In 1980, the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, embarked upon three international teaching tours throughout North America, Europe, and East Asia, where he spent 10 days in Hong Kong.
At that time, Tibetan Buddhism was unfamiliar to most people, yet wherever the Karmapa went, extraordinary auspicious connections and spiritual exchanges naturally arose.
The English book, DHARMA KING: The Life of the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa in Images, chronicles the 16th Karmapa’s life journey through photographs, clearly revealing that the sole purpose of his activities was to benefit all sentient beings.
The following excerpt recounts a story from the 16th Karmapa’s teachings in Hong Kong, which once again demonstrates the power of his blessings and his profound kindness.
The Story of a Loyal Dog
As the Karmapa was about to leave Hong Kong’s Myoho Temple, a small dog suddenly began wailing inconsolably, even shedding real tears. The dog had first appeared at the monastery that very morning, upon the Karmapa’s arrival. From that moment on, it followed His Holiness everywhere, even waiting faithfully outside the temple during the luncheon. The dog demonstrated such devotion that the monastery monks assumed it was one of the Karmapa’s own dogs.
After the Karmapa departed, the dog continued to visit the temple, often placing its paws together in prayer before the abbot’s seat. Ultimately, the abbot permitted it to stay, and it lived out its days peacefully within the monastery—one of many beings whose fate was altered by the Karmapa’s brief stay.
Mahayana and Vajrayana: Journeying Together, Hand in Hand
When the 16th Karmapa first visited Hong Kong in 1980, Tibetan (Vajrayana) Buddhism was still novel and unfamiliar to the local community. Yet, an extraordinary connection immediately formed between His Holiness and the late Venerable Master Chokguang, then Chairman of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, and who is still deeply revered today.
Master Chokgu described the moment when the Karmapa took his hand and announced he would confer an empowerment at the opening ceremony of Master Chokgu’s new center in a few days as “truly unbelievable.” The ceremony had been planned for months, and the Karmapa happened to be in Hong Kong for the center’s opening day. The empowerment was thus arranged on short notice to take place after the luncheon that day.
Despite no prior publicity, thousands flocked to the venue seeking the “Red Avalokiteshvara Empowerment” from the 16th Karmapa, prompting Hong Kong police to maintain order.
Thus began the Mahayana and Vajrayana journey for many lucky people.
