Top Buddhist leader in town

Buddhist spiritual leader Trinley Thaye Dorje. Photo from www.buddhism.org.uk

MANILA, Philippines—To show Buddhist spiritual leader Trinley Thaye Dorje arrived in Manila on Friday to officiate a series of empowerment, dharma teachings and consultations.

“Buddhism is a tool to practice and to live accordingly. It is possible to be a Catholic and still look at life through the lens of Buddhism. It is in the teaching that with proper mind training, one can take control of life in order to create a happier world for oneself and then for others,” said the Buddhist teacher, believed to be the 17th reincarnation of the Gyalwa Karmapa since the 12th century.

The Karmapa Lama is the venerated head of the Karma Kagyu, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism and known as the oral or perfection school. It is focused on the yogic transmission of the dharma (or Buddhist teachings).

Known as the holders of the Black Crown or the Black Hat, Karmapa Lamas are from the most ancient lineage of Tibetan Buddhism’s religious figures, two centuries ahead of the Dalai Lama lineage.

It was the second time for the Karmapa Lama to visit the country. The first time he was here was in 2006.

This time, he will be holding another series of empowerment and dharma teachings with valuable techniques on “Transformation For Happiness” at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on June 3-8, according to the Philippine Nedo Kagyu Bodhi Dharma Foundation.