His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa Visits Karma Euzer Ling, France

On Thursday the 19th September 2008, a warm and sunny day, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje arrived at France, a centre for Buddhist studies under the spiritual guidance of Lama Teunsang.

A great gathering of practitioners from all over Europe had come together in the institute to welcome the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu lineage by offering Khatags, traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarves. On Friday afternoon, the Gyalwa Karmapa began with his teaching sessions on the Paramita of Patience, which he explained based on the famous text “the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva” by Ngulchu Thogme Sangpo. Also on the subsequent days, until Sunday, he continued to teach on this subject in his morning sessions, strongly emphasizing the importance of developing compassion.

On Friday evening, he also held an inspiring public lecture about “Peace and Compassion” at Le Havre, organized by the local Dharma centre, and on Saturday afternoon, conferred the empowerment of Dorje Sempa (Skt. Vajrasattva) at Karma Euzer Ling. This marvellous event was the last in a series of the Gyalwa Karmapa’s visits to various Buddhist institutions along his European Tour, 2008.

Report: Arnaud Duhayon
Photos: Gérard Truffandier