The courageous journey of His Holiness, from Tsurphu, Tibet, over the Himalayan mountains, to Dharamsala in India fills the headlines and graces
the covers of news media throughout the world, from The New York Times to the Kathmandu Post, from Newsweek to Asiaweek, from CNN to the Doordharshan News (Indian state television). For over two months, the world has had the good fortune to learn about and see His Holiness. This truly is the most remarkable, great activity of His Holiness, for in our tradition, it is taught that the seed of liberation is planted in individuals simply by seeing the
picture of an enlightened being. This process is named "liberation through seeing." I have just returned from India, where I had the immeasurable fortune to be with His Holiness for a long time. It was the most wondrous and powerful experience.
His Holiness is presently residing at Gyuto Monastery ("Gyuto Tantric School") in Siddhibhari, which means "field of accomplishment." Gyuto is
located at the foot of a Himalayan snow mountain range near Dharamsala, in Himachal Pradesh, where one is surrounded by breathtaking views of multiple layers of mountains rising up from the Kangra Valley.
His Holiness is very busy practicing daily and giving audiences to thousands of people. Many pilgrims come from Himalayan regions of India (Ladakh, Kinaur, Sikkim), Nepal, and Bhutan, but many other Indians, Tibetans, and
students from both eastern and western continents visit His Holiness every day. He usually gives "lungs" (reading-transmissions), followed by a short teaching, and this is much appreciated by all in attendance.
At the end of February, His Holiness gave his first public speech at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. TIPA performed the song "A Joyful Aspiration: Sweet Melody for Fortunate Ones" written by H.H. Karmapa on
his journey to India. The office of H.H. Karmapa is planning to release a CD in the near future, which contains three songs, all written by His Holiness.
It is such a wonderful experience to be in the presence of someone who truly seems to know who he is and what his visions are. Moreover, it is a great encouragement for one's path to be with someone who is completely awake and fully present for the benefit of all sentient beings. I would like to dedicate
this edition of Bodhi to the long life of His Holiness.
I hope that all of you will have the chance to see His Holiness Karmapa soon and experience his enlightened presence.
With prayers -- dpr
