and several other junior Karma Kagyu tulkus in attendance there. Again, disappointingly for many (including myself) the 17th Karmapa did not appear at the event in person, instead delivering it pre-recorded via an online platform.
The 17th Karmapa’s speech is here transcribed below in Chinese, the transcript was kindly provided to me on request by a Chinese follower of my website. I have translated it into English using an online translation tool.
In summary, in the recorded speech, the location of which was publicly undisclosed again, the 17th Karmapa looked healthy and well. He first speaks of his gratitude to his parents, and how fortunate he felt being raised in such a Buddhist environment in Tibet. He also speaks about his gratitude to his gurus, mentioning both Gyaltsab Rinpoche and Tai Situpa. The second half of the speech is focused on his connection to Taiwan (a beautiful island) and how helpful the Taiwanese disciples were to him when he was based at Tsurphu Monastery, Tibet. He also spoke about his wish to improve his Chinese proficiency (even though many tell me he is not fluent in Chinese) and his hope to visit Taiwan again soon, see transcript and translation below.
Again, I might be wrong but the 17th Karmapa’s tone and energy seemed “livelier” and “happier” in this one than the speech he gave to the mainly Indian audience for the Rumtek Monastery event. His topics were generally more positive too.
In any case, here is the video of the Chinese message from the Karmapa, posted on Facebook today (saying they had official permission to do so). Even though I was right in front of the video screen, I forgot to take video of it as I was completely mesmerised by the Karmapa’s speech and powerful physical gazes and gestures! ha ha
17th Karmapa’s birthday speech 26 June 2025 (Taipei, Taiwan)
English Translation of Chinese transcript
Venerable Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, all the Dharma masters, Rinpoches, lamas, and fellow practitioners from Taiwan, greetings to all. Today, the Chinese Buddhist Esoteric Buddhism Karma Kagyu Association is hosting my birthday celebration in Taiwan. I am deeply honored that the Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, has graciously agreed to attend and preside over the ceremony, which fills me with great joy and happiness. Regarding my birthday, there have been some differing accounts in the past. In fact, I was born on June 19, 1985, which corresponds to the first day of the fifth month according to the Tibetan calendar. When I was in Tsurphu Monastery, we always celebrated it this way. Three years ago, we standardized the date for my birthday celebration. Therefore, the first day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar is now designated as my birthday celebration day, which is today. Last year, since my father had recently passed away, we did not hold a birthday celebration for me. This year’s celebration marks the first time in two years that we are holding such an event. I would like to take this opportunity to share my gratitude toward my parents with everyone. Gratitude is the first thing a Buddhist disciple should keep in mind on their birthday. In my own view, I believe that the influence of our parents is the greatest nourishment in our growth process. To this day, I still vividly recall how, under my father’s teachings and my mother’s companionship during my childhood, I gradually developed my Buddhist way of life.
Tibetan Buddhist culture is cultivated within the family from a young age. My faith in Buddhism, including my confidence, compassion, and devotion, was nurtured in the family environment, thanks to my parents’ compassion. This sincerity and naturalness of heart are due to my parents’ blessings, so my parents are my first teachers in my life. The influence of my parents on me is not limited to my childhood. In recent years, due to some matters involving my father or other reasons, I have had more opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of my family and the environment in which I was born. I have also become more aware of the uniqueness, preciousness, and rarity of the environment I am currently in. This is crucial for the cultivation of a Buddhist. This process has deeply inspired me. Therefore, on my 40th birthday, the first people I want to thank are my parents, who gave birth to me, guided me, and encouraged me. This is the source of my greatest strength.
Secondly, as a holder of the title of Karmapa, I would like to express my gratitude to all the Karmapas of the Kagyu lineage and to all the masters of this lineage. The Kagyu lineage emphasizes the devotion of disciples and the blessings of the masters. In summary, I naturally have a responsibility to this lineage, and I’m also a disciple of this lineage. The masters of this lineage have been very kind to me, and thanks to the wishes of the Karmapas throughout history, I’ve had the opportunity to serve the Dharma, the lineage, and all beings. It’s also because of their blessings that our lineage has been able to continue in different forms throughout different periods and remain vibrant. I’m not only grateful to all the masters of this lineage, but I especially thanks the Tai Situ Rinpoche and the Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, both of whom are masters I deeply respect. On the one hand, they have shown great reverence for the successive Karmapas, and on the other hand, they have bestowed immense compassion upon me personally. Over the past few decades, Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche has consistently done so, and despite his own health conditions, he has made great efforts to contribute to Dharma and the lineage. As a disciple of the Kagyu lineage, I also bear the responsibility of upholding the tradition. This sense of responsibility did not arise from nowhere; besides the blessings of the successive Karmapas, the education and encouragement of my teachers have been crucial. This has inspired me to strive for the revival of the tradition. This sense of responsibility and mission is the result of the compassion shown to me by the two Rinpoches.
We must remember several kinds of gratitude: first, the gratitude toward our parents; second, the gratitude toward all being; third, the gratitude toward the king; and fourth, the gratitude toward the Triratna. Now I would like to talk about the gratitude toward all being. I have said many times that I have a special feeling and connection with the precious island of Taiwan. When I was very young and still living in Tibet, I received a lot of help and support from many Taiwanese people. Many of the things I use were given to me by Buddhist friends from Taiwan. This karmic connection grew even stronger after I arrived in India. Whether it was the Kagyu Monlam or other key events, I could see the selfless support and contributions of Taiwanese friends. This enabled me to accomplish many beneficial projects for all beings and for Dharma. As you know, the Karmapa lineage began with the Second Karmapa, and since then, the karmic connection with the Chinese people has grown even deeper. Manjushri, who resides in the areas where Han Chinese live, once told the Second Karmapa that the people of the East China Sea would all become disciples of the Karmapa in the future. I also believe that my friends on the precious island of Taiwan have a close connection with me, a person from the snowy land of Tibet. Today, we are all gathered here, which is proof of this connection. I hope that this connection will continue. I hope to visit Taiwan in the future to meet with my friends there.
Finally, I believe that in this era, Taiwan is a place where the Dharma is widespread. There have always been many Buddhist masters here spreading the Dharma. Especially this time, it is said that the Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, has returned to Taiwan after 30 years to spread the Dharma. Therefore, this is not only due to Rinpoche’s compassion but also to our collective devotion. Why do I say this? Because when many people are nourished by the Dharma and develop kindness and devotion, the Bodhisattvas and masters will have the opportunity to engage in more beneficial Dharma teachings for all beings. Rinpoche’s visit this time is undoubtedly most auspicious.
At the same time, I also pray that this visit is not merely a Dharma teaching journey but also a beginning. I hope that Rinpoche will have more and broader Dharma teaching activities in the Chinese-speaking world in the future. I would like to say that after feeling grateful for these blessings, how should we repay them? On my 40th birthday, I have some expectations for myself. First, as a Tibetan, I hope to contribute to the continuation of Tibetan society and Tibetan culture. Second, as a disciple of the Kagyu lineage, I have always placed the Kagyu lineage in the most important place in my heart. I will do my utmost to revive the Kagyu lineage, especially in preserving, restoring, transmitting, and promoting the teachings of past masters. Of course, unity and harmony within the Kagyu lineage are also very important, and I will do my utmost to maintain them. Third, because the Karmapas of past generations have had deep karmic connections with Chinese disciples, I’m also keen to improve my Chinese language skills. I believe that in the future, I will have more opportunities to share my insights into the Dharma with everyone in Chinese.
Finally, I hope for world peace, ethnic harmony, and social stability, as these are important foundations for Dharma to benefit more people. Therefore, I constantly pray that in this era of increasing speed and chaos, there will be more patience, tolerance, communication, and trust between people and between societies. Finally, I would like to once again express my gratitude to the revered Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, as well as the organizers for hosting this birthday event for me. Thank you all.
