The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Makes His First Visit To The United States

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For the first time, His Holiness, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinely Dorje, would take a trip to the United States for the first time. Like His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa is also one of the most important figures of Tibetan Buddhism today.

The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa escaped from China to India by crossing the Himalayan Mountains back in 1999. Like Pope Benedict XVI, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa has made his first ever trip to the United States. His first stop from New Dehli, India was Newark, New Jersey.

To him, visiting the United States was like a dream. They call him the reincarnation of Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the 16th Karmapa. The Karmapa is regarded as one of the leaders of one of Tibetan Buddhism’s four major schools. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Karmapa is the third recognized leader. To many Tibetans, the Karmapa represents wisdom and compassion.

The 18-day visit to the United States will end on June 2. The Karmapa will visit the northeast coast and then take a look at the northwest coast. In this case, it is highly likely that the issue of tensions between China and Tibet will pop up. Back in March, China received international backlash for its actions in Tibet.

Tibet is one of the major issues that looms over China in what can be deemed a PR nightmare as it is set to host the 2008 Summer Olympics this coming August. One can be assured that the issue of sex abuse probably will not be on the agenda.

Since the visit of Catholic Pope Benedict XVI to the United States, the issue of sex abuse was addressed. In short, two different religious figures, two different issues to be addressed. But, both issues seem to have an equal amount of impact.

In the case of the Karmapa, this should be an interesting visit to the United States. It could possibly be one trip he will remember.