Karmapa – The Official Website of the 17th Karmapa Karmapa – The Official Website of the 17th Karmapa 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
  • Teachings
    • YouTube Archive
    • Video Library
    • Podcast
  • News
  • Schedule
  • Buddhism
    • Shakyamuni Buddha
    • Buddhism in India
    • Buddhism in Tibet
    • Kagyu Lineage
    • The Golden Rosary
  • Centers
    • North America
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Africa
    • South America
  • Office
    • Media
    • Contact
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
  • Teachings
    • YouTube Archive
    • Video Library
    • Podcast
  • News
  • Schedule
  • Buddhism
    • Shakyamuni Buddha
    • Buddhism in India
    • Buddhism in Tibet
    • Kagyu Lineage
    • The Golden Rosary
  • Centers
    • North America
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Africa
    • South America
  • Office
    • Media
    • Contact
  • English
  • France
  • Germany
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Canada
  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • Poland
Aug 02
  • karmapa on radio
  • karmapa on radio

The Karmapa Speaks of His Plans: An Interview with Radio Free Asia

Offices of Radio Free Asia, Washington, D.C.
July 30, 2018

Recently, speculation has grown around issues of the Gyalwang Karmapa’s plans and his health. During his interview on Radio Free Asia, he clarified many points. This is a slightly edited version of the dialogue.

The first question asked about the reason for his long visit to the US.

The Karmapa replied that in India, he had some issues with his health, so he came to the US for a thorough medical examination and treatment. In addition, when he was examined    in a hospital in Germany, the tests indicated that there might and issue with his throat, but exams in the United States showed there was nothing major to be concerned about. The Karmapa mentioned that there was a possibility of diabetes and a small issue with his heart.

The doctors in Germany also recommended rest. “During the 18 years I have been living in India,” he commented, “I have not really had any vacation, as I was busy with a number of different matters, so I came to the US to have a complete rest as well.” He concluded, “If you ask, ‘Is this an emergency?’ No, none of my health issues are emergencies.”

The next question was about his return to India.

The Karmapa commented that there are many rumors going around, however “It is definite that I will return to India. There is no doubt about that. India has been a second home for all of us Tibetan refugees, especially His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is like a second Tibet for us. Many important monasteries have been built in India and numerous refugee communities have been created. Further, we must not forget that India was the home of the Buddha and his teachings. Also, the main seat of the Gyalwang Karmapas, established by my predecessor, is located in India. Therefore, there is no question whatsoever that I will return.
“During the 18 years I have lived in India, many different things have happened, and the question remains of my actual situation in India, including my freedom to travel. Before I return to India, I hope to have clear discussions with representatives of the Indian Government. Some rumors say that I’m going to return to China, and so forth, but these are exaggerations, based on my expressing a desire to meet with my parents.
I will return to India, once my position there has been resolved through discussions with the India government, which are in process now.”

The following question asked about the change in his situation in India from the time when he first left Tibet until now.

The Karmapa stated, “As everyone knows, there have been a lot of problems for me since I came to India, caused by various rumors and doubts, such as the suspicions of some of the members of the security services that I was sent by China, and so forth. This is one reason why I sought the opportunity for a face-to-face meeting representatives of the Indian Government.” The Karmapa commented that at last he has been able to meet with high-level government officials, which has made a significant difference and allowed change to happen based on his actual situation.

The Karmapa was then asked about when he might return to India.

I can’t say for sure exactly when I will go back, but there is a meeting of major high lamas presided over by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in November and I certainly need to return for that. Beforehand in early November, I will attend the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto, Canada.”
The Karmapa continued, “India is my headquarters. It is where I live and our main office is located there. The reason I must travel is that the previous Karmapa toured the globe, creating numerous connections with many people, and I view it as my responsibility to continue nurturing these relationships. Therefore, while I wish to return and live in India, I require the opportunity to travel internationally.”

The next query was about the reason for why the Karmapa is permitted to visit Sikkim but not his seat at Rumtek.

The Karmapa answered, “I was not and am still not able to visit Rumtek because there is an ongoing lawsuit and that makes my going there somewhat problematic. Sikkim, however, poses no difficulty, so I received permission to visit from the Indian Government.” He added that the people, the ordained sangha, and the Government of Sikkim had strongly requested the Central Government for permission for him to travel to Sikkim.

The next question referenced a talk given by the Karmapa during the Kagyu Monlam events, and asked, “How will you continue to bear the great responsibilities that are yours in the future?”

The Karmapa explained, “I was recognized as the Karmapa’s reincarnation when I was seven years old, and from then onward, I have not had an ordinary life, since I must live as the Karmapa. Although I was recognized, there have been many obstacles and little of what could help me to perform the extensive activities expected of one who carries this title of the Karmapa.
“Also, as everyone knows, the Karma Kagyu split into two groups, creating a very sad situation. Since, at least in name, I am the leader of the Karma Kagyu, it is my responsibility to do as much as I can to mediate between these two sides and heal this division. It is extremely important. Since Shamar Rinpoche passed away a few years ago, there has been no opportunity to engage in discussions with him, yet I do hope to work toward a greater familiarity and harmony between the two sides and not let things stand as they are now.”

The subsequent question concerned the Marme Monlam and preserving the cultural and artistic traditions of Tibet.

The Karmapa replied, “I have loved both painting and poetry since childhood, and as other arts, they are interwoven with the Dharma. I think it is extremely important that we Tibetans preserve our traditional arts, including the theatrical arts, dance, and the visual arts. Since all of these are linked to the teachings, they become a way of communicating something of the Dharma to people who are interested in culture and the arts, but not directly in Dharma itself. We need many different ways to connect people with the teachings. This is the reason why at the conclusion of the recent North American Kagyu Monlam in New York, I brought artists from all over the world for a cultural performance. In reminding them of the excellence of their artistic traditions, this inspires young Tibetans so that they will want enjoy and preserve their own culture.”

Another question addressed the question of diverse audiences for Buddhist teachings and how to bring people into the Dharma.

The Karmapa responded, “There are many reasons why people become interested in Buddhism. The principal reason, I think, is because Buddhism is founded on reason. The Buddha counseled his monks and nuns not to accept what is said to be his teaching based on another’s authority or its being ascribed to him. Instead, he encouraged them to test it as one would analyze gold before buying it. People are also attracted to the Dharma for its emphasis on peace, loving-kindness, compassion, and bodhichitta, which inspire many individuals. Also there is especially the visible presence of many great Buddhist practitioners and masters, most notably His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who travels worldwide as do others.” The Karmapa added that although the monks and nuns are studying very well in their traditional monastic colleges, it is important that they also become familiar with modern methods of research and scholarship.

The final question was about His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is now 83. What will happen to Tibetans within and without Tibet when he is no longer with us?

The Karmapa advised that His Holiness is in excellent health, nevertheless, we have to take advantage of his presence, because we will never again have a leader as great as he is, an example as inspiring as he is. Therefore, when I speak, I always encourage Tibetan people to follow his directions, have great concern for their cultural and spiritual heritage, and take as much responsibility as they can for the survival of the Tibetan culture. This will depend on individuals’ efforts and their ability to overcome historical divisions.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • E-Mail

Related Posts

[ 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

  • The Essence of Glory: A Shakyamuni Puja in the Kadampa Style
  • The Gyalwang Karmapa’s Closing Remarks to the Mar Ngok Summer Teachings
  • Differing Perspectives on the First Council and the Compilation of the Tripiṭaka
  • Upāli – the Foremost in the Vinaya and Contemporary Analyses of the First Council  
  • Ananda’s Offenses, Arhatship, and Recitation of the Sūtras
  • Results of the First Buddhist Council: How the brahma penalty was imposed on Channa
  • The First Council continues with contributions from Ananda, Upāli, and Pūrṇa

Kagyu Office Around the World

中文 // Français // Polski // Español
The Karmapa’s website is carbon neutral. //

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.

Born in 1985, 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.

// // // //

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this if you continue. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by CookieYes Logo