His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa arrived on the afternoon of Lama Norlha Rinpoche’s 49th day, Sunday, April 8, to perform the Jang Chok purification ritual from the Amitabha practice. This day auspiciously coincided with the annual observance of Qing Ming, when the Jang Chok ritual is traditionally performed to liberate the deceased by burning their names.

His Holiness Karmapa offering torma to dispel obstacles for the deceased at the beginning of the Jang Chok ritual

Sangha chanting the Jang Chok ritual

Lama Sangye. Behind are representatives of the Karmapa Service Society

Offering lamps during the Jang Chok ritual

His Holiness Karmapa prepares the names of the deceased

His Holiness Karmapa ritually burns away any obstacles for the deceased during the Jang Chok purification practice

After the chanting, His Holiness Karmapa visited both three-year retreats, during the practice of Vajrayogini

We were also deeply honored that Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche from Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery
joined us for the Amitabha practice.

Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche chanting Amitabha

Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche blows mantras to bless sand used in Jang Chok ritual, along with Lama Tsering Dakpa, Lama Sangye, Tenpa Lekshe, Lama Lekshe Dorje, and Lama Karma Lodru

Lama Norlha Rinpoche’s shrine during Amitabha