His Holiness Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje concludes his Europe Tour 2012

New Delhi, September 19, Completing his first of its kind International Summer Tour 2012 of South East Asian & European Countries, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism is back to his home country India to share His knowledge and experience among His listeners. 

His Holiness ran teachings with students, met with dignitaries and youth organizations, and hosted public events on his European tour as he diligently traveled from state to state for nearly three months. His Holiness commenced His European Tour in the middle of June 2012 and as a part of his expedition, He visited Spain, Lithuania, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Germany and France to teach, listen and learn about the importance of non-material wealth.

 He connected with youth in these six nations to discover the value that young people place on money and non-material values. Speaking on non-material wealth His Holiness said, ‘True wealth is learning how to generate compassion, wisdom and a proper ethics’. His Holiness was keen to comprehend how the financial crisis is affecting different groups and individuals in Europe, and understand what they feel about the true definition of wealth. As the global economy is facing a grave downturn, His Holiness believes that it is a chance to learn. 

He said ‘Yes, there is a crisis, but the world is not at an end. Thanks to the new communication technologies we can be aware, share our knowledge, and put our heads together to find solutions. This is a great opportunity, and I am sure that something positive will come out of it. Every obstacle is always a turning point. 

It is a challenge, but it makes us think, forces us to come up with solutions’. He further stated, ‘I have always said that if there is richness within each and every one of us - inner wealth then there is an almost limitless supply in the vision and values of our young people. The inner wealth is our mind, our consciousness. This mind is like a wish-fulfilling jewel.

 If you know how to utilize this mind, it can produce the most beneficial effects’. Throughout His travel to the European states, His Holiness meticulously enlightened all and sundry about ‘The Path of the Bodhisattvas’. He gave teaching on what is usually translated as the ‘Four Immeasurables’: immeasurable love, immeasurable compassion, immeasurable sympathetic joy and immeasurable equanimity.

 Even though the world we live in had undergone tremendous changes within a relatively short period of time, the timeless patterns of karma, emotions and habitual tendencies remained essentially the same.

 The practice of Buddhism, and particularly the practice of the Four Immeasurables, remains very relevant to this day. It is a practice that anyone can apply. Whether we call ourselves Buddhists or not, these qualities are there in all of us,’ He explained. His Holiness met many prominent dignitaries and leaders in each nation who were there in attendance to show gratitude towards him for bringing his message of compassion to their own people.

 Karmapa engaged in leading talks in London on "Is there more to life than making money" with youth and opinion leaders. His Holiness is lately becoming a global symbol of peace. Traveling from India as an ambassador of peace His Holiness spread the message of compassion and tolerance among His followers across the boundaries of the continent.