I know that the Co-ordinator of Karmapa in Europe 2010, has already notified everyone that my proposed visit has had to be cancelled for reasons beyond my control. I was very much looking forward to meeting with my European students, visiting  your dharma centres, giving teachings, and having the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and  insight into the great variety of European life and culture.

I was wholeheartedly preparing for this visit so you will understand  that I too was sad and  disappointed  when I learned  that  I would not be able to come this time. However, I hope that this is merely a  temporary setback and that I will definitely  be able to visit Europe in the near future.

It remains for me to express my gratitude to Ringu Tulku and all of you in the different countries and dharma centres who have worked so hard to prepare for the visit. Please be assured that your work has not been in vain or wasted.  By these efforts, you have planted a powerful seed and when it reaches fruition my intention to come to Europe will be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, my aspiration and vision remain firm. I am determined  to follow in the footsteps of the 16^th Gyalwang  Karmapa,  renewing  connections  with  long-standing students  and forging  a closer relationship with all my European friends,  past, present and future.

17^th Gyalwang Karmapa,

Ogyen Trinley Dorje,

Gyuto Tantric University,

Himachal Pradesh,

India

7^th April, 2010

I am sad to announce that the proposed visit of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje was not approved by the Government of India. The visit was scheduled to take place from 27th May to 2nd July in nine countries of Europe.

The Kagyu Office, the Administration of Gyalwang Karmapa was informed of the decision by the Tibetan Government in Exile on 3rd April 2010. The process has begun to find out why this visit was not possible and what positive conditions are needed to make the visit possible in near future.

I know a huge number of followers and friends in Europe were eagerly waiting for the visit of Gyalwang Karmapa and I know that all of you are sad and disappointed.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organizers, volunteers and donors for working so hard to prepare for the visit in last many months. Your cooperation and support were beyond any expectations.

I hope and pray together with you that the visit will happen in very near future and that all of us would be able to receive his teachings in Europe.

Ringu Tulku,

Coordinator,

Karmapa’s Visit to Europe

Act with compassion: Shaping the society with kindness
Ethics, “Protect the Earth, Live simply, Act with compassion, Our future depends on it.” H.H. The XVII. Karmapa

June, 5th 2010, 15:00 h

Build upon peace:
Courage for non-violence

June, 5th 2010, 18:00 h

Future is now:
I am responsible for my world

June, 6th 2010, 10:00 h

Teaching and Empowerment

THE FUTURE IS NOW – TOMORROW’S HAPPINESS IS CREATED TODAY
The law of cause and effect is one of the most fundamental principles of the Buddhist teachings.
The Buddha said that happiness and suffering are not determined by the outer world, but that it is our own consciousness which shapes reality.
The Buddha spoke about negative and neutral tendencies of the mind which in turn become the cause for the ways we speak and subsequently the way we act.
He warned against passivity and fatalism and encouraged his disciples to not leave their life to chance or outer circumstances, but to develop realistic visions for a better future.
By developing a positive and charitable orientation in daily life and by expressing it in the way we think and act, we contribute to lasting peace and happiness of both the individual and the community.
We are the key to our own future happiness.

June, 3rd 2010, 16:00 – 18:00 h
Universal responsibility – the world does not belong to us alone!
Buddhism emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all phenomena. Since birth we depend on the help and loving care of others.  We receive most of our natural resources like food and energy from people in faraway countries. Affluence in the Western world means poverty in less developed regions. It is of vital importance to the survival of the world at large that everyone recognizes the universal responsibility for the collective well-being and to actively contribute to it. The key to a happy future lies in our hands..

June, 3rd 2010, 20:00 – 22:30 h
GURU-RINPOCHE-INITIATION
Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) grew up as a foster son of an Indian king. He is one of the most significant founders of Tibetan Buddhism. In the 8th century he brought Buddhism to Tibet and the Himalayas where he was called Guru Rinpoche, “Precious teacher”. He is said to have defeated the powerful gods and demons of the traditional Bön religion which ruled the country, and integrated them as dharma protectors into the Buddhist teachings. Thus it became possible to found the first Buddhist monastery Samyé, to translate the first Buddhist texts from the Indian language and to ordain monks.
Guru Rinpoche was the first one to proclaim Tantric Buddhism which disappeared from India in the 12th century but which has been preserved and kept alive in Tibet.

The Guru Rinpoche initiation helps to overcome outer and inner obstacles. The ritual, which is in Tibetan, symbolically leads into the mandala, bestows blessings and connects to the powerful energy of Guru Rinpoche.

Hamburg “all events” pass

Berlin “all events” pass

Munich teaching

May 27 – 30           Langenfeld, Kamalashila Institute, Germany

May 31 – June 2     Zurich, Switzerland

June 2 – 3             Hamburg, Germany

June 4 – 6             Berlin, Germany

June 6 – 7             Copenhagen, Denmark

June 8 – 9             Warsaw, Poland

June 10                 Lisieux, Vajradhara Ling, France

June 11 – 12          Paris, France

June 13                 Autun, Kagyu Ling, France

June 14                 Lyon, Karma Ling, France

June 15 – 16          Montpellier, Lerab Ling, France

June 17                 Dordogne, France

June 18 – 21          London, UK – England

June 21 – 22          Brussels, Belgium

June 23 – 24          Barcelona, Spain

June 25 – 27          Dumfriesshire, Samye Ling, UK – Scotland

June 28                 Holy Island, UK- Scotland

June 29                 Amsterdam, Netherland

June 30                 Hantum, Netherland

July 1 – 2              Munich, Germany