At the conclusion of January through early February, 2003, the Gyalwang Karmapa was at the Kagyu Monastery in Sarnath.
Sarnath, India, outside Varanasi, is one of the four most important pilgrimage spots marking the Buddha’s life, and is where the Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma at Deer Park. While in Sarnath before Losar, His Holiness gave an Amitayus Empowerment on January 26th. On January 27th, he conferred Bodhisattva Vows on the assembly. On the 29th, he traveled through the area consecrating a number of new buildings, such as the stupa at the Universal Education Center. On the 31st and February 1st, he presided over the Mahakala Puja and other ceremonies for the New Year.
