Title: Om Ma Nye Bhe Mae Hum
Artist: 17th Gyalwang Karmapa
Language: Tibetan
Om Ma Nye Bhe Mae Hum
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Guan Gong ( Sangharama Bodhisattva ) painted by HH the 17th Karmapa
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His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa's Fingerprint
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The 17th Karmapa Almost Looks Like the 16th Karmapa !
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Divinity of being simple ( The Week )
Story Dated: Monday, August 19, 2013 16:53 hrs IST
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| Born to lead: The Karmapa knew his destiny at seven. By eight, he was in a monastery in Tibet receiving education. |
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| All in a day’s work: the Karmapa at a store selling Buddhist literature and artefacts. |
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| Karmapa Interacting with his followers. |
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| Karmapa Pursuing his hobby-Painting. |
The bowl of Ferrero Rocher chocolates, their crinkled dull gold foil gleaming like many mini suns, is hurriedly cleared away. Two tape recorders are placed on the edge of the glass. “It could turn into a Dharma talk,'' says a nun as she settles on the floor. The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, walks in a minute later and sits down, his red slippers hitting the floor. “I am very tired,'' he says with a smile. “I have no energy.” His translator, a man with more salt than pepper in his curly hair, sits beside him on the floor. The monks in the room follow suit.
There are many reasons why his story is fascinating. His life is a myth. And it is real. Miracle and reincarnation aren't words out of a feel-good Disney movie, they are events in his life. He knew his destiny at seven. By eight, he was in a monastery in Tibet receiving education. His childhood had ended and he was a guru.
In a world where ‘hope and faith' is a failed sitcom and leaders are no giants, scepticism is a life skill. The Karmapa then represents a fairy tale. He is 27, and millions, regardless of age, look up to him for guidance. It cannot be easy. “People come to me not only for spiritual matters,” he says. “They come with family problems. Sometimes, they have business problems and can't decide.''
He sits back and plays with his rosary. His hands stop at a bead and then move on quickly as he talks. He is never alone. Even when he sleeps, he admits. “It isn't a job where I keep office hours,” he says.
The room at the Hyatt in Delhi is large. You could play football in it. His room in the monastery, by all accounts, is tiny. “But his holiness has many followers. They would be extremely hurt if he didn't stay with them when he is in town,'' says a disciple. There are also presents, expensive ones, that he would never use. A Salvatore Ferragamo bag lies in the corner of the room. Visits to Delhi are rare. He does travel but most of the time, he is in his monastery near Dharamsala. His days there are more structured, and he meets people till noon. “Sometimes, the public audience carries on till later,” he says. “I skip lunch. That makes me sick. I get a headache.''
This is probably the only time during the interaction that he feels like a twenty-something. “He had presence even when he was eight,” says a disciple. He was born old. In one of the interviews he granted—he rarely does—he admitted that being a Karmapa is difficult. The pressure is a lot. Being wise at eight couldn't be easy. “For me it is,'' he says shyly.
The Dalai Lama was 24 when he escaped to India. He may have fought a full-scale war from the time he was 15, but he came in full glare of the international community much later. In 1959, the world was a different place. The Karmapa was 15 when he escaped in 2000. At that time, the politics surrounding Tibet as a nation-in-exile was much more nuanced and complicated. The weight of the burden of being a Karmapa in a country which had kept alive Tibet longingly in its imagination was far greater. The world was much more connected, complicated and more politically aware. “I didn't choose it,” he says. “It is a decision from the sky above. People have this sort of expectation that since you are the Karmapa, you already have this capacity. But for me personally, it is not like that. It is just like a title. You also need the skills and the experience. I need to try myself to be playing the role of the Karmapa. I need time, experience and practice. But people already think of me as the Karmapa. I don't have time to prepare. So, I feel double the pressure.''
The Karmapa has had to face other issues, too. His monastery created a controversy when large sums of money were discovered from its premises. The Indian government stepped in. Many allegations were made. The Karmapa has always been recognised by the Chinese government. The Dalai Lama, the face of the Free Tibet movement, too, extended his support to him. This consensus, which is rare, is enough to have spun off conspiracy theories as the Dalai Lama and the Chinese are firmly on opposite sides. Karmapa's followers are acutely aware of this, a reason why they have a pre-grilling session. This interaction was no different.
Being a spiritual leader in the 21st century is far from easy. It is especially tough when you offer guidance to a religion that is traditional in a world that is choosing to abandon that. It becomes tougher for a community that is in exile, looking for answers to questions about their identity. How does he battle scepticism? “I don't find that as a challenge,” he says. “Maybe because it is in my character to encourage questioning. People should not go by mere faith or belief, especially if it is on profound matters. I think it should be based on proper understanding based on reason, analysis and finding out what it is for themselves. I like to encourage doubt so that understanding would be brought to the table as opposed to mere tradition or faith. This is the call of the time. People are more inquisitive than before.... But I feel that this belief in faith is easy. But to understand… is more rewarding. You need to put more effort. But not many people want to do that.”
Simple isn't always easy, he says with a smile. It is clarity like this that makes his disciples believe that he is much older and evolved. “There is an indescribable feeling when you are in his presence,” says a disciple. “People have often asked me how I can follow him. He is just a boy. But he is my spiritual superior.”
For others, it is about spiritual maturity. “People come to his talk and all of them go back thinking that the things he said were meant just for them,'' says a disciple. He seems to be at peace. And, he provides simple solutions.
Before his escape to India, the Karmapa didn't know English. He has learnt the language since then. He still has a translator, but he doesn't use him often. Even when he chooses to, he is conscious of the choice of his words. “People think simple is not enough. They want it to be more complex. What could be more wonderful than what you have. It makes it difficult to come back to that simple state. I always give an example of an iPhone 4 that we had. The iPhone has thousands of uses. Maybe you know only four or five of them. So, you think you need something more,'' he says.
So, does he have an iPhone? He laughs. “No, people give it to me and I give it away,” he says. Can he use the email now? In one of his initial interviews, he had talked about knowing how to use a computer but not sending an email. He has a full-fledged web site now. There is even a blog. So, does he use email? “I have those skills,'' he says. He even plays video games and has a television, too. But he has not switched it on for two months now. His time is spent in meeting people, discussions and reading.
He has reintroduced Sanskrit, a language he understands and speaks, in prayers. Next, he wants to reform the education of nuns in his lineage. This would be a revolutionary step.
The only time he is relaxed is when he paints. “People have a lot of expectations,” he says. “They somehow seem to view me as some kind of deity enshrined. That I have no emotions, feelings.... You place before the deity all your woes, questions and request for whatever you want to be blessed with. That's all this deity is for. Then when you receive whatever you want and that is done. But in reality, it is different. I am in a human form…. People look at the outer being without thinking that I, too, have emotions. Sometimes one gets hurt and disheartened, too.” He is only 27. It is easy to forget that. He makes it easy to forget.
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REPAYING THE KINDNESS OF MY MOTHER
by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje
OM MANI PADME HUM
I prostrate to the Noble Master Chenrezig!
OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH*
There is nothing to be said more profound than this:
Dear mother, you protected me lovingly when I was small
You taught me with love and told me sweet words
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You fed me from your mouth and wiped my feces away with your hand
You picked me up on your lap again and again -
My kind mother wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
The end of birth is surely death
Even powerful humans don't have the slightest power to remain [forever]
When departing alone, [only] the sacred dharma will [be of] benefit -
[My kind mothers] wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
The end of collecting is surely loss
Even the greediest person will be unable to take anything along
When departing alone, only the sacred dharma will [be of] benefit -
[My kind mothers] wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Mother, when you are going to depart alone from here
I pray that you, I, and Chenrezig will meet!
My kind mother wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
I pay homage to lama and protector Manjushri!
Wherever in the three realms the six kinds of beings are born,
their birth is of four kinds:
Except for miraculous birth, a body is formed in dependence on
a father and a mother.
Due to karmic forces, you conceived and carried me for nine months
and ten days -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When the life force impelled my embryo to come out
You suffered the bone-wracking pain of contractions -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I was born your body became covered with blood, lymph, pus,
and milk -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When my skin and bones were feeble and not fully formed
You picked me up with gentle hands -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I had pus in my eyes or other organs
You licked it off with your soft tongue -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Even when my specks of feces came into your mouth
You were not disgusted -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You always held me tight, like in the gentle warmth of your belly -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When sleep rendered us unconscious at night
I would interrupt your sleep many times -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You took me on your lap and cuddled me -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You cheered me up and made me so happy -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Whenever I was wriggling and crying, you tirelessly gave me your
breast to suck -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When my eyes were tightly closed by sleep
You swiftly protected me from heat and cold -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I crawled on all fours like an animal
You taught me how to walk on my feet -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I was three years old
You kept an eye on me wherever I went -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I was five years old
You showed me how to dress myself properly -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I was ten years old
You taught me how to understand and decide things -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Your mind was one-pointedly focused [on my welfare] -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
[Throughout,] you were always calm and fair -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You gave your permission when it was time for me to leave -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
[Because of your love] I became independent after I had left you -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
If sudden disasters were to carry you off -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
And you would end up in some unknown place -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
May our minds become ultimately inseparable -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Dear mother, do not be angry when I say this:
My thoughts go to you again and again
And your kind acts make me weep -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Mother, when it is time for your mind to leave this body
May you be born in a supremely blissful state and
Having been born there, may you attain the heart of enlightenment
Having attained that, may you act for the benefit of all beings
Words of vast and deep meaning break my heart.
Vajradhara in the pure realm of Akanishta,
And Pema Jungne in Ngayab Ling,
Please let the ability to repay the kindness of my mothers
Awaken in me, Palden Karmapa of the Snowy Regions.
Dear mother, you protected me lovingly when I was small
You taught me with love and told me sweet words
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You fed me from your mouth and wiped my feces away with your hand
You picked me up on your lap again and again -
My kind mother wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
The end of birth is surely death
Even powerful humans don't have the slightest power to remain [forever]
When departing alone, [only] the sacred dharma will [be of] benefit -
[My kind mothers] wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
The end of collecting is surely loss
Even the greediest person will be unable to take anything along
When departing alone, only the sacred dharma will [be of] benefit -
[My kind mothers] wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Mother, when you are going to depart alone from here
I pray that you, I, and Chenrezig will meet!
My kind mother wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
I pay homage to lama and protector Manjushri!
Wherever in the three realms the six kinds of beings are born,
their birth is of four kinds:
Except for miraculous birth, a body is formed in dependence on
a father and a mother.
Due to karmic forces, you conceived and carried me for nine months
and ten days -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When the life force impelled my embryo to come out
You suffered the bone-wracking pain of contractions -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I was born your body became covered with blood, lymph, pus,
and milk -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When my skin and bones were feeble and not fully formed
You picked me up with gentle hands -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I had pus in my eyes or other organs
You licked it off with your soft tongue -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Even when my specks of feces came into your mouth
You were not disgusted -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You always held me tight, like in the gentle warmth of your belly -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When sleep rendered us unconscious at night
I would interrupt your sleep many times -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You took me on your lap and cuddled me -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You cheered me up and made me so happy -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Whenever I was wriggling and crying, you tirelessly gave me your
breast to suck -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When my eyes were tightly closed by sleep
You swiftly protected me from heat and cold -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I crawled on all fours like an animal
You taught me how to walk on my feet -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I was three years old
You kept an eye on me wherever I went -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I was five years old
You showed me how to dress myself properly -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
When I was ten years old
You taught me how to understand and decide things -
My kind mothers wandering in the three samsaric realms, oh no!
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Your mind was one-pointedly focused [on my welfare] -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
[Throughout,] you were always calm and fair -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
You gave your permission when it was time for me to leave -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
[Because of your love] I became independent after I had left you -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
If sudden disasters were to carry you off -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
And you would end up in some unknown place -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
May our minds become ultimately inseparable -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Dear mother, do not be angry when I say this:
My thoughts go to you again and again
And your kind acts make me weep -
My kind mothers wandering in the three pitiful samsaric realms
May I guide you on Chenrezig's path. OM MANI PADME HUM HRIH
Mother, when it is time for your mind to leave this body
May you be born in a supremely blissful state and
Having been born there, may you attain the heart of enlightenment
Having attained that, may you act for the benefit of all beings
Words of vast and deep meaning break my heart.
Vajradhara in the pure realm of Akanishta,
And Pema Jungne in Ngayab Ling,
Please let the ability to repay the kindness of my mothers
Awaken in me, Palden Karmapa of the Snowy Regions.
___________________________________________________________
Distinguished Karma Kagyu Lama, Ato Rinpoche, distributed this text.
Distinguished Karma Kagyu Lama, Ato Rinpoche, distributed this text.
Thanks to P. Hayward who typed this version and made it available electronically.
*HRIH is the heart's seed syllable encapsulating the compassionate activity of the bodhisattva.
mother: This very moving prayer of thanks is not only addressed to the woman who gave birth to us in this lifetime, nor is it addressed to the woman or women who, though they did not bear us, may have parented us. Also, it is not exclusively about human mothers, for in the context of samsara we have had many former existences and so, many different kinds of mothers. Without all of these mothers, we would not now have the opportunity of practicing Buddha-dharma.
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Announcing the Seventeenth Kagyu Gunchö Winter Dharma Teachings & Debates for Kagyu Shedras
The 17th Kagyu Gunchö (Winter Dharma Gathering) will be held at Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya again from December 3, 2013, to January 1, 2014. During the event, monks from more than ten Kagyu shedras (monastic colleges) will gather for a month of teachings, debate, study, and discussion. The main topics for debate will be the Intermediate Collected Topics (Düdra), the Types of Cognition (Lorik), and Types of Reasons (Takrik). As at the last Kagyu Gunchö, there will be a competition among the different shedras. The finals of the competition will be held on December 28.
During the Gunchö, His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa will also continue the transmission and teaching of the Hundred Short Instructions by the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje, resuming where he left off last year.
A special feature of this year’s program is the introduction of three debates on Madhyamaka philosophy. There will be a debate about XXXX on December 10, about XXXX December 18, and about Shentong on December 27. These debates will be not be held in the traditional Tibetan style but will also incorporate elements from contemporary debating practices.
The Gunchö will close with a four-day conference on Madhyamika from December 29 to January 1. Topics to be discussed will include:
- the history of Nagarjuna and Āryadeva and the development of the Madhyamaka philosophy in India;
- the spread in Tibet of the Autonomist school of Śāntarakshita and Kamalashila and its eventual eclipse;
- the development of the earlier and later Consequentialist traditions in Tibet, beginning from Patsap Lotsawa;
- The background and specific features of the Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje’s commentary on the Madhyamakāvatara;
- The presentation of the two truths in terms of the three phases in the Karma Kagyu school;
- An examination of whether there are any distinctions between the Shentong views professed by Jonang Sherap Gyaltsen and the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje;
- Similarities and differences between the view and meditation of Mahamudra and that of the Chinese Chan tradition;
- Whether Sutra Mahamudra is in taught in the second or third Wheel of Dharma or in any Indian treatises; and
- Buddhism in society.
For the monks in Kagyu shedras, the Gunchö has always been a opportunity to deepen their understanding, gain new insights, and make contacts with monks in other monasteries in addition to receiving teachings from great masters such as His Holiness the Karmapa. For many, it is the highlight of the year.
Schedule of the 17th Kagyu Gunchö
December 3, 2013–January 1, 2014
December 3, 2013–January 1, 2014
| First round: | December 3–8 |
| First Madhyamaka debate: | December 10 |
| First round (continued): | December 11-16 |
| Second Madhyamaka debate: | December 20-25 |
| Puja | December 19 |
| Second round: | December 20-25 |
| Third Madhyamaka debate: | December 27 |
| Finals | December 28 |
| Madhyamaka Conference: | December 29 – January 1 |
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Announcing the Ārya Kshema Winter Dharma Gathering for Kagyu Nuns
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Two Arms Mahakara drawn by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa
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Gyalwang Karmapa Departs For Tour Of Kinnaur And To Attend International Buddhist Conference In Delhi
29 August 2013 – Gyuto Monastery
On 30 August the Gyalwang Karmapa departs for a weeklong tour of the Kinnaur region at the request of local Buddhist communities. His first visit to Kinnaur comes after 3 years of requests from devotees, initiated by Lochen Rinpoche.
Travelling as a State Guest of the Himachal Pradesh Government, the Gyalwang Karmapa will be honored with a grand welcome ceremony on his arrival at Chaura which is the border of the Kinnaur region.
During his time in Kinnaur he is scheduled to give two days of teachings to devotees at Rekong Peo, including Mahamudra teachings on 1 September, and Phowa teachings on 2 September. In the afternoon of 2 September he will bestow a long-life empowerment for those gathered.
With Tibet along its eastern border, the Indian region of Kinnaur is strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture, traditions, customs, and language. The Kinnauri people have a deep historical connection to Tibetan Buddhism, and several monasteries over a thousand years old are found in the region. With this visit to Kinnaur the Gyalwang Karmapa retraces some of the steps of his predecessor the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, who also visited the region while on pilgrimage to Mt Kailash in 1948.
After paying visits to several different monasteries and temples in Kinnaur, on his return trip the Gyalwang Karmapa will also stop at Lhamo to visit the nunnery of Lochen Rinpoche, and at Solan to visit the Bon Monastery.
On 6 September the Gyalwang Karmapa will then travel to Delhi where he will attend the 1st Founding Members’ Conclave of the International Buddhist Confederation, organized by the Ashoka Mission. There he will join Buddhist leaders and representatives of Buddhist sanghas from throughout the world in the historic first meeting of a new global Buddhist umbrella body, the International Buddhist Confederation.
During the 4-day conference the Gyalwang Karmapa has been invited to chair a session on “Changing Times: Buddhism in the 21st Century”, as well as to give a talk on the theme of Buddhist responses to the environment.
He returns to Dharamsala around 14 September.
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Tibetans in exile have a great responsibility: 17th Karmapa (The Tibet Post)
Wednesday, 28 August 2013 11:51 Yeshe Choesang, The Tibet Post International
Dharamshala: - A meeting in Dharamshala, India, with a large group of foreign-born Tibetan children who were on a Summer Camp Program, the Gyalwang Karmapa urged them to remember the difficulties faced by Tibetans living in Tibet.
The group of about 60 students included young Tibetans born in Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Ireland and France, who had travelled to India in order to learn about and experience more of their Tibetan cultural roots.
On Saturday, August 3, the group had the opportunity to meet and be blessed by the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Rinpoche .
"There are a lot of difficulties that the Tibetans who live in Tibet face, and the responsibility to remove or eliminate those difficulties falls upon all of us who live in foreign countries," the Gyalwang Karmapa told the young students. "It's a great responsibility that we have."
"For all of the Tibetans who live in free countries, who are scattered all over the world, for all of you it is your own individual responsibility. And this is something that you all have to know and understand for yourselves, before anyone else really tells you."
The Gyalwang Karmapa particularly encouraged the young students to learn the Tibetan language and to learn about Tibetan culture and traditions, advising them that this would be very beneficial.
"Actually you are all from a very different environment, a very different place, living in the midst of other cultures, so to be able to learn Tibetan, to speak Tibetan, and to learn about Tibetan culture and traditions is from one way of looking a very difficult thing to do. It can put a lot of pressure on you. But I hope that all of you can take this pressure and transform it into courage."
Finally the Gyalwang Karmapa thanked the parents of the students who had sent their foreign-born Tibetan children to India in order to deepen their cultural roots.
"For all of you parents who have taken the interest in Tibetan culture, and who have decided to send your children who are Tibetans to India in order to learn a little bit more about the situation and the culture in Tibet, and to learn the Tibetan language and also about Tibetan culture and traditions – it is very good. It's something that creates a strong impression and so this is a wonderful thing to do. I'd like to thank you all very much for it."
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Karmapa to bless, preach to disaster-hit Himachal residents( News Track India )
Himachal Pradesh,Crime/Disaster/Accident,Religion, Sat, 31 Aug 2013
Rekong Peo (Himachal Pradesh), Aug 31 (IANS) The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, reached here Saturday to bless and preach to people in Kinnaur district, which was ravaged by flash floods in June.
The Karmapa is the third most important Tibetan religious head after the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama.
Incessant rain in the region June 16 triggered massive landslides that blocked many roads in Kinnaur. Maximum damage was reported from the district where 23 people died, hundreds were displaced and more than 300 houses damaged.
"The Karmapa will meet, bless and preach people of Kinnaur region from Sunday. He will lend a support to them, majority of whom are Buddhists," Kunzang Chungyalpa, director in the Karmapa's office of administration, told IANS.
With Tibet along its eastern border, Kinnaur is strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture, traditions, customs and language.
The locals, known as Kinnauri, have a deep historical connection to Tibetan Buddhism with thousand-year-old monasteries dotting the region.
She said the visit was finalised at the request of local Buddhist communities. "His first visit to Kinnaur comes after three years of requests from devotees, initiated by Lochen Rinpoche."
Travelling as a state guest, the Karmapa was accorded a grand welcome on his arrival.
"He is scheduled to give two days of teachings at Rekong Peo. On Monday afternoon, he will bestow a long-life empowerment for those gathered," a Karmapa's aide said.
With this visit, the Gyalwang Karmapa retraces some of the steps of his predecessor, the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa who visited the region while on pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash in 1948, says a post on the Buddhist monk's official website.
"Spiritual support helps people heal from crises and it is the Karmapa's earnest hope that he will be able to contribute in some measure," said Chungyalpa.
The 28-year-old Karmapa resides in a monastery on the outskirts of Dharamsala where the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama's government-in-exile is based.
The Karmapa, who fled Tibet and sought refuge in India in January 2000, is the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four sects of Buddhism.
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First Karmapa: The Life and Teachings of Dusum Khyenpa
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Gyalwang Karmapa Arrives in Kinnaur for Weeklong Tour
31 August 2013 – Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Leaving Gyuto Monastery in Dharamsala around 8.45am on the morning of 30 August, the Gyalwang Karmapa set off on the long road journey to Kinnaur. Local Tibetan communities came out to greet him as his motorcade wound its way through several settlements en route.
Passing through the Tashi Jong Tibetan settlement in the morning, hundreds of monks, nuns and laypeople lined the road bearing traditional scarves and incense, eager to catch a glimpse of the spiritual leader and escort him on his way. Similar scenes were repeated as he later passed through the Tibetan settlements at Bir and Suja, while the smaller Tibetan community at Mandi also came out to receive him.
After pausing for lunch in Mandi the Gyalwang Karmapa resumed the long and winding journey through the mountains, finally reaching Rampur close to midnight. There he was hosted as a State Guest at the Circuit House of Rampur, which is reserved for visiting government officials and dignitaries.
The following day on 31 August the Gyalwang Karmapa continued his journey, arriving at the border town of Chaura in the late afternoon. There he was officially greeted and welcomed with a traditional Kinnauri ceremony. Local Parliament Members and officials, as well as Choegon Rinpoche, Lochen Rinpoche, Superintendent of Police and many devotees gathered to warmly welcome him, offering displays of traditional Kinnauri songs, costumes, and music.
Later as he resumed his journey many local devotees once again spontaneously lined the roads, eagerly waiting to welcome the Gyalwang Karmapa to their home. Many of the roads the Gyalwang Karmapa passed still bore signs of the heavy flooding that struck the Kinnaur region in June. During the worst of the flash flooding 23 people lost their lives while hundreds more were displaced.
The Gyalwang Karmapa’s tour of the region also aims to offer spiritual support and encouragement to those recovering from the disaster, the majority of whom are Buddhist. He is scheduled give teachings on 1–2 September at Rekong Peo.
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28th Kagyu Monlam Chenmo - The Three Elders Long Life Blessing Ceremony - English Translation
2010-12-22
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Luminous Heart: The Third Karmapa on Consciousness, Wisdom, and Buddha Nature
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The Karmapa's Middle Way: Feast for the Fortunate
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An Aspiration by H.H. the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
You realize that whatever appears dawns within the play of the mind
And that this mind is the dharmakaya free from clinging.
Through the power of that, you supreme siddhas master apparent existence.
Precious ones of the Kagyu Lineage, please bring about excellent virtue.
Through the heart of a perfect Buddha having awoken in you,
You are endowed with the blossoming of the glorious qualities of supreme insight.
You genuine holder of the teachings by the name Dzogchen Polop,
Through your merit, the activity of virture,
You publish the hundreds of flawless dharma paintings
That come from the protectors of beings, the Takpo Kagyu,
As a display of books that always appears
As a feast for the mental eyes of persons eithout bias.
While the stream of the Narmada* river of virtue
Washes away the stains of the mind,
With the waves of the virtues of the two accumulations rolling high,
May it merge with the ocean of the qualities of the victorious ones.
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*The image here alludes to this river being considered as very holy by Hindus—even its mere sight is said to wash away all one’s negative deeds(it rises on the summit of Mount Amarakantaka in Madhya Pradesh in Central India, and after a westerly course of about eight hundred miles ends in the Gulf of Cambay below the city of Bharuch).
This was composed by Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje as an auspicious aspiration for the publication of the precious teachings called The Eight Great Texts of Sutra and Tantra by the supreme Dzogchen Ponlop Karma Sungrap Ngedon Tenpe Gyaltsen on April 18,2004(Buddhist Era 2548). May it be auspicious.
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Karmapa prays for Himachal flood victims ( Business Standard )
Wednesday, September 4, 2013 | 09:59 AM IST
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Tuesday ended a three-day tour of Kinnaur district, ravaged by flash floods in June, with prayers for victims and survivors.
The Karmapa is the third most important Tibetan religious head after the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama.
"The Karmapa gave blessings for long life here to about 15,000 people," an official said.
Disciple Kalsang who attended the teachings said: "Although Kinnaur faced a major flood disaster, we are confident this will not happen again after blessings by the Karmapa."
Unprecedented rain and snow June 15-17 claimed 23 lives, washed away roads, houses and thousands of acres of apple orchards on which people depend for their livelihood.
Roshan Lal of upper Kinnaur said: "It will take many years to recover from this disaster. An apple tree usually takes 15-16 years to mature and bear fruits. People will face 80 to 90 percent loss in income."
The Karmapa, 28, reached this town Aug 31 after a long overland travel from Dharamsala where the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's government-in-exile is based.
En route to Rekong Peo, the Karmapa stopped at affected areas and offered prayers and blessings.
Although this is his first visit to Kinnaur, his previous reincarnation, the 16th Karmapa Rigpe Dorje, visited Kinnaur on a pilgrimage in 1948.
An official statement by his office said the Karmapa appreciated the peaceful and harmonious nature of the people.
The Karmapa, who fled Tibet and sought refuge in India in January 2000, is the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four sects of Buddhism.
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His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa’s first U.S. visit ( The Dot Autumn 2008, Vol. 6 No. 2 )
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