View Slideshow: Worldwide Activities of the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje
Immenstadt, Germany
Each year thousands of people are touched by the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje's wisdom and compassion as he travels throughout the world teaching the Dharma for the welfare, prosperity and benefit of all. This slideshow illustrates a sampling of the 17th Karmapa's activities as he meets with spiritual leaders, government officials, dignitaries, fellow practitioners, the media and others. To view the complete documentary of the 17th Karmapa's worldwide activities or purchase images visit www.karmapa-news.org.
Taiwan: April 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa's first stop on his 2012 International Tour to SE Asia and Europe is Taipei City, commonly known as Taiwan. On this third visit to Taiwan, the 17th Karmapa was enthusiastically greeted by the media, government officials, dignitaries and devoted followers who attended his 2 week program. Responding to a question of how to remedy the obstacle-ridden times the world faces, the 17th Karmapa said, "Any challenge, any problem can be solved by just looking into one’s own mind, watching one’s mind, one’s consciousness, watching how it behaves and how it functions. Therefore, if we train our minds to develop much more compassion, generosity and patience – all of these virtuous forms of thoughts, then whatever kinds of problems may arise, they can all be solved.”
Taiwan: May 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa and Mr Jin-Pyng Wang, President of the Legislative Yuan, at the opening of a two-day Red Chenrezig Empowerment at the National Taiwan University Sports Center. The 17th Karmapa remarked, “Empowerments are not so very complicated. All we have to know is that when we practice an empowerment we try to receive its blessing in order to develop our qualities, our bodhicitta – the desire to liberate all beings. In order to develop bodhicitta, all we need are two main ingredients: the accumulation of merit and wisdom – with these we develop absolute or unconditioned compassion, combined with absolute wisdom."
Malaysia: May 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa is warmly welcomed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on his third visit to Malaysia by the Minister of Information, Communications and Culture, Dato Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim.
Malaysia: May 2012
The 17th Karmapa gives the Chenrezig Empowerment to participants from various Karma Kagyu Buddhist centers throughout Malaysia. He offered this advice: ”The most important thing is to continue practicing the Dharma. Life is impermanent, it is always changing. My main wish is to always work together, practice together. Then, there will be more conditions for merit and wisdom. Without practice, we are living an ordinary life. Practice makes life special. Not only that, but it makes you more aware and compassionate. Whenever you have the opportunity, make the best use of your time for practice.”
Singapore: May 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Thaye Dorje receives the traditional white scarf from participants at the conclusion of a five-day teaching and empowerment program in Paya Lebar.
Singapore: May 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa visits patients at the Ren Ci Hospital & Medicare Centre. Ren Ci provides long-term treatment to the elderly and disabled – many who have not had personal visitors in over 10 years. The 17th Karmapa took the time to greet each person individually – all were grateful to receive his heartfelt compassion. Afterwards, the hospital staff gathered to receive the Karmapa's blessing and accept a donation given by the Karma Kagyu Dharma Centre of Singapore.
Philippines: June 2012
Upon arrival at the Manila airport the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa attends a press conference held by leading television and newspaper organizations of the Philippines.
Philippines: June 2012
The 17th Karmapa was the guest of honor at a welcome dinner at Enderun College that was attended by many prominent government officials and dignitaries, including Madame Imelda Marcos. His message was well received by the predominantly Catholic community in Manila as it spoke to the hearts of all humanity regardless of religious or political orientation. "I am here to teach about compassion, goodness and patience – very basic Buddhist principles that we try to live by. I hope to talk about the principles of karma and how none of us are here by accident – we all have a purpose.”
Spain: June 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa's arrival in Velez-Malaga marks the beginning of a two-and-a-half month tour of Europe that includes Spain, Lithuania, Hungary, Germany, England and France. The 17th Karmapa transmits the White Mahakala empowerment to members of the Karma Guen Buddhist Center in its 25th anniversary year since its founding in 1987 by Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche.
Spain: June 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa next visited Benalmadena to transmit the Chenrezig empowerment that he explains as “the complete manifestation of compassion of all the Buddhas of past, present and future”. The venue was the enlightenment stupa in Benalmadena, the largest stupa in the Western world, constructed under the inspiration of Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche and inaugurated on October 5th, 2003.
Lithuania: June 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa visited Lithuania for the first time and spent four days at Stupkalnis Retreat Center, a Karma Kagyu center located nearby the town of Kražiai. About 2000 practitioners from numerous Baltic countries attended the 17th Karmapa's program – it was the largest gathering the Centre had seen since its inception more than ten years ago. The Karmapa expressed his appreciation of the students’ efforts and achievements, “Not only have you made your precious human rebirth meaningful, but you have also provided open access to the Buddha Dharma for countless others. You have made many human beings realize their bodhicitta. All of this is possible because of your devotion and your courage to see qualities in each other.”
Lithuania: June 2012
The 17th Karmapa blesses the Stupkalnis Retreat Centre site that has been selected for construction of a stupa – a symbol of perfect enlightenment. It was only after the land was purchased more than ten years ago that the local sangha (community of practitioners) learned the highest hill of the region had been called Stupkalnis for ages, which means Stupa Hill.
Latvia: June 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa was warmly welcomed at a Karma Kagyu Centre in Riga and blessed the Buddha statue in its meditation hall. During his brief visit, the sangha gave the 17th Karmapa an overview of the history, projects and activities of their centre, offered traditional Latvian gifts, and treated him and his entourage to an excellent lunch.
Hungary: June 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa transmits the Bodhisattva vow to 5000 participants in Becske. At the end of the ceremony the 17th Karmapa came down from the stage and moved between the rows of students blessing each and every one. Afterwards, a Hungarian TV reporter covering the event asked why so many people came to the program. The Karmapa replied, “Probably because when we begin to see that material values and wealth cannot bring what we really need, which is peace and happiness – when we see that such experiences cannot be bought through material wealth, then we start to look for something else. As we investigate we come to some kind of idea that there is a cause and effect in what we do, that everything is not just the result of chance or coincidence, but that maybe there is a very simple logic in some way – that if you do good things, good things will come to you and if you do bad things, then bad things will come to you.”
London: July 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa gave a teaching on 'The Four Immeasurables’ at Friends’ House in London, the very hall where his predecessor the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje performed a Black Crown ceremony many years ago. The Karmapa commented, "Even though the world we live in has undergone tremendous changes within a relatively short period of time, the timeless patterns of karma, emotions and habitual tendencies remain essentially the same. The practice of Buddhism and particularly the practice of the four immeasurables of love, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity remain very relevant to this day. It is a practice that anyone can apply. Whether we call ourselves Buddhists or not, these qualities are there in all of us.”
London: July 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa transmits the Jambhala empowerment at Friends' House in London. He explained, "This empowerment is about developing wealth and prosperity. Therefore, it should be interesting for all human beings since our daily life is very much concerned with how to develop wealth. The practice of Jambhala is a good key to gaining some insight into the nature of wealth. It can bring the wealth of wisdom and the wealth of compassion. This is the wealth we require in order to develop and progress from one life to another, from one day to another, from one hour to another. Without these qualities of wisdom and compassion, whatever wealth we have could turn against us and cause even more confusion. With the qualities of wisdom and compassion, all the treasury of means we have will become skillful and beneficial means.”
London: July 2012
Aboard HMS President, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje enjoys a cruise on the Thames with dignitaries from the House of Lords, representatives from Action for Happiness and New Economics Foundation, and young ambassadors from The Prince's Trust.
London: July 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa visits the Huffington Post in London and meets with its journalists. Four articles written by the 17th Karmapa have been posted by HuffPost UK: The Wealth of Europe; Five Steps to a Wealthier Life; Pain, Gain and the Race of Life; and Learning From Lehman.
Germany: July 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa gives the Chenrezig empowerment, the embodiment of compassion of all the Buddhas in Schwarzwaldhalle Appenweiler. The Karmapa took plenty of time to explain the meaning of this particular practice, giving detailed teachings on the different phases of the ritual and making sure the participants knew what to focus on for each stage.
France: August 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa gave an evening public lecture on 'How to Live a Meaningful Life' at the Hilton Hotel in Lyon, and once again the interest was so great that the hall proved too small to hold all the would-be participants, therefore a number of people had to remain outside. The sweltering heat did nothing to diminish the interest and enthusiasm of the audience and the question-and-answer session that followed the lecture went on until almost midnight.
Germany: August 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa gave a six-day program to nearly 6000 participants at the Europe Center's 5th Annual Summer Course in Immenstadt. This year's program focused on the practice of Guru Yoga, refuge and bodhicitta, and included the Rechungpa and Marpa empowerments, two important forefathers of the Karma Kagyu Lineage. The 17th Karmapa emphasized the importance of humility: “We should always have a state of mind where we feel we are still learning – a humble mind.” Commenting on the essence of Guru Yoga practice the Karmapa said, “The main thing is to develop the teacher's qualities – their wisdom, their compassion – even though we have no way of knowing the scope of their compassion and wisdom.”
France: August 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa returns to his public center Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in the Dordogne to give a seven-day program on 'The Path of the Bodhisattva' and Chenrezig empowerment. About 1700 people attended the program despite the challenging heat where it reached as high as 110 degrees (F) in the tent. Dhagpo Kagyu Ling was founded by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje in 1975 under the direction of the beloved Lama Gendun Rinpoche. It serves as the European headquarters for the Karma Kagyu Lineage under the spiritual direction of the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche (co-head of the Karma Kagyu Lineage) and Jigme-la Rinpoche. It is home to the Institute and Library project whose mission is to ensure the preservation, translation and study of Dharma texts. It is also the central host for the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje’s annual visits.
France: August 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa blesses Trinlay Tulku Rinpoche during the Chenrezig empowerment at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling. Trinlay Rinpoche, born to a French father and American mother, was recognized at one-and-a-half years old by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa as the rebirth of an important Karma Kagyu teacher. He often accompanies the 17th Karmapa on his teaching tours throughout Europe and co-taught 'The Path of the Bodhisattva' program at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling.
France: August 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa is warmly welcomed by the monastic and lay communities at his retreat center Dhagpo Kundreul Ling in the Auvergne. Dhagpo Kundreul Ling is the sister center of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling and together they serve as the European Seat of the Karma Kagyu Lineage. It is the largest group of Buddhist retreat centers and monastic hermitages in the West. Facilities allow participants the opportunity to undergo short-term and long-term retreats. Over 500 Westerners have now completed the traditional sequestered 3-year retreat there and many of those continue their activity as Dharma teachers throughout Europe, the US, South America and Asia.
India: November 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa was invited as a guest of honor and keynote speaker by the Indian Buddhist Congress and Friends in Dharma to the Ninth Buddhist Conference in Gujarat.
India: December 2012
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa arrives in Bodhgaya to lead the annual Kagyu Monlam. The 17th Karmapa commented on the great bodhisattva Samantabhadra’s aspiration prayer for excellent conduct, which is the main prayer accumulated during the six day Kagyu Monlam program: "Making such aspirations in the sacred place of Bodhgaya where the historical Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment, in the presence of realized bodhisattvas, accumulates immense merit and helps to pacify both natural and man-made disasters and obstacles. It benefits not only the practitioners taking part in the Monlam, but all those connected to them and ultimately all sentient beings."
Hong Kong: 2011
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa spent two weeks in Hong Kong giving teachings and empowerments, touring several Karma Kagyu Centers, meeting with government officials, dignitaries and devoted students. Upon arrival, the 17th Karmapa attended a press conference at the Cosmo Hotel where 30 journalists from various print media and TV channels asked questions concerning issues such as the emotional problems faced by so many young people in modern societies and how to find balance between need and greed. Concluding the interview, the 17th Karmapa expressed his appreciation of and respect for the journalists' work saying, "You have a great responsibility and the work you do is very important as it could help to make our world less complicated by passing on correct and truthful information. So, do your best to offer the truth to the world as much as you can.”
Hong Kong: 2011
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa gave a five-day program to 2500 people at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which included teachings and the Chenrezig and Jambhala empowerments. The 17th Karmapa began by saying he deeply appreciated that so many practitioners from different regions had come to Hong Kong to share the precious dharma. “You have come here with the aim and wish that by being here you will absorb something and learn something that you will take back to your own life and the lives of your loved ones, families, friends and so on. May there be immense benefit accumulated!” The 17th Karmapa gave a short teaching on the meaning and benefit of empowerments: “These empowerments are a reminder, or let’s say they will make you realize your own qualities: your own generous quality, your own compassionate quality and so on. We all have these qualities – all that we need to realize them is some supportive tools. So basically, these empowerments are like a tool that makes you realize what you already have."
Hong Kong: 2011
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa set sail with 600 people from Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor to conduct a Life Release ceremony where live fish destined for market are returned to the sea. The 17th Karmapa explained the great benefit in performing any kind of life release. “Nowadays we experience a lot of natural disasters such as earthquakes, fire, tsunamis, floods, and so on. In order to prevent these and achieve peace in our own land and around the world, the practice of life release is really beneficial. This practice has three parts: first, we have the intention to release these beings so they have freedom; second, we make aspirations for their well-being; last, we think of the good karma, the merit we have accumulated and dedicate it for the benefit of all beings." In conclusion, the Karmapa expressed a wish: “In addition to performing life release ceremonies, it is very important to create sanctuaries for animals – be they birds, fish or any other types – by doing this we create more places for whoever wishes to release life.”
Hong Kong: 2011
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche (co-head of the Karma Kagyu Lineage) and Mr Shiah Jing Shan at the consecration of a new building for the Hong Kong Karma Kagyu Bodhi Path Center. Mr Shiah was a devoted student and sponsor of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. He is also a dharma teacher and renowned Feng Shui master. The 17th Karmapa gave these words of advice to those gathered: "I understand that while we are here as human beings, we have no choice but to engage in the material world. But nevertheless, I think that to find a balance between this world and the spiritual dimension is very beneficial. Therefore I would like to ask all of you to make the best possible use of your time and your life."
France: 2010
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje completed a two-month retreat at his European center Dhagpo Kundreul Ling in the Auvergne. His visit was of a strictly private nature – no public events were scheduled during his stay there. There was however, a special reason for the Gyalwa Karmapa’s retreat – he received important lineage teachings and transmissions from Pewar Rinpoche, one of Tibet’s most revered lamas today. Pewar Rinpoche is considered a great master of both the Sakya and Nyingma traditions and is the abbot of Pewar Monastery in Tibet. He was a devoted student of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö and a favored companion of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, the late head of the Nyingma lineage.
Moscow: June 2009
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, visits Russia for the first time. Nearly 9000 people attended the teachings and empowerments the 17th Karmapa gave during his 18-day tour to six Russian cities. Throughout the visit, the Karmapa was joyously welcomed by the public and members of 74 Russian Karma Kagyu Buddhist centers, he met with many dignitaries and government ministers, visited historical sites, educational centers, museums and temples, and he granted numerous TV interviews and press conferences.
Trans-Siberian Railway: June 2009
The 17th Karmapa and his entourage embark on a 3-day journey to visit Karma Kagyu Buddhist Centres from Ulan-Ude to Vladivostok via the Trans-Siberian Railway, where they enjoyed a beautiful landscape of Siberian meadows, forests and wildflowers. The Karmapa was often met at brief train stops by well-wishers (sometimes in the middle of the night) seeking his blessing and providing his group with fresh home-cooked food. During the trip, the Karmapa blessed the local centres, gave empowerments, refuge and bodhisattva vows to 2100 people, granted numerous media interviews, visited the Submarine Museum of Vladivostok and Ivolginsky Datsan, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Russia, and met with the Hambo-Lama, the highest Lama in the region who arranged for a traditional wrestling match to be presented in the Karmapa’s honor.
Hong Kong: February 2009
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje visits Hong Kong for the first time since his predecessor the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa was there 28 years ago. The 17th Karmapa presided over a 2-week program where he gave teachings and empowerments to 4000 people and granted numerous media interviews. The Karmapa bids farewell to the audience at the close of a 21 Taras Empowerment held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Hong Kong: February 2009
The 17th Karmapa and the Queen of Bhutan (left of Karmapa) were guests of honor at the Gala Dinner held at the Hong Kong Grand Hyatt Hotel. The occasion was the inauguration of the Infinite Compassion Foundation, founded by the 14th Shamar Rinpoche, co-head of the Karma Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism (3rd from left) and fundraising for the World Eye Organization's clinic in Bhutan.
Hong Kong: February 2009
About 600 people accompanied the 17th Karmapa out to sea where he conducted a life release ceremony for live fish that had been destined for the marketplace. The Karmapa, along with other Buddhist teachers onboard chanted prayers and blessed the fish with sacred saffron water before releasing them back into the waters.
Paris, France: September 2008
The 17th Karmapa gave a teaching on "The Spirit of Generosity and Peace" in the famous 19th c. Théatre des Bouffes Parisiens. The Karmapa highlighted the importance of developing compassion for ourselves and others, emphasized the relevance of the ancient Buddhist philosophy in today's modern world and offered methods that lead towards ultimate well-being. At the end of the teaching, the audience engaged the Karmapa in a lively dialogue and offered him khatas, the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarves.
Immenstadt, Germany: August 2008
More than 3,000 practitioners from 51 countries gathered at the 16th International Summer Buddhist Course to receive teachings and empowerments from the 17th Karmapa at the new Karma Kagyu Europe Centre in Southern Germany. Parts of the event were broadcasted live by Bavarian TV Bayerischer Rundfunk. The Karmapa also gave interviews to several German newspapers and to ORF, an Austrian TV broadcaster.
New Delhi, India: March 2008
The 17th Karmapa met with representatives of the Russian Embassy, Mr. Andrey Lyashkevich and the Ukrainian Embassy, Mr. Severyn Kharchuk at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in New Delhi.
Bodh Gaya, India: November 2007
The 17th Karmapa with the 14th Shamarpa, co-head of the Karma Kagyu Lineage, leading the annual Kagyu Monlam prayers for world peace and liberation of all beings at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.
Kassel, Germany: August 2007
The 17th Karmapa is received by 5000 people awaiting his teaching on the history of the Karma Kagyu Lineage and the lives of the Buddha and Milarepa, one of Tibet's most beloved yogis.
Dordogne, France: July 2007
The 17th Karmapa blessing his family after giving the White Tara Empowerment at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, the European headquarters of the Karma Kagyu Lineage.
The Karmapa's family represents all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism: his father is the 3rd Mipham Rinpoche, a renowned scholar and meditation master of the Nyingma tradition; his mother Dechen Wangmo is a direct descendant of the legendary King Gesar of Ling; and his younger brother the Gelug and Sakya tulku, His Eminence the 14th Sonam Tsemo Rinpoche is one of the five forefathers of the Sakya Lineage, the first five hierarchs of the Sakya Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
London: June 2007
The 17th Karmapa giving a blessing after the White Tara Empowerment at the Friends Meeting House in London. His throne was adorned with the same brocade that has been used since the 5th Karmapa Deshin Shekpa. The Karmapa noted, “White Tara has been my practice for as long as I can remember. It is a practice which generates genuine loving kindness and compassion.”
Vienna, Austria: June 2007
The 17th Karmapa giving the Amitabha and Amitayus Empowerment in Vienna. Afterwards, he urged people to read the life stories of great sages such as the Buddha and Milarepa to draw inspiration and guidance on how to generate aspiration bodhicitta. “We have the same potential as these great bodhisattvas. We need to put all of our effort into practice or else we will not accomplish anything. So, do your best with your own capacity. Give whatever you can give without having a second thought.”
Vienna, Austria: June 2007
The 17th Karmapa offering a double dorje, a symbol of the indestructible nature of enlightened mind to the Chief Rabbi of Vienna, Paul Chaim Eisenberg at a meeting where they discussed the importance of religious freedom and tolerance among people of different faiths.
Prague, Czech Republic: June 2007
The 17th Karmapa giving a teaching to 3000 people in Prague on the subject of karma.
Kalimpong, India: February 2007
The 17th Karmapa and students at Shri Diwakar Vihara Institute for Buddhist Research in Kalimpong, begin the Mahakala protector practice that precedes the celebration of Losar, the Tibetan New Year. Hundreds of people from many countries joined in the round-the-clock, week-long puja.
Manila, Philippines: November 2006
The 17th Karmapa giving the White Tara Empowerment on his first visit to Manila in 2006.
Manila, Philippines: November 2006
The 17th Karmapa was invited to visit the Phillippine General Hospital where he blessed many patients and offered words of consolation.
Mumbai, India: October 2006
The 17th Karmapa giving Refuge Vows to 60,000 Dalits, India's untouchable caste. The Karmapa actively encourages the emancipation of those oppressed by the caste system and supports a free society based on equality, fraternity and humane values.
Valle de Bravo, Mexico: March 2006
The 17th Karmapa presiding at the consecration of a stupa in Valle de Bravo outside of Mexico City. The stupa project was initiated by the Gelugpa center Casa Tibet under the guidance and inspiration of Lopen Tsechu Rinpoche. Mrs. Monica Pretelini de Peña, wife of the Governor of the State of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto was a guest and received the Karmapa in the Governor's private residence in Valle de Bravo after the ceremony.
Valle de Bravo, Mexico: March 2006
The 17th Karmapa consecrating the Lhabab Chorten stupa in Valle de Bravo outside of Mexico City. The stupa project was initiated by the Gelugpa center Casa Tibet under the guidance and inspiration of Lopen Tsechu Rinpoche.
Valle de Bravo, Mexico: March 2006
The 17th Karmapa giving Bodhisattva Vows to 1700 people at the stupa site in Valle de Bravo. After the event the Karmapa was received by Bernardo Gomez, vice president of Televisa, Mexico's largest television channel.
Valle de Bravo, Mexico: March 2006
During the entire Bodhisattva Vow ceremony given by the 17th Karmapa in Valle de Bravo, a halo clearly appeared around the sun. Auspicious signs such as these often occur in the presence of authentic spiritual masters.
Taipei, Taiwan: December 2005
The 17th Karmapa giving the Chenrezig Empowerment at the Taipei Tsurphu Center in 2005.
London: August 2005
The 17th Karmapa was the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker at an interfaith reception to celebrate Friendship and Trust at St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. In the presence of the Bishop of London, the Karmapa and spiritual leaders from the Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Jain faiths unveiled a Japanese tapestry, "People of the World."
London: August 2005
The 17th Karmapa gave Bodhisattva Vows to 700 people in the Friends Meeting House in London, the same venue where his predecessor the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa gave the Black Crown Ceremony in 1976.
Athens, Greece: August 2005
The 17th Karmapa giving Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows to 600 people in Athens. The Karmapa is aided by Lama Tsultrim Namgyal (front left), who served as the personal attendant to the late 16th Karmapa.
Beskce, Hungary: August 2005
The 17th Karmapa giving Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows to 2500 people in Hungary.
Bratislava, Slovakia: August 2005
The 17th Karmapa giving the Chenrezig Empowerment to 1800 people at the PKO Cultural Hall on his first visit to Slovakia.
Kiev, Ukraine: August 2005
The 17th Karmapa giving the Marpa Empowerment to 2400 people on his first visit to Kiev in 2005.
Mumbai, India: April 2005
The 17th Karmapa lighting a ceremonial lamp at the opening of the First International Buddhist Conference in Mumbai. The Karmapa participated in a panel of prominent Indian statesmen and academics from around the world to discuss topics related to Buddhism and World Peace.
Noted panel members were Shri Jaipal Reddy (Union Minister of Information, Broadcasting & Culture); Shri Vilas Rao Deshmukh (Chief Minister of Maharashtra); Ramdas Athavale (Indian Parliament); and Professor Christopher Queen (Dean of Students for Continuing Education in the Faculty of Arts and Science at Harvard University.
Mumbai, India: April 2005
As Guest of Honor at the Mumbai Conference, the 17th Karmapa remarked, "Everyone wants peace in this world and it can be achieved through cultivating compassion and an absolute knowledge of emptiness. It is not through improving the outer world in terms of raising living standards that world peace can be attained. The lack of compassion and emptiness is responsible for conflicts, warfare, racism and the like, as recent events of war, unrest, violence and terrorism in many parts of the world have shown." At the conclusion of the conference the Karmapa led 1000 people on a peace march through the streets of Mumbai to the memorial site of the late Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, a founding father of the country who worked to revive Buddhism in India.
Benamaldena, Spain: May 2004
The late meditation master Lopen Tsechu Rinpoche greeting the 17th Karmapa upon his arrival in Benamaldena. The Karmapa presided over the consecration ceremony of the largest stupa in the Western world that was built under the direction of Lopen Tsechu Rinpoche, as a landmark of peace and prosperity for Spain. Thousands attended the ceremony.
Benamaldena, Spain: May 2004
The 17th Karmapa giving the Chenrezig Empowerment to thousands at the stupa site in Benamaldena, located on the coast south of Malaga.
Thimphu, Bhutan: October 2003
The 17th Karmapa with His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in Thimphu. The Karmapa was invited as a state guest on the occasion of the passing of the Queen Mother.
Menlo Park, CA: June 2003
The Venerable Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, head of the Ngor tradition of the Sakya Lineage, transmitted an essential collection of Vajrayana teachings to the 17th Karmapa over a 2-month period at a Karma Kagyu Buddhist center in Menlo Park.
Menlo Park, CA: June 2003
The 17th Karmapa with Trinlay Tulku Rinpoche (seated far left), Venerable Luding Khenchen Rinpoche (left of Karmapa) and His Holiness Sakya Trinzin Rinpoche, head of the Sakya Lineage (right of Karmapa) and others in Menlo Park.
San Francisco, CA: July 2003
The 17th Karmapa giving the Karma Pakshi Empowerment to 400 people at the Golden Gate Club in San Francisco.
Santa Barbara, CA: July 2003
The 17th Karmapa giving the Vajrayogini Empowerment at a Karma Kagyu center in Santa Barbara in 2003.
Santa Barbara, CA: July 2003
The 17th Karmapa giving a blessing after the Milarepa Empowerment at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara, the same venue where his predecessor the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa gave the Black Crown Ceremony 23 years before. About 400 people attended the event.
Los Angeles, CA: September 2003
The 17th Karmapa presided at the Grand Opening of the New Frontier Buddhist Association that serves a large Chinese-American community in LA. 500 people attended including many important guests such as Master Yin Hai (left of Karmapa), Khenpo Chodrag Tenphel Rinpoche (2nd from left of Karmapa), a representative from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and other local officials.
Dordogne, France: August 2002
The 17th Karmapa giving the Chenrezig Empowerment to 3000 people at his public meditation center, Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, which serves as the European headquarters of the Karma Kagyu Lineage.
Dordogne, France: August 2002
The 17th Karmapa and the 14th Shamarpa, co-head of the Karma Kagyu Lineage, during a ceremony to lay a foundation stone for a new Institute at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, which serves as the European headquarters of the Karma Kagyu Lineage.
Lumbini, Nepal: November 2001
The 17th Karmapa presiding at the inauguration of Drubgyu Choling Monastery with Shangpa Rinpoche (front left) & others in Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha.
Lumbini, Nepal: November 2001
The 17th Karmapa presiding over thousands of Tibetan monks & nuns at the inauguration of Drubgyu Choling Monastery in Lumbini, Nepal.
Auvergne, France: March 2000
The late Venerable Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche, head of the Tsarpa School of the Sakya Lineage, giving essential transmissions over a month long period to the 17th Karmapa and the 14th Shamarpa at Dhagpo Kundreul Ling, the Karmapa's European retreat center. Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche played an important role in recognizing the 17th Karmapa as the authentic reincarnation of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa.
Auvergne, France: March 2000
The 17th Karmapa with the late Chogye Trichen Rinpoche and the 14th Shamarpa, co-head of the Karma Kagyu Lineage, at Dhagpo Kundreul Ling.
Auvergne, France: January 2000
Walking towards the Karmapa Temple to attend a welcoming ceremony, the procession honors the 17th Karmapa's first visit to his European retreat center, Dhagpo Kundreul Ling in Auvergne, France. Dhagpo Kundreul Ling is the largest group of Buddhist retreat centers and monastic hermitages in the West.
Auvergne, France: January 2000
Inside the Karmapa Temple, the lama community (those who have completed the traditional 3-year retreat) warmly welcomes the 17th Karmapa on his first visit to his European retreat center Dhagpo Kundreul Ling.
Düsseldorf, Germany: January 2000
6000 people attended the 17th Karmapa's program in Dusseldorf on his first visit to Europe.
Tainan, Taiwan: November 1999
The 17th Karmapa visiting disabled children at a Christian Children's Home in Tainan.
Taipei, Taiwan: November 1999
The 17th Karmapa visiting a sick child at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei.
Singapore: October 1999
The 17th Karmapa giving Refuge Vows & the Chenrezig Empowerment in Singapore.
Bodh Gaya, India: December 1996
His Eminence Beru Khyenste Rinpoche welcomes the 17th Karmapa to his monastery for the Kagyu Monlam ceremonies held each year in Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment 2500 years ago.
New Delhi, India: March 1994
The 17th Karmapa giving a blessing after he was formally recognized by the 14th Kunzig Shamarpa as the authentic reincarnation of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. The ceremony took place at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in New Delhi. The Shamarpa is the co-head of the Karma Kagyu Lineage, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
New Delhi, India: March 1994
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa with the 14th Kunzig Shamarpa after the ceremony where he was recognized as the authentic reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in New Delhi.
Central to the transmission of the 900-year old Karma Kagyu Lineage are the alternating rebirths of the Karmapas and the Shamarpas, spiritual heads and co-heads of the Lineage. The 2nd Karmapa proclaimed that in the future the responsibility for upholding the line of continuity in the Kagyu teachings would rest with himself and the Shamarpa; thus the Karmapa formally made the Shamarpa his second-in-command both temporally and ecclesiastically. Throughout the centuries, the Karmapas and Shamarpas have been born into the same family as brothers, father & son and uncle & nephew. The late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa was the uncle of the present 14th Kunzig Shamarpa.
