The Gyalwa Karmapa at Kundreul Ling
gentle and powerful with the clarity of awakening.

Why these smiling faces and a happy gathering at the end of the afternoon of 26 June ? Why this air of festivity ? The Gyalwa Karmapa has arrived at Kundreul Ling ! The next day, the monastic and lay communities will help to decorate the temple for the occasion with the most beautiful brocades. Traditional offerings of tea, food and other supports of beneficial activity for the benefit of others will be carried out to welcome and give thanks for the presence of Gyalwa Karmapa. He told us of his joy to be amongst us again. He encouraged everyone to keep their committments and to carry out their Bodhisattva promises until Awakening. "I have confidence in you, I know that you have the strength to do it".

The Gyalwa Karmapa was accompanied by Nendo Rinpoche and four monks. Jigme Rinpoche, Thinlay Rinpoche and Lama Pourtse had joined him at Kundreul Ling. During his stay, Karmapa visited the retreat centres and gave the Dordje Sempa initiation at a large public gathering on 1st July.

His visit also had the purpose of meeting with the monastic sangha to reply to some spiritual and administrative questions concerning the recent events in the community and the retreat centres.

During the farewell ceremony on 2nd July, Gyalwa Karmapa announced his intention of returning the following year. Whilst he isn't with us, he reminded us that we can turn to Jigme Rinpoche who has responsibility for Kundreul Ling. He also encouraged us to develop trust in one another. His accessibility and his clarity allowed everyone to receive individual advice as appropriate. He also devoted some time to the 'stagiaires pratiquants', encouraging them to persevere in their intention and positive motivation.

Gyalwa Karmapa has not forgotten either readers of the website ...

Karma Guendune: What for you, defines the Buddhist path for the practising Westener?

Gyalwa Karmapa: Buddhism is a way of life for those of us who are developing qualities of Mind. We cultivate them and try to know the nature of Mind. First of all one has to completely understand that Buddhism is not a religion and not exactly a philosophy because these two terms do not give the true sense. Very simply, it is a method, a teaching and a way of life. It is a very particular way of life because it is a way of teaching happiness and well being without harming others.

Karma Guendune: What does it mean to be a praticising Buddhist?

Gyalwa Karmapa: That means to try and cultivate all our postive qualitites and not to be a burden on society nor on anybody. We are developing first of all these qualities for the benefit of others and so directly or indirectly we are naturally bringing them help and we become the example.

Karma Guendune: When practitioners are involved in an active daily life; a family and work, how do we practise the Dharma in this case?

Gyalwa Karmapa: It does not matter the life that one leads, it is already in itself an excellent practice. To have time for traditional practice is very good for sure, but one can find in one's real life all that one needs to learn. This is recognised as more than just a practice, it is to live in the practice. Formal practice and daily life do not have to be separate.

Karma Guendune: Tibetan Buddhism is perhaps considered something very exotic with its external rituals and divinities. Sometimes the practitioners are focusing on these external aspects and not understanding the true meaning. How is one to link these two together?

Gyalwa Karmapa: First of all, it is important to understand that all these rituals and divinities etcetera are simply reference points. It is necessary in the first instance, to identify these references with all the details. Once this has become completely natural, it is no longer possible to have misunderstandings.

Karma Guendune: You are used to travelling in the West, do you think that the Tibetan form of Buddhism could truly take root in the West and in Europe?

Gyalwa Karmapa: I can see that there is a marvellous, natural adaptation of Buddhism in the West. For sure, depending on the circumstances, one can make some changes, the methods are able to vary from time to time. Nevertheless, I think that the essence always continues the same.

Karma Guendune: Are you able to give advice to members of the community of practitioners that are resident in a place such as Kundreul Ling or who have invested in a centre? What state of Mind and what conduct should they be respecting?

Gyalwa Karmapa: All that depends on the involvement of each one from the start. If one is following the way of the Arhats, it is exactly that conduct which one must pursue. It is the same for the way of the Boddhisattvas. And if it is the Vajrayana path, it is that one that should be pursued. To be able to respect its engagement in a profound way, one must always be attentive and careful and watchful of the actions we carry out with Body, Speech and Mind.

Karma Guendune: These last years you have travelled many times in the West and the East. What in particular do you notice in the West in relation to the Dharma?

Gyalwa Karmapa: The qualities that I see in the West are that all the practitioners that I have been able to meet, truly wish to learn the Dharma with intelligence and pure interest. There is a very good basis and each make true efforts to bring about a result. A number of practitioners have very good qualities, however, they must take care and always be aware that until the Mind is awakened, there is always suffering and rebirth. This means that one must make an effort for a longtime. This is not wanting to say that if it doesn't work straightaway it's the end! What I want to say is that one mustn't expect an immediate result. This is very important because this is often an obstacle. Sometimes there are strong obscurations, people do not achieve results straight away and abandon the Dharma. This is an obstacle about which everyone has to be vigilant. Apart from that, these positive qualities and bases are present.