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a r m a . K a g y u . T r a d i t i o n
The 17th KARMAPA THAYE DORJE visits Dhagpo Kagyu Centers. July 2004
Tuesday, July 13
Some photos hereThree days of teachings and empowerments given by the Gyalwa Karmapa Thayé Dorjé at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling began with great dignity in the presence of Monsieur Wisselmann, the Sous-Préfet of Sarlat-la-Canéda, and Monsignor Mouisse, Bishop of Périgueux.
Speech given by Monsignor Mouisse, Bishop of Périgueux
Speech given by Monsieur Wisselmann, Sous Prefet of Sarlat
Several high lamas, including Nendo Rinpoché, Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoché, and Jigmé Rinpoché, the Gyalwa Karmapa’s European representative, were present, in addition to the monks of Zimchung Monastery of Sikkim, India, and the lamas and druplas of the French monastic hermitage Kundreul Ling.
Mayors of neighboring towns, representatives of local government and the Catholic Church, including the Episcopal vicar of Périgueux and several priests, also joined us for the opening ceremonies.During their opening speeches, Monsignor Mouisse expressed the importance of encouraging communication between the Buddhist and Christian traditions, and Monsieur Wisselmann stressed how very essential the tradition of religious freedom is in this country.
While thanking the French Republic for having opened its doors to Tibetan Buddhism when its very existence was threatened, the Gyalwa Karmapa defined the true meaning of all authentic spiritual paths as the development of peace and tolerance.Karmapa Tayé Dorjé’s teaching focused on two aspects of awakened mind: intention and application. In this context he spoke about the six paramitas: generosity, ethical behavior, patience, enthusiastic effort, meditation and wisdom.
Over a thousand people convened for this first day of ceremony. Many of those present have been supporting Dhagpo Kagyu Ling for many years.
An afternoon of practice and blessing at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling.
Some photos hereThe afternoon began with the Karmapakshi ritual offering (tsok), led by the monks from Zimchung Monastery and the sangha of Kundreul Ling in the presence of Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoché and one thousand practitioners. As Umzé Yéshé guided the prayers and chants, everyone joined in by practicing the guru yoga or reciting the ‘Karmapa Chenno’ mantra.
At the same time, the Gyalwa Karmapa, accompanied by Jigmé Rinpoché and representatives of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, consecrated the foundations of the Institute building. In 2002, Tayé Dorjé and Kunzig Shamar Rinpoché had blessed the site and laid the cornerstone of the building that is designed to house teachings, studies and the conservation of Buddhist texts. The Institute will allow the development of two main activities, the shedra (college) and library; and public teachings. This project, which spent several years in the planning stages, is now becoming a reality thanks to the generosity of a growing number of benefactors.
Wednesday, July 14
A morning spent with retreatants
Some photos hereOn the morning of July 14, Dhagpo Dédrol Ling, a layperson’s retreat center in Dordogne founded by Gendun Rinpoché, welcomed the Gyalwa Karmapa. Once he had visited the drupkang (traditional three-year retreat center), Thayé Dorjé bestowed the Amithaba empowerment on the twelve retreatants. He then consecrated the substances and mantras to be placed inside the statue of the Buddha that will embellish the new temple. The Karmapa himself placed the soching – a carved wooden column measuring 1.2 meters high – inside the statue.
Thayé Dorjé then answered questions asked by some of the hundred people present. Many different subjects were covered, for example, the state of mind that should be cultivated in a Dharma center and how to find a balance between activity and meditation.
Finally, before heading back to Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, the Gyalwa Karmapa met with the individual retreatants.Tara empowerment in the afternoon
Some photos hereAfter having given refuge to several dozen people, the Gyalwa Karmapa gave the Green Tara empowerment in the huge tent assembled for the occasion. Well over a thousand practitioners then received Tayé Dorjé’s blessing, thus establishing an auspicious connection with Green Tara, She Who Liberates.
The Karmapa was accompanied by Mipham Rinpoché, MaYoumLa, Nendo Rinpoché, Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoché, Jigmé Rinpoché, the monks of Zimchung monastery, and members of the Kundreul Ling and Dhagpo Kagyu Ling sangha.Thursday, July 15
Morning visit to Dhagpo Dargyé Ling
Some photos hereMarpa Empowerment in the afternoon
Some photos hereThe Marpa Empowerment, seldom given in the West, was bestowed by Tayé Dorjé on the afternoon of July 15. Once again, the group of high lamas and over one thousand people convened to receive this rare initiation.
To wind up these three days with the Gyalwa Karmapa, days that were filled with blessing and joy, the director of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling and the drupla responsible for the Karmé Dharma Chakra offered a symbolic mandala of the universe in the name of all present, as well as objects representing enlightened body, speech and mind.
Before leaving, the Gyalwa Karmapa Tayé Dorjé asked us to make the most of this precious human existence, without wasting even an instant, through putting our energy into practicing the Dharma.
