Wednesday 7. July 2004: Kagyü Shenpen Künkyab, Anières, near Geneva, Switzerland

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa performed a Mahakala Puja in the presence of about a hundred guests and Dharma practitioners.

Thursday 8. July 2004: Kagyü Shenpen Künkyab, downtown Geneva.

In the morning, Gyalwa Karmapa gave refuge and Bodhisattva vows. Lama Mönlam and Dharma students offered a Mandala and the support of body, speech and mind as well as long life prayers to H.H. Karmapa. Gyalwa Karmapa blessed those present. In the afternoon, H.H. gave the initiation of Vajrapani-Hayagriva-Garuda.

Nearly 800 people from all over Europe, as well as from North and South America and other countries, attended the events on that day.

Auspicious signs manifested over the center at Anières. While the Gyalwa Karmapa went to Geneva, a complete and double rainbow adorned the sky above the city.

Friday 9. July 2004: Karma Migyur Ling, France

In the morning, Lama Teunsang and all his followers received His Holiness the 17th Karmapa with a welcome ceremony.

In the afternoon, H.H. Karmapa gave the empowerment of Karma Pakshi, the second Karmapa, to an audience of 500 people from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and other countries. The two Nedön Tulku, Lama Teunsang from Montchardon (Karma Migyur Ling) and 14 monks from Rumtek Monastery attended the ceremony.

Saturday 10. July 2004: Karma Migyur Ling, France

In the morning, Nedön Tulku, the Vajracarya of Rumtek Monastery, gave his first public teaching in the West. In the afternoon, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa gave the empowerment of the three aspects of Hayagriva, Vajrapani and Garuda. There were around 650 people present at the ceremony.

In the evening, His Holiness accompanied by all his monks joined a Mahakala puja in the Temple of 1000 Buddhas of Karma Migyur Ling and the participants received the traditional offering of rice and tea.

Sunday 11. July 2004: Karma Migyur Ling, France

In the morning, Nedön Tulku continued with his teachings on the basic principles of Buddhism. Many people attended the teachings and had a chance to appreciate H.H. Karmapa’s brilliant way of explaining the Dharma.

In the afternoon, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa gave the Bodhisattva Vow to an audience of 650 people gathered in the tent for this occasion. His Holiness concluded his visit to Karma Migyur Ling, Montchardon, by giving precious advice for Dharma practice and expressing his great satisfaction with the fulfilment of all the Dharma activities that had taken place under the guidance of Lama Teunsang. His Holiness also expressed his wishes for the construction of the new retreat center.

Monday 12. July 2004: Karma Migyur Ling, France

In the morning, Lama Teunsang and his disciples wished farewell to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa who continued to Dhagpo Kagyu Ling.