H.H. 17th Karmapa will visit Hong Kong in February 2009

The Supreme head of Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje will be visiting Hong Kong in early February 2009. This will be an auspicious occasion for spreading the word of Dharma in the territory.

The late 16th Karmapa has visited Hong Kong in the 1980’s and through that visit, bestowed much compassionate blessing on a broad spectrum of disciples and Buddhist practitioners. We are very fortunate that the circumstances are now mature for the new visit of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa to continue and deepen our connection with Dharma and the Karma Kagyu lineage.

It is our sincere wish that through this auspicious Dharma activity, the accumulation of merit and wisdom will benefit not only Buddhist practitioners and disciples, but extend to the broader benefits of a harmonious society for Hong Kong at large.

The 3-day program will include Characteristic Buddhist practices such as Sand Mandala, Initiation on the Drolma Namjorma and Twenty one Taras practice, Lama Dance and Refuge ceremony. Highlights are listed below:

Initiation Drolma Namjorma and Twenty One Taras

His Holiness will conduct the Annutara Yoga (Highest order) initiation on Drolma Namjorma before the empowerment on the Twenty One Taras practice. In these difficult times plagued with natural disasters and disruptions to our inner peace, it is particularly important to receive these initiations to overcome such obstacles, enjoy a smooth progress in life and in one’s practice as well as vast accumulation of merit and wisdom.

Refuge Ceremony

Taking the Refuge ceremony is the first step and foundation to all Buddhist practice. It is particularly auspicious to receive this ceremony from His Holiness, who once said of the refuge as leading us on the path to ultimate enlightenment through benefiting self and others.

Lama Dance

There are two types of Lama Dance in the initiation ceremony. The first is to define the place to establish the sacred realm of the practice. The second is to invite the wisdom deities to the sacred realm. It was recorded in ancient teachings that through the merits of watching Lama Dance, the seed to enlightenment is safely planted.

Sand Mandala

The unique Sand Mandala will be constructed by accomplished monks , according to the Karma Kagyu lineage teachings. As recorded in scriptures, the benefits of seeing a sand mandala are equal to that of meeting Buddha in person. After the initiation, the sand mandala will be released into the sea, thereby benefiting sentient being in water. Through the natural cycle of water - clouds - rain, such benefits will be extended to all sentient beings.

Dharma Teaching

37 Precepts of the Bodhisattva Path.

Source: kagyunews.com.hk
 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama congratulates Barack Obama

(The Tibet Post International 6 November 2008) His Holiness the Dalai Lama congratulated United States President-elect Barack Obama on his election win in a message sent Wednesday November 5, 2008.

Obama defeated opposing candidate Senator John McCain to become the first African-American elected President of the United States in the election held on Tuesday November 4, 2008.
 
In his message, His Holiness wrote, “I am encouraged that the American people have chosen a President who reflects America’s diversity and her fundamental ideal that any person can rise up to the highest office in the land.  This is a proud moment for America and one that will be celebrated by many peoples around the world.”

As a United States Senator and Presidential candidate, Obama has repeatedly voiced his support for the Dalai Lama and the struggle of the Tibetan people for greater human rights in Tibet. In a statement following the uprisings in March of this year Obama said, “If Tibetans are to live in harmony with the rest of China’s people, their religion and culture must be respected and protected. Tibet should enjoy genuine and meaningful autonomy.”

The President-elect and His Holiness last met at a US Senate Foreign Relations Committee event in 2005. During the Dalai Lama’s July 2008 visit to the United States they corresponded through telephone and post but were unable to meet face-to-face due to Obama’s tight campaign schedule.

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile also sent their congratulations to the new President-elect. In their  congratulatory message, Speaker Karma Chopel wrote, “During the course of the electioneering, we have noted with satisfaction your interest in the Tibetan issue and your growing support for the Tibetan cause. Your distinguished predecessors, irrespective of their party affiliations, have supported the Tibetan issue strongly and have had a close and friendly relationship with our leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We hope that you will not only maintain the tradition but give an added thrust in view of the strong resentment shown openly by our people living under the Chinese rule in Tibet,”

Full text of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s message to President-elect Barack Obama:

November 5, 2008

H.E. Barack Obama
President-elect of the United States of America
Washington, DC
U.S.A.

Dear President-elect Obama,

Congratulations on your election as the President of the United States of America.

I am encouraged that the American people have chosen a President who reflects America’s diversity and her fundamental ideal that any person can rise up to the highest office in the land.  This is a proud moment for America and one that will be celebrated by many peoples around the world.

The American Presidential elections are always a great source of encouragement to people throughout the world who believe in democracy, freedom and equality of opportunities.

May I also commend the determination and moral courage that you have demonstrated throughout the long campaign, as well as the kind heart and steady hand that you often showed when challenged.  I recall our own telephone conversation this spring and these same essential qualities came through in your concern for the situation in Tibet.

As the President of the United States, you will certainly have great and difficult tasks before you, but also many opportunities to create change in the lives of those millions who continue to struggle for basic human
needs.  You must also remember and work for these people, wherever they may be.

With my prayers and good wishes,

Yours sincerely,

THE DALAI LAMA