Throughout his two-week-long stay in Hong Kong His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa received countless visitors from different corners of the world: groups of practitioners from Asia and Europe, lamas and monks from Hong Kong, South East Asia and mainland China, and a large number of officials, VIPs and celebrities.

His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa’s third official visit to Hong Kong ended with a sumptuous all-vegetarian gala dinner held on the evening of January 27.

This final event took place in the Grand Hall of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, a venue that lives up to its name. His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa presided over the head table set in the centre of the generous space and surrounded by dozens of smaller tables, all beautifully laid with porcelain and linen napkins.
The front area of the vast hall featured a large stage, with a big screen on either side, allowing even those seated further in the back to follow whatever was happening on the stage.

On the evenings of January 21 and 22 His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa gave two sessions of teachings on the topic of Pure Land at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

His Holiness concluded both teaching sessions by giving plenty of time for questions and answers, and the participants made ample use of the opportunity.

On January 21 Mr Shiah brought a small group of his followers to His Holiness Karmapa’s hotel room for a private refuge ceremony.

Before transmitting the Refuge Vow, His Holiness gave a short explanation of the meaning and importance of taking refuge in the Three Jewels.