Karmapa visits Penang, Malaysia

June 13, 2026

Following a successful programme in Kuala Lumpur, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived in Penang on 1 June 2026 for a series of Dharma activities held over seven days at two Karma Kagyu centres.

The first programme took place at Karma Norbuling Buddhist Centre in Bukit Mertajam, which is under the spiritual guidance of Venerable Choje Lama Khedup Rinpoche. Karmapa was warmly welcomed by devotees and members of the public before blessing the centre and receiving a traditional mandala offering.

Over the following days, Karmapa granted public audiences and meetings with association representatives, bestowed the Karma Pakshi empowerment, and presided over an Amitabha Jangchok Puja dedicated to the deceased. He also granted the Mahakala Bernagchen empowerment and took part in the first Monlam prayer gathering ever held in Northern Malaysia.

The programme concluded with a thanksgiving dinner held in Karmapa’s honour.

The visit then continued at Karma Parchin Ling Buddhist Centre in Penang, under the spiritual guidance of Venerable Tulku Tseyang Rinpoche. On 5 June, Karmapa presided over the official opening ceremony of the centre, marking an important milestone for the local Buddhist community.

During the following days, Karmapa met with practitioners and centre members, participated in a Dzambhala blessing puja and a Mahakala protector ritual, and offered practical Dharma advice through public audiences and question-and-answer sessions. A special highlight of the programme was the transmission of the empowerment of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Chenrezig, the wisdom deity embodying the enlightened compassion of all Buddhas.

Karmapa departed Penang on 7 June, continuing his 2026 Malaysian Dharma tour, travelling to Sungai Petani.

Please enjoy this selection of photos from Karmapa’s visit to Penang. Photos from Karma Norbuling: