Logo of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Thaye DorjeThaye DorjeHis Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa

Karmapa inaugurates the Lhabab Stupa in the Philippines

November 13, 2026

From October 31 to November 8, 2026, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, inaugurated the Lhabab Stupa in the Philippines at the invitation of Venerable Nedo Kuchung Rinpoche and the Philippine Nedo Kagyu Bodhi Dharma Foundation. The highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Lhabab Stupa at Merit Field in Trece Martires, Cavite.

Building a stupa in the Philippines had long been a cherished aspiration of the foundation, shared by many devotees and practitioners across the country.

During his visit in 2012, Karmapa visited the prospective site, approved the location and encouraged them to build the stupa. In 2014, on Buddha Shakyamuni’s birthday during the month of Saga Dawa, a pledge was made to buy the land, and later that year the land was offered to Nedo Rinpoche in Sikkim, marking the official start of the project. Twelve years later, the stupa has been completed.

The Lhabab Stupa commemorates Buddha Shakyamuni’s descent from Tushita Heaven after teaching the Dharma to his mother, and symbolises gratitude, compassion and the commitment to liberate all beings.

On November 1, 2026, the auspicious day of Lhabab Duchen, Karmapa inaugurated and consecrated the stupa, together with lamas and monks, and members, friends, and benefactors of the foundation. It will serve as a lasting place of prayer, practice, refuge, and inspiration for generations to come.

Over the following days, Karmapa led prayers for peace and prosperity, gave the Buddhist refuge, and bestowed the empowerments of Zambhala, Manjushri and Chenrezig at Merit Field. On November 6, a welcome ceremony with Mandala and Tenzhug offerings was held in his honour at the Nedo Kagyu Bodhi Dharma Center in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Throughout his visit, Karmapa also received groups of students and devotees.

The programme concluded on November 7 with a Buddha Amitabha empowerment at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, in Manila.

Please enjoy this first set of photos from the events.