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Karmapa XVII Coming to US
Palzang
Veteran
I just found out today that Karmapa XVII is coming to the US May15-June 2. This is what is called a Big Deal in Tibetan Buddhism. This will be His Holiness' first visit to the US since taking rebirth 22 years ago. As one who had the great fortune to meet Karmapa XVI, please understand that this is no ordinary lama. He will be visiting New York City, Seattle, Boulder and Karma Triyana Dharmachakra in Woodstock, New York - his seat in the US. If you have the opportunity to meet him, please take advantage of it! For me, it was life-changing. Go to http://karmapavisit.org/ for details.
Palzang
Palzang
0
Comments
You're quite fortunate, Simon! There is something quite extraordinary about the Karmapas. They're called the Lions of Buddha, and the name really fits.
Palzang
It was a week after I had been blessed to spend 3/4 hour in private audience with HHDL. The astonishing thing to me was that they both said much the same to me. In HHDL's words: "Lord Buddha is my door; Lord Jesus is your door". His Holiness the Karmapa, after giving me a teaching on bodhicitta, looked straight into my eyes and right into the very heart of me and said, through his interpreter of course, "You must follow your Master. He knows the way and you must listen very carefully to his words." Neither of them appeared at all surprised that I could find myself in a place where the words of both the Tathagata and the Christ resonated for me.
On a lighter note, I had taken a couple of US friends whom I had met at Rewalsar to the public audience. One of them, an academic and a lesbian, came out and said to me: "he is just so beautiful. I think he could turn me with that smile."
Thank you so much for that, Simon. Things happen when they happen for a reason and your words comforted me when I was feeling a little bruised from an attack by a rather self-important person (who obviously knows sooooooooooo much more than these two masters).
If TWO His Holinesses can say that, I don't mind being dismissed as "not worthwhile as not Buddhist" by someone with their head up their bum!
In case the URL doesn't work for everyone, ehre's the actual link:
www.interbeing.org.uk/2008_Thay/
www.ktcnj.org
Hee hee being held at Friends' House! I wouldn't mind going to the one in August in London - anyone else?
You know the really difficult thing, Lady of the Skein? It is keeping clear of all the accumulated rubbish around the Christ message. Buddhism is a bit less cluttered with imperialism and "inerrancy" and that sort of crap.
Actually hearing the words as they were spoken. Taking the time and sitting humbly. The Karmapa's teaching on bodhicitta and how it connects with the message of the 'indwelling Christ' is so alien to so many who call themselves Christian, just as the stark message of unconditional love and liberation for the outcast and our duty to them sometimes seems to upset some Buddhists - this just makes it harder.
It is one of the blessings in my life that I have found not one but two Christian anam cara who have not only deep understanding of the wider scriptures but, in both caes, have spent time with both Bede Griffiths and Thay!
It is also a blessing that I have been accepted here, in the NewBuddhist family, with all my "off the wall" notions and puzzles.
Even if I am still to be convinced (or unconvenced, for that matter) that there is some sort of 'god' who takes a personal interest, I know for sure that thyere are people who do and, at last, that is more than enough for me.
That's great about Thich Nhat Hanh coming to your area, Fede. I've heard him speak, and it's well worth going to.
Hey, Bushi, maybe I'll see you in Boulder! I may be able to go up and see him. We'll see if I have any money. Tell you what, I'll wear my uniform and you wear yours and then we'll be able to tell who each other is!
Palzang
I don't have my RAF uniform any more
That is true Pali - most of the original teachings of the Nazarene have been so distorted that no one in the organised religions would recognise it.
I am a fuzzy ole bear who equates "love thy neighbour as thyself" with universal compassion and "my religion is kindness" ........... I can't see any difference between the two.
Getting the sleeves rolled up and getting out there and doing something about the problems around us (in our little corner) seems to be the best way of putting that into practice.
Palzang
Palzang
I just heard that the tickets for the public event in Boulder just went on sale and they're already down to just balcony seats available. Best hop on the website and see if you can get one before they're all gone!
Palzang
Pennsylvania Avenue yet - has it been lost in the post?
Or (can it be true?) the Administration doesn't dare take the risk? After all, the Vatican doesn't hold Treasury Bonds or, at least, not in the same quantity as Beijing.
so, inspite of my misgivings about Bush, i-no-knocki...
I was referring to H.H. the Karmapa during his U.S. visit.
Poo.
Palzang