News - 2014 European Visit
by Karma Wangdu on 5 June, 2014
Kamalashila Institute 2nd June, 2014 At 8.30am, the two resident lamas, Lama Kelzang Wangdi and Lama Sonam Rabgye, the Chöpon, and Kamalashila Institute staff gathered in the shrine room for a final audience with His Holiness, in order to say goodbye. Everyone had worked so hard to make this visit successful, and it was obvious from His Holiness’ encouraging smiles,… Read More
by Karma Wangdu on 5 June, 2014
Kamalashila Institute 1st June, 2014 More than five hundred people, invited guests, volunteers and staff, gathered in the grounds of Kamalashila in front of the stupa for its inauguration by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. After several days of cloud and some rain, the weather had cleared and the brilliant -white stupa with its gold-plated copper pinnacle stood proud against… Read More
by Karma Wangdu on 5 June, 2014
Kamalashila Institute 1st June, 2014 On several occasions during the first part of his teachings in Germany, the 17th Karmapa has emphasised the personal responsibility we all share for protecting and preserving the natural environment. In 2009 he founded Khoryug, an organisation of Buddhist monasteries, nunneries and centres dedicated to protecting the fragile environment of the Himalayan region. Read More
by Karma Wangdu on 4 June, 2014
May 31, 2014 After the Medicine Buddha empowerment, the Karmapa brought the teaching program to conclusion by saying, “Although it took many years, at last this visit happened, because we continued to have hopes and aspirations. This is the first time I could step onto the land of Europe. For a long time I couldn’t come here, and it was… Read More
by Karma Wangdu on 3 June, 2014
Teaching Day 3 31st May, 2014. Nuerburgring, Germany. Kamalashila Institute, the Karmapa’s seat in Lagenfeld, Germany, is located in an area connected with healing for hundreds and hundreds of years. In pre-Celtic times, it was a holy place for healers, who gathered here. There are also strong Christian connections. Just three kilometers below the village is a small chapel… Read More
by Karma Wangdu on 3 June, 2014
Teaching Day 3 31st May, 2014. Nuerburgring, Germany. On the final day of the teachings the emphasis turned towards practice requirements for Buddhist practitioners. In keeping with the overarching theme of the ngondro or preliminary practices, the morning session was dedicated to a Vajrasattva empowerment. This is necessary for those who wish to complete the second part of the special… Read More
by Karma Wangdu on 2 June, 2014
Teaching Day 2 30th May, 2014. Session 2. Nuerburgring, Germany. Having contemplated the four thoughts that turn the mind to Dharma, and having understood the purpose of Dharma practice, how should one practise Dharma? His Holiness addressed this issue by giving a short explanation of each of the three trainings in ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom. “All of Dharma… Read More
by Karma Wangdu on 2 June, 2014
Teaching Day 2 30th May, 2014. Morning Session 1. Nuerburgring, Germany. In the first of two sessions this morning, the 17th Karmapa clarified what it means to really practice Dharma. First he dealt with some misconceptions. Many people have mistaken expectations about Tibetan Buddhism. They believe that Tibetan Buddhist practices have magical properties or miraculous powers that can solve… Read More
by Karma Wangdu on 2 June, 2014
Teaching Day 2 30th May, 2014. Nuerburgring, Germany. On the morning of the 30th, a double-tiered shrine was set up next to the Karmapa’s throne. On the top level, the central focus was the image of a deep blue Vajradhara (Dorje chang), surrounded by the powerful eighty-four mahasiddhas. It is flanked by two vases with their curving spouts and… Read More
by Karma Wangdu on 1 June, 2014
Teaching Day 1 29th May, 2014. Morning Session 2. Nuerburgring, Germany. After a short break, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa continued his teaching on the four thoughts that turn the mind to Dharma. He began by discussing the dangers of being self-centred and of misunderstanding the true nature of self. Because we lack courage and confidence or because we… Read More
