His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa visits Colline des Anges, France

On the 9th and 10th of July His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje visited La Colline Des Anges (Hill of Angels) at the request of Padoum, the owner of the property who had made the transition from a secluded palatial abode to a Buddhist Center at the request his late mother. Jigme Rinpoche being the spiritual director of the Hill of Angels, La Colline Des Anges has recently been going through the process of becoming affiliated with the Dhagpo mandala of which Rinpoche is a prominent figure.

The program was a mixture of light entertainment and spiritual activity. His Holiness performed a “Rabne” Puja on the morning of the 10th to bless the location for its future undertaking as a Buddhist Center. Afterwards, there was a lunch served with live musical entertainment in the background.

That afternoon, His Holiness gave a teaching on the meaning of taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and then offered the precious opportunity of receiving these vows. Although it was a small and private gathering, many of the people in attendance took refuge for the first time, marking it as an auspicious occasion for all who were there.

In the evening a cultural program of traditional Indian dance was performed for His Holiness and the others in attendance by Ganesh Easwer before a lavish dinner was served with more live musical entertainment.