By GEETHA RAO
Dipnkar Khanna, Co-ordinator, the Karmapa’s visit, On the importance of this Bangalore visit
When is the Karmapa expected to come to Bangalore?
His Holiness the Karmapa is scheduled to come to Bangalore on the way to Mysore for a month and five days, between April 25 and June 3. Though it is a long way off, work on the arrangements have already begun.
What is scheduled to happen during his visit here? ?
When in Bangalore, there will be a spiritual meet like the world peace summit, with the presence of all religious leaders, it will be like an inter-faith meet. The Karmapa is also a poet and artist, so he may also meet some artists from here.
What is the significance of his visit?
Basically, he’s coming to spend time with the Tibetans settled here. He will also meet the representatives of the Tibetan political leaders in exile. He will also see for himself the religious activities conducted, but essentially, he’s coming to meet the common man.
How important is this visit for Tibetans?
It means a lot to the Tibetans who have left Tibet and settled down in Bangalore, Mysore an other places nearby. It is the first time that the 17th Karmapa coming to South India. It is a significant visit because spiritually, he is considered an equal to the Dalai Lama.
At Bylakuppe, a monastery over 20 acres is being built by the Nalanda Institute under the supervision of Lama MC Karma, who is the co-ordinator with all the seven Tibetan Buddhist sects. The monastery is expected to be ready by then.
