Red Run For A Black Hat

AT the best of times the Rumtek monastery, 25 km from Sikkim’s capital Gangtok, is a picture of serenity. In the wake of the arrival in India of Ugyen Trinley Dorje, the 14-year-old Tibetan boy considered by many to be the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa, it’s buzzing with activity. Almost daily, special prayers are being held at the monastery – the highest seat of the Karma Kagyu school to which the Karmapa belongs. “We’re praying that he will come to Rumtek soon,” says Khempu Gyurme Tsultrim, a high priest.