09 April 2008
Karmapa prepares for US visit
(Times News Network) The Karmapa Lama is preparing for his first trip abroad from India where he has remained since his escape from Tibet in 2000. He has been granted permission by the government of India to travel to the US from 15 May to 02 June. 22-year-old Ugyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa who heads the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism will arrive in New York City on 15 May 2008 and then travel to Woodstock, NY; Boulder, Colorado; and Seattle, Washington, ending his US tour in the first week of June. Confirming the Karmapa's first ever trip outside China and India, his secretary, Dupon Rinpoche, said: "Yes, His Holiness is getting ready for his first foreign tour to the US". "As has always been the intention, His Holiness's focus during his stay in the US will be to meet with disciples, bless centres, and offer Dharma teachings", said Ponlop Rinpoche.