There are four Lineage in Tibetan Buddhism (Kagyu, Nyingma, Gelug and Sakya). Among these four Lineages, the Kagyu Linage was initiated by Dorje Chang. The head of the Kagyu lineage is His Holiness The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa who is one of the great spiritual monk. He was born on 26th of July, 1984 in Tibet. 

We celebrate his birthday every year. During his birthday all the Kagyu Monasteries and people who follow the Kagyu Lineage celebrate with prayers, doing Kora (circuambulating stupas) and dancing. We usually celebrate H. H. the Karmapa birthday at Dabsang Monastery  nearby Boudhanath Stupa but this time, we went to Tenga Monastery across the Kathmandu valley to Swayambhunath to celebrate Karmapa's 25th birthday. We left for Tenga Monastery at around 8:30am and got there about an hour later. At first, we had tea and bread and after that, we did Kora (circuambulated Swyambhunath stupa's hill). Actually, the normal time to do Kora at Swayambhu is 45 minutes, but it took 1 hour and 10 minutes with our band and all the students and monks from our Monastery and others walking. Well, it was quite an interesting day.

At around 1:30pm. we went to Thrangu Tara Abbey (Nun Monastery) and had a delicious lunch and rest for half an hour. Then all four buses with students loaded in them,  returned to SMDschool. We were full of happiness and tired from the day.

By Karma Dhundup B25

Thrangu Monastery monks

Thrangu Monastery monks: Kunchok Dorje in the centre

At Tenga Monastery

SMD Band

SMDears, in the front is the monk  Karma Lekshey, our School Plant Supervisor

SMDears

SMDears resting