A Few Notes on the Inauguration Ceremony of Karma Lekshey Ling, Germany, Performed by Venerable Chöje Lama Phuntsok

On Sunday, Oct. 18th, many people attended the festive inauguration of Karma Lekshey Ling in Weißenthurm, Germany. Most Venerable Chöje Lama Phuntsok, founder and spiritual director, opened the ceremony by inviting everyone to sing the “Butterlamp Offering Prayer” that was composed by Pälden Atisha and set to a soft and gentle melody by His Holiness the XVIIth Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Then Lama Phuntsok told us how happy he is about “little” Lekshey Ling and stressed the importance of city Dharma centers. He spoke about the very good relationship and central role of Kamalashila Institute, the main seat of the Karma Kagyü Association in Germany. Lama Phuntsok had built the wonderful Peace Stupa there. Many representatives of the Karma Kagyü Association were present, among others Horst Günther Rauprich, executive director of Kamalashila Institute; he, too, shared his delight of “little” Lekshey Ling with us. Before having coffee and cake that was offered by members of the Sangha, Anneke Bouwmann thanked everyone who had helped renovate the buildings and said she hoped that this center would be a meeting place for many disciples and practitioners of Buddhism so that the Dharma would flourish and spread.

Outside the main building, Chöje Lama Phuntsok then performed the “Sur Ritual Offering,” inviting beings living in the formless realm to also take part in the festivity. Concluding the official ceremony, everyone recited auspicious wishing prayers and offered flowers in the Lhakang. It was a very joyous event, and we are all looking forward to being together again soon.

Venerable Chöje Lama Phuntsok had already presented the first course at Karma Lekshey Ling before he performed the inauguration ceremony. He offered teachings on “The Seven Points of Mind Training” according to the sacred text composed by Pälden Atisha. He explained that because these precious instructions inspire and move us to take on responsibilities for our environment, the world we live in, and for all living beings who share the world with us, it is crucial to take them to heart and to practice them with enthusiasm and as best as we possibly can.