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His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

An Historic Visit to North America

The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa speaking at Mindrolling Monastery in February 2008Lotus Garden is very pleased and honoured to convey that one of the most revered Buddhist leaders in the world, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, one of the foremost leaders of the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, will be making an historic visit to the United States, May 15 – June 2, 2008. This will be His Holiness’ first visit to North America. During the visit, His Holiness will be bestowing teachings and granting public talks, visiting Buddhist centres in three cities: New York, NY; Boulder, CO; and Seattle, WA.

This historic first visit to North America of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, is under the coordination of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and a national coordinating committee with representatives from a number of sanghas. More information, including a schedule of events, may be found at the official website for the visit, www.karmapavisit.org.

As mentioned above, teachings and public events are planned in New York City, Boulder, and Seattle. His Holiness has expressed the aspiration that these teachings be made accessible to as wide an audience as possible, including individuals of all religious and spiritual orientations. Please feel free to share this announcement with anyone who may be interested.

His Holiness the Karmapa’s tour is entirely dependent on the contributions of his students and supporters throughout the world. Anyone who would like to make a donation may do so directly at www.karmapavisit.org/index.php?donate. If you have any questions about donations, please contact Alison Driscoll, who is working directly with the national fundraising committee for the tour: alison.smithdriscoll@gmail.com or 302.290.7445.

Please join Lotus Garden in our prayers that this first visit of his Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa to North America may be a great success, fulfilling all of His Holiness’ aspirations for the visit, and thus be of great benefit to all.


Photo credit: His Holiness the 17th Karmapa during an audience at Mindrolling Monastery in February 2008. Linda Fisher for Mindrolling International ©2008, All rights reserved.


Last update: 10 April 2008