His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa arrives in Hong Kong and gives a press conference at the Grand Hyatt

Upon his arrival at Hong Kong airport, he was welcomed by a large group of devotees, and – a particularly auspicious encounter – by Venerable Pewar Rinpoche, an authentic “old-school” master of both the Sakya and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, and one of the most revered lamas of Tibet today. It was from Pewar Rinpoche that His Holiness Karmapa had received the entire transmission of the dam ngag dzo two years previously.
Thus, His Holiness’ third visit to Hong Kong took off on a very positive note.

In the afternoon of the same day, a press conference was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Hong Kong.
After some introductory speeches by members of the Centre’s organising committee, His Holiness was asked to address the large gathering of journalists, VIPs and devotees in a few words. He started by expressing his pleasure at being in Hong Kong once again, following pressing invitations by his numerous students there. He then continued to talk about the great benefits of having knowledge about the Buddha dharma:

“It has great benefits, making us realise the great opportunities we have in our lives… making us see what is most important, most essential in our lives. This may turn out to be a very simple and ordinary phenomenon – but that ordinary phenomenon makes us appreciate the life that we have.”

He concluded his address by expressing his hope that

“during these five days of official programme, may we be able to tap into that wealth of knowledge, so as to benefit not only ourselves but the great multitude of sentient beings”.

After the press conference and photo shootings, His Holiness met with journalists from NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai, Japan’s national public broadcasting corporation) and East Week of Sing Tao Magazine Group Limited for exclusive one-on-one interviews, answering questions covering a wide range of topics, from the self-immolations of Tibetans to the present state and potential of Hong Kong society.

His Holiness’ public programme in Hong Kong will start on January 18, 2013, with the empowerment of Buddha Amitabha, regent of the Pure Land of Dewachen (Great Bliss).