His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa visits Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, France

On the 12th of July, 2007 His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje began his program at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in Dordogne, France. Known for the famous prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux, history of another type has been made here in Dordogne. Buddhist activity is very strong in this area of southwestern France, with many Tibetan Buddhist masters having visited this area and several established locations specifically designated to expound the teachings of Lord Buddha in the surrounding area of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling. His Holiness gave many teachings and a series of empowerments from July 12th through the 15th. One thousand plus people traveled from all over to receive the teachings and empowerments from His Holiness.

On the evening of July 12th, Khenpo Chodrak Rinpoche gave a lengthy traditional introduction of His Holiness by explaining in detail the qualities of such a great bodhisattva as Karmapa Thaye Dorje and gave many accounts throughout the life of the 17th Karmapa that illustrate his enlightened activity. This corresponded with the series of teachings Khenpo Rinpoche had been giving during the week, whereby he explained the qualities of a bodhisattva as described by past masters while going into explanations on the enlightened Body, Speech, Mind, Quality and Activity of the Karmapas. Following the Introduction by Khenpo Rinpoche, His Holiness gave a short teaching before starting the preparations for the Manjusri Empowerment, which he would give in lieu of the regularly scheduled program for that evening.

Over the following three days, His Holiness would give teachings with each empowerment of Chenrezig, White Tara and Dorje Sempa respectively. In attendance of all of these events was His Holiness’ family (Mipham Rinpoche, Sonam Tsemo Rinpoche and Mayumla), Khenpo Chodrak Rinpoche, Trinley Rinpoche, Lama Purtsela, many of the monastic order of the Karma Kagyu in France and over one thousand devoted lay followers.