Karmapa visits the Europe Center for the 2026 International Summer Course

August 20, 2026

On the morning of 12 August, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived at the Europe Center, the international meeting place for Diamond Way Buddhists from around the world.

Karmapa’s programme formed part of the 2026 International Summer Course, the first course to take place following the passing of Lama Ole Nydahl. Held annually at the Europe Center, this two-week gathering brings together Dharma friends from many countries to practise and share the Buddha Dharma, while strengthening their bonds of friendship.

During his first session, Karmapa bestowed the reading transmission, or lung, for the Ngondro (Preliminary Practices), as well as for the Mahamudra Prayer by the Third Karmapa. He interspersed the transmissions with explanations of the practices and concluded the session with an extensive question-and-answer period.

Over the following days, Karmapa granted the empowerments of Vajrasattva (Tib. Dorje Sempa) and Amitayus to approximately 6,000 practitioners. Vajrasattva is the wisdom aspect associated with the purification of veils and negativities, while Amitayus is associated with long life. Karmapa took ample time to explain the different stages of the rituals, enabling those present to understand clearly what to focus on throughout the empowerments.

During his stay, Karmapa met with lay Buddhist teachers and representatives of various boards. He received reports, offered guidance, and answered questions.
Karmapa also gave an interview to the editors of a Buddhist magazine, responding to their questions concerning the passing of Lama Ole.

Karmapa departed the Europe Center on 20 August, en route to his next stop, Schwarzenberg Buddhist Centre.

Please enjoy this selection of photographs from Karmapa’s visit to the Europe Center.