By IANS,
Dharamsala : Tibetan spiritual leader the Karmapa Lama, the only major monk reincarnate recognised by both the Dalai Lama and China, will leave for the US Thursday on a fortnight-long visit, a spokesman of the Tibetan government-in-exile said here Wednesday.
“His eminence the 17th Karmapa, head of the Kamtsang Kagyu sect, will go on a historic visit to the US from May 15 to June 2,” the spokesman said.
Tibetan exiles are calling this visit “historic” as the 17th Karmapa Lama or Ogyen Trinley Dorje, 22, is being allowed to visit a foreign country for the first time since he fled Tibet and sought refuge in India some eight years ago.
Ever since, the Karmapa has mostly lived in and around Dharamsala – the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, which is not recognised by any country.
“During his visit the Karmapa will deliver a series of public teachings in New York, Colorado and Seattle. In New York, he will deliver two public teachings on ‘awakening the heart of enlightenment’ and ‘cutting through confusion’ on May 17 and 18,” said the official.
“On May 25, the Karmapa will deliver a teaching on ‘healing the earth’ in Colorado. From May 31 to June 1 he will deliver two other teachings at Seattle,” he added.
Observers say India’s decision to allow the Karmapa to visit the US is bound to anger China, which is already battling with the thorny Tibet issue since protests during the Olympic torch relay brought it in focus.