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
December 26, 2008 3:17 pm | 
