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Karmapa – The Official Website of the 17th Karmapa Karmapa – The Official Website of the 17th Karmapa
  • The Karmapa
    • A Short Biography
    • The Lineage of Karmapas
    • Activities & Projects
  • News
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    • The Golden Rosary
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Aug 23

Announcing the Ārya Kshema Winter Dharma Gathering for Kagyu Nuns

This year following the Kagyu Monlam there will be the First Annual Ārya Kshema Winter Dharma Gathering for Kagyu Nuns from January 20 to February 2, 2014. Arising out of His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa’s desire to improve education for all Kagyu monastics in general and for nuns in particular, this gathering will bring nuns from seven different Kagyu nunneries together at Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya for two weeks of teachings, classes, debate, and special pujas.

The gathering is named for Ārya Kshema, a bhikshuni from the time of the Buddha who was said by the Bhagavan himself to be the greatest of his nuns in terms of wisdom and confidence. Remembering her example will encourage contemporary nuns to pursue their training in education and meditation.

After an opening ceremony on January 20, there will be eight days of teachings, classes, and debates from January 21 to 28. During this period, His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa will teach twice daily on Gampopa’s Ornament of Liberation. The nuns will also have daily classes on logic and debate every evening. On January 30, there will be a Special Ritual for the Nuns’ Dharma to Flourish composed by His Holiness the Karmapa. On January 31, there will be a Chöd Ritual “A String of Jewels” to celebrate the special connection women have with the great female master Machik Ladrön. February 1 will feature the rituals of the Sixteen Arhats and Tara, and the Winter Dharma Gathering will close with a closing ceremony on February 2.

The purpose of the Winter Dharma Gathering is to increase awareness and understanding of as well as make progress toward the following:

1. For Buddhism, the fourfold community of bhikshus, bhikshunis, and male and female lay devotees is said to be like the four pillars of a house. It is also said in the context of what constitutes a precious human body that what determines whether or not a land is central is whether all four communities are present. There is no distinction between men and women and no separation between monastic and lay in terms of the responsibility and opportunity to uphold and spread the Dharma, especially in this degenerate age. Thus it is critical that we all join together in striving so that Buddhism may flourish and sentient beings be brought happiness.

2. In order for nuns to uphold the teachings, it is necessary that they have the three trainings in their entirety. It is imperative that they now be able to actually have full ordination in the pratimoksha discipline, able to receive a complete education in Buddhist sciences and philosophy including the Five Great Texts, and able to progress through all the stages of meditational practice and retreat.

During the two weeks in Bodhgaya, it is hoped that the nuns will lay the foundations for fulfilling these goals so that they will be able to return to their nunneries and make further progress for the benefit not just of themselves but of Buddhism and all sentient beings.

Schedule of the Ārya Kshema Winter Dharma Gathering
for Kagyu Nuns

Dates: January 20–February 2, 2014
Location: Tergar Monastery
Debate Topic Collected Topics
Participants Nuns from Kagyu Nunneries
Opening Ceremony January 20, 2014
Teaching Gampopa’s The Ornament of Liberation
Dates January 21 – 28, 2014
Free Day January 29, 2014
Date January 30, 2014
Ritual: A Special Ritual for the Nuns’ Dharma to Flourish
Date: January 31, 2014
Ritual Chӧd “A String of Jewels”
Date: February 1, 2014
Ritual: Ritual of the Sixteen Arhats and Tara
Closing Ceremony: February 2, 2014
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[ long read ]

MIND TRAINING TEACHING The Gyalwang Karmapa gave an extensive teaching on the 8 Verses of Training the Mind

[ video series ]

THE PRAJNAPARAMITA
Taught over six sessions, this is a direct explanation of the Buddhist view of emptiness

[ long read ]

THE CHENREZIK PRACTICE The Gyalwang Karmapa taught on how to practice Chenrezik and recite his mantra

[ video series ]

100 SHORT INSTRUCTIONS
Taught over nine sessions, this text by the 8th Karmapa was taught in great depth by the present Karmapa.

[ long read ]

THREE PRINCIPLE ASPECTS
A comprehensive teaching that condenses the entire Buddhist path by Tsongkhapa

Recent Updates

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  • The Karmapa Teaches the Practice and Mantra of Chenrezik
  • Joint Statement of His Holiness Ogyen Trinley Dorje and His Holiness Trinley Thaye Dorje

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About the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, is the head of the 900 year old Karma Kagyu Lineage and guide to millions of Buddhists around the world.

Currently 33 years old, the Karmapa resides in his temporary home at Gyuto Monastery in India after making a dramatic escape from Tibet in the year 2000.

Traveling the world, the Karmapa skillfully teaches traditional Tibetan Buddhist Dharma while also advocating topics such as environmental conservation, feminism, digitization of the Dharma, and much more.

Please use the icons below to find the Karmapa on social media maintained by his office of administration.

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