KARMAPA PAST ACTIVITIES: april-June, 2009
Gyalwang Karmapa gives talk on the preservation of wildlife
June 29, 2009 - TCV, Dharamsala
His Holiness The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa gave a talk on the preservation of wildlife to the upper TCV (Tibetan Children’s Village School) students on Monday, June 29th. The talk was an awareness event co-organized by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Care for the Wild International (CWI).
“Animals are not our enemies. We are all interdependent. Every animal has a role to play in the ecology by being a part of the food chain. If you remove one layer, the entire chain is affected. Even while talking in the interest of human beings, by saving wildlife, you are ultimately helping yourself,” His Holiness said.
The event was part of the Tibetan Conservation Awareness Campaign (TCAC), a WTI-CWI project aimed at spreading conservation awareness among Tibetans. The campaign was launched by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on April 6, 2005 to address the involvement of Tibetans in wildlife crimes and the use of wildlife articles in Tibetan medicines and traditional dresses.
Voicing further support to the Dalai Lama’s previous appeal, the Karmapa added:
“From the Buddhist viewpoint, we say every sentient being has been our mother in past lives. We believe in bringing no harm to all the sentient beings where animals are also included, but the ground reality is that this is being neglected. Some may believe that the environment is so huge that it cannot be affected by the action of one person. However, individuals can make lots of differences; the kind of difference, whether positive or negative, depends on the character and belief of humans.”
“We have observed a visible increase in awareness levels within the Tibetan community, but obviously our work is far from complete. The words of His Holiness Karmapa will help fortify our campaign and benefit the cause by leaving a lingering message in the minds of young Tibetans and adults alike,” Mr. Ashok Kumar Vice Chairman of WTI added at the conclusion of the event.
His Holiness was felicitated with the Wildlife Trust of India award.
Gyalwang Karmapa gives talk on the preservation of wildlife.
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His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa’s 25th birthday celebrations
June 26, 2009 - Gyuto, Dharamsala
The celebration began in the early morning. Drupon Rinpoche offered a Khata to His Holiness at the beginning of the prayer recitation.
Khen-Rinpoche, the head of Gyuto Ramoche Monastery, led the prayers and performed a Mandala offering to His Holiness, followed by a Tenshug offering.
The main shrine hall of Gyuto was crowded with huge numbers of international devotees. The devotees and many venerable rinpoches gathered for His Holiness' birthday.
His Eminence Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche led the second session of the prayer ceremony, continuing the Mandala offering which was followed by a Tenshug offering. Many venerable Rinpoches, representatives of the Tibetan Government in Exile performed a Mandala offering and Tenshug. Mr. Gonpo Phuntsok, the Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture, offerd His Holiness well wishes on behalf of the Kashag (the governing council of the Tibetan Government in exile).
Mr. Sonam Damdul, Kagyu Member of Parliament; Justice Commissioner, Mr. Anyetsang Thubten Tashi; Mr. Khorlatsang Sonam Tobgyal, secretary of the Financial department; Mrs. Nangsa Choedon, secretary to the public service commission; and Mr. Tsering Phuntsok, representative officer of Dharamsala; were among the dignitaries of the Tibetan Government in Exile.
Later in the day, around 5:00pm, His Holiness cut the birthday cake. Thousands of international devotees sang a birthday song and wished His Holiness a very happy 25th birthday.
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Tenshug for His Holiness Karmapa
June 24, 2009 - Gyuto, Dharamsala
From June 17th to 24th, the Hong Kong dharma centers, sponsors, and the Tsurphu Labrang offered a Tenshug to His Holiness Karmapa - marking the end of an eight day long Tsedup Puja.
His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche led the Tenshug prayer.
By the request of devotees, His Holiness gave a short teaching after the Tehshug prayers.
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Gyalwang Karmapa Attends Tsedup Puja
June 19th, 2009 - Gyuto, Dharamsala
At Gyuto, His Holiness attended the morning session of the third day of a Tsedup Puja. 160 monks and nuns from different monasteries attended the Puja. His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche led the Tsedup prayer which was specially performed from June 17th to 24th for the 25th obstacle year of His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa. Many Rinpoches also attended the prayer ceremonies.
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Gyalwang Karmapa Celebrates World Environment Day
June 5th, 2009 - Gyuto/Dharamsala
With day-time temperatures soaring to more than 100 F, His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa waited until the early evening before taking part in a tree planting ceremony. The ceremony took place on the grounds of Gyuto Tantric University, His Holiness's temporary home near Dharamsala.
Accompanied by the Abbot of Gyuto and other senior Gyuto monks, Gyalwang Karmapa supervised the planting of ten saplings, various shrubs and a multitude of flowers.
The ceremony began with the recitation, by monks from Gyuto, of prayers for world peace. Then, the Gyalwang Karmapa placed the first sapling, an Ashoka tree, in the ground. He gently scooped up earth to cover the roots of the tree, and then watered it. The Abbot followed by planting a pine tree sapling.
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Karmapa chief guest at 15th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Cup Football Tournament
May 31, 2009 - Dharamsala
The 15th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup Football tournament kicked off today with an elaborate ceremonial opening at the Tibetan Children Village School.
His Holiness Karmapa graced the occasion as the chief guest. Ven Tsering Phuntsok, Minister of Religion; Mr. Chope Paljor Tsering, Minister of Health; Thupten Tashi Anyertsang from the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission; and Atul Fulzile, the Superintendent of Police, Kangra, were also present among other guests.
His Holiness gave an inaugural speech mentioning that all of the participating teams "have come from different places, different Tibetan settlements, and that this is a wonderful stage to show the power of one-ness, which is very important for us [Tibetans]". His Holiness concluded by wishing success for every team. Later, His Holiness felicitated each team with a gift and took group pictures with them.
A symbolic “Thank you India” match was played between TCV United and Kangra District Police before the opening of the tournament.
His Holiness left for Gyuto after the tournament.
Karmapa chief guest at 15th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Cup Football Tournament
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Karmapa attends Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) Puja, marking the start of saka dawa
May 26, 2009 - Dharamsala
Marking the beginning of the sacred Buddhist month of Saka Dawa, at Tsuglag-Khang in Dharamsala, His Holiness Karmapa attended a ritual Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) prayer session. Blessing pills were prepared during the ritual. The annual Saka Dawa festival pays homage to the three most important events in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni: his birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. Tibetan Buddhists believe that during Saka Dawa, the fourth month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar, the karmic results of virtuous and non-virtuous actions are magnified.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama presided over the prayer session at Tsuglag-Khang.
Karmapa attended Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) Puja, marking the start of Saka Dawa
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Tenga Rinpoche offers instructions to karmapa
May 25, 2009 - Gyuto, Dharamsala
Kyabje Dorlob Tenga Rinpoche has arrived in Gyuto, Dharamsala. Tenga Rinpoche is offering instructions on Tantric Rituals to His Holiness. The lessons commenced this morning.
Tenga Rinpoche offering instructions to His Holiness on Tantric Rituals.
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His Holiness SPONSORS FREE EYE CLINIC FOR DHARAMSALA AREA
May 21, 2009 - Gyuto, Dharamsala
Each year, Karma Garchen Trust, one of His Holiness Karmapa's organizations, holds a free Eye Camp, in which everyone from the surrounding area who wishes to receive treatment of eye related medical issues is provided an opportunity for top-quality treatment at no expense. At the Eye Camp, medicine is prescribed and dispensed, operations are conducted and relief for eye ailments are provided to all. The Eye Camp is sponsored by His Holiness through the Trust.
This year, the Office of His Holiness's administration has dedicated the Eye Camp to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and to His Holiness Karmapa on the occassion of his 25th birthday, which is a special age according the the Tibetan calendar system.
The Eye Camp is an annual institution and and dearly loved by those in need.
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A Message from the Gyalwang Karmapa: 108 Things You Can Do
April 22, 2009
I am happy to release the 108 Things You Can Do today on Earth Day (April 22nd) and hope that this auspicious act has far-reaching benefits for the Earth.
Our world is facing an environmental crisis which is complex, overwhelming and affects us all, but it is difficult to know where to begin and what we can do.
It is very important for all of us to change our behavior and we need to start taking practical steps. These 108 Things You Can Do are a path that everyone can follow in order to make a difference.
This list of 108 Things You Can Do was produced during the First Kagyu Conference on Environmental Protection held in Saranath, Varanasi in March 2009. These practical solutions were developed under the leadership of His Holiness with the help of the representatives from the participating monasteries and nunneries.
Click to view/download "108 Things You Can Do" PDF
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His Holiness gives instructions on environmental consciousness
April 20, 2009 - Gyuto, Dharamsala
At 2:30pm His Holiness gathered all the Tsurphu Labrang (Karmapa's Office of Administration) staff members, those working Gyuto, to his audience chamber. His Holiness gave a brief introduction about environmental consciousness and how humans have created problems to upset the natural balance of the environment.
His Holiness explained that there are many ways to protect the environment. One simple manner of conduct is for us to contemplate the origin of products that we use daily, tracing back how it was made. Products we use start from a raw material source, and energy is consumed to get it to your table. We should consider that we can choose products and use products that are eco-friendly. Tracing the origins of products is one of the many methods that His Holiness introduced.
His Holiness also conveyed that the protection of the environment is truly a Buddhist act as it benefits the whole ecosystem.
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His Holiness Karmapa studying the sciences
April 11, 2009 - Dharamsala
His Holiness Karmapa is studying the sciences with Daniel Goleman. For four days, His Holiness will study two-hour long science classes in Gyuto. Richard Gere joined His Holiness on the first day of class.
Daniel Goleman is an internationally recognized psychologist who lectures frequently to professional groups, business audiences, and on college campuses. For many years, working as a scientific journalist for The New York Times, Goleman reported on the brain and behavioral sciences. Goleman's 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence (Bantam Books) was on The New York Times bestseller list for a year-and-a-half; with more than 5,000,000 copies in print worldwide in 30 languages, and has been a best seller in many countries. Goleman is one of the advisors of the “Mind and Life” conference and has been participating ever since the 3rd “Mind and Life” conference, which was held in 1990.
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His Holiness Karmapa attends the “Mind and Life” Conference
April 6-10, 2009 - Dharamsala
His Holiness Karmapa attended the “Mind and Life” conference, which took place at His Holiness Dalai Lama’s residence.
Prominent western scientists and renowned academics have gathered for five days of presentation and dialogues as part of a “Mind and Life” conference series, including Buddhist scholar-practitioners.
The conference themed: “Attention, Memory and Mind: A synergy of Psychological, Neuroscientific and Contemplative Perspectives” started with an inaugural talk by the Dalai Lama.
This is the 18th Mind and Life meeting. The first meeting took place in 1987.
The Mind and Life Dialogues, more generally termed “Dialogues between Buddhism and the sciences”, were initially started to experiment whether a rigorous exchange could occur between leading modern scientists and the Dalai Lama.
The 18th Mind and Life Conference aims the primary focus on the subjective phenomenology, information-processing operations, and neural mechanisms of attention, memory and conscious awareness from both scientific and Buddhist perspectives.
A number of scientific research programs collaborated with contemplatives to conduct scientific investigation and one of the primary pursuits of Mind and Life scientists is to study the effects of contemplative practices like meditation and mental training have on brain and behavior, and the translation of this data into effective tools to benefit people.
Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, Hollywood Buddhist star, Richard Gere and, Robert Thurman, Buddhist scholar and author are among others taking part in the ongoing conference.
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His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa is conferred the India Splendor Award 2009 for his "contribution to world peace"
April 6, 2009 - Dharamsala
His Holiness Dalai Lama and Gyalwang Karmapa joined by eminent religious leaders from various religious faiths for conference on Sunday at the Dhukhor temple, Tsuklakhang .
The Gyalwang Karmapa was conferred with the India Splendor Award 2009 for his contributions to World Peace.
The second conference on 'the Indian view for global peace' is themed “Reciprocity: Base for universal Interconnectedness”.
The conference was participated among others by His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerthji Maharaj of Bhanpura Peeth, His Holiness Chidanand Saraswati, Jain Muni Acharya Sri Roopchandra ji, Rev. D S Uchida and His Holiness Swami Parmanand Saraswati.
Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Modi of India Splendor, which is organizing the event, presided over the conference. Dr. Modi, an Indian industrialist, is also one of the patrons of Mahabodhi Society of India.
Dr Modi, on behalf of the peace conference, appealed the Dalai Lama to accept the Indian citizenship and to help lead the global movement for peace from India.
The event is sponsored by Purna Holistic Center, Indian Council of Religious Leaders, Mahabodhi Society of India, Sri Jwalamukhi Mandir Trust, Ekal Vidyalaya, Vaish Federation, Parmarth Niketan, Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association and Jyotimarth avantar Bhanpura Peeth.
His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa was conferred the
India Splendor Award 2009 for his "contribution to world peace"
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