Karmapa gives Dharma talks, grants an empowerment, and performs the consecration of the Sukhavati Garden

August 26, 2023

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17^th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived at his European seat Dhagpo Kagyu Ling on the 11^th of August, 2023, and was given a warm welcome by Ven. Jigme Rinpoche, his representative in Europe; Ven. Nedo Kuchung Rinpoche, Gendun Rinchen, Tulku Trinlay Rinpoche and a large number of monastic and lay practitioners.

Over the course of the next few days, Karmapa gave several Dharma talks and granted the empowerment of Chenresig, the wisdom aspect embodying the enlightened compassion of all Buddhas, to a gathering of about 2,500 practitioners.

In continuity of his last visit in 2019, and in harmony with Jigme Rinpoche’s wishes, the main topic of Karmapa’s Dharma talks was Deepening the Practice of Chenresig. During these teaching sessions, Karmapa covered a wide range of subjects and also gave the participants the opportunity to ask questions related to the topic.

A special highlight of the programme in Dhagpo Kagyu Ling was the final consecration of the meditation garden, named Sukhavati Garden in reference to the Pure Land of Buddha Amitabha.

During his visit in Dordogne, Karmapa also blessed the recently finished eight stupas at the Nyingma retreat centre of Chanteloube, located in a secluded valley near Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, and under the spiritual guidance of Ven. Pema Wangyal Rinpoche.

Karmapa also had numerous meetings with the residents, volunteers and administrators of the various centres associated with the Dhagpo Mandala and gave them advice regarding motivation, view and practice.

Karmapa and his entourage left Dhagpo Kagyu Ling on the 19^th of August, for a private visit to Dhagpo Kundrol Ling in Auvergne.