NEWS & CURRENT ACTIVITES

June 2, Mentseekhang – Dharamsala.

(His Holiness composed a short poem for the 50th anniversary)

In addressing those gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibetan Institute of Medicine and Astrology in Dharamsala, the Gyalwang Karmapa said that Tibetan astrology must go hand in hand with medicine, as the two are inseparable. The number of astrologers is far smaller as compared to doctors, and His Holiness said he felt that astronomy and astrology are also significant areas of scientific learning that are interrelated with medicine and Buddhism.

“On this 50th anniversary I pledge to study Tibetan medicine and astrology and hope it will be my contribution to the preservation of Tibetan medicine and astrology,” said the Gyalwang Karmapa.

Lauding the premiere Tibetan medical institute in Read the rest of this article

May 25, Tsuglakhang, Mcleodganj

In a short speech, which both surprised and delighted the huge crowd gathered in the courtyard of the main temple, Gyalwang Karmapa balanced wit and humour with a respectful seriousness when considering Samdhong Rinpoche’s great achievements during his tenure as Kalon Tripa.  At one point, even the usually austere face of Samdhong Rinpoche broke into a wide smile, when His Holiness referred to him as “the Dharma police” and expressed concern that Samdhong Rinpoche might scold him if he were to misbehave in any way.

Speaking from personal knowledge gleaned in conversations with His Holiness the Dalai Lama,  Gyalwang Karmapa  praised Samdhong Rinpoche as “a person who has the complete trust of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and who fulfills the Dalai Lama’s wishes”, the supreme accolade.

The function, organised by the Tibetan Read the rest of this article

May 3-22, 2011. Gyuto

His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa yesterday concluded a three-week series of teachings to a group of students from the University of Redlands in California, USA.  The 16 students had travelled to India to study with His Holiness as part of a unique college course called: Sustainable Compassion: Conversations with His Holiness the 17th Karmapa. The aim of the course was to allow the American students, nearly all non-Buddhists, to hear from His Holiness “what Buddhism can offer the global community,” according to the teacher leading the group, Professor Karen Derris, PhD (Harvard University).

Over the course of several months prior to their arrival in India for the classes with His Holiness, the students worked with their professor and a group facilitator to develop a list of ten topics that reflected their concerns for the world and for their own lives. Though Read the rest of this article

May 13, 2011. Nagpur

His Holiness gave teachings on “Harmony, Ethics and Power” to the Buddhist devotees of Nagpur who has specially gathered here for this occasion. People’s Democratic Movement of Nagpur organized the teaching. His Holiness inaugurated Dr. Ambedkar’s statue before arriving at the teaching venue. Read more

April 24, 2011. Leh, Ladakh

DAY 1, 24TH APRIL

Upon arrival in Leh, Ladakh, His Holiness was welcomed with a traditional Buddhist reception. He was greeted by thousands of cheering people who had gathered in the airport and along the road all the way to the Jhokhang, the main temple of Leh city which houses the statue of Jho Rinpoche. Auspicious mandala offerings were made to him there and refreshments were served to everyone gathered.  After a brief prayer session, His Holiness then visited a photograph exhibit detailing the flood catastrophe of August 6, 2010, where hundreds of lives were lost.

In the afternoon, he had a private meeting with the Vice President of the Ladakh Gompa Association, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, and the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing. They reported to him the source, event and Read the rest of this article