Memorial Service for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late King of Thailand

Tibetan and Thai sanghas collaborated in creation of a ritual setting to accommodate the Thai customs. Variant colors of robes reminded of the subtleties and vastness of the Buddha's teachings.

The Gyalwang Karmapa performs the ritual for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late King of Thailand, which he prepared with great diligence and kindness, according to Thai customs.

The Thai sangha maintained perfect serenity exemplary of Thai monastic and forest traditions.

The Gyalwang Karmapa and the esteemed rinpoches and tulkus sat facing the Thai sangha--a sign of respect which would bring joy to the heart of any Buddhist.

Thai monks sat accompanied by a group of lay devotees.

In his address His Holiness called this opportunity for inviting the members of the Thai Sangha 'historically significant' and the late Thai King 'one of the great figures of Buddhism'.

The Thai monks prayed in Pali invoking an atmosphere of clarity and calm that pervaded the entire Pavilion.

His Holiness meditated to the sound of Pali chants performed by Thai monks.

Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche (left) and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche (right) were deep in meditation during the chanting.

The Tibetan sangha offered prayers to Akshobhya on behalf of the late Thai King.

Thousands of people from over 50 countries followed the elders in prayers to Akshobhya.

Kind regards were exchanged, symbolic of the unity of sanghas.

His Holiness presented all guests with a token of his respect.

The gifts were cherished with grace typical of the Thai sangha.