Karmapa visits Nala Centre and Padkar Ling in Czech Republic

July 22, 2024

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived at Prague airport on the evening of the 6th of July, 2024, where he was warmly received by Ven. Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, Sabchu Rinpoche, and a gathering of monastic and lay practitioners.

Karmapa and his retinue were then taken to Nala Centre, a Buddhist retreat place near Prague, which offers an ideal environment for meditation, yoga, and various approaches to holistic healing. One of the main Buddhist practices accomplished regularly at the centre is the meditation on Chenresig, the wisdom aspect embodying the enlightened compassion of all Buddhas.

On the afternoon of the next day, the 7th of July, Karmapa performed the consecration of Nala Centre (Tib. Rabne), together with Ven. Lama Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, and assisted by their monks.

Over the course of the next two days, Karmapa paid two visits to Padkar Ling (White Lotus Centre), located on a beautiful piece of land amidst the Krivoklat forests, at about an hour’s drive from Nala Centre. Padkar Ling is still under construction, and is conceived as a combined meditation and healing centre, offering access to Buddhist teachings and practices, as well as treatments in traditional Tibetan medicine and various other holistic healing methods. Once completed, Padkar Ling will feature a large meditation hall, accommodation for practitioners, the Five Elements Spa, and a meditation garden with a stupa and several large statues.

For several weeks preceding Karmapa’s visit, the team had been working tirelessly to prepare the centre for the occasion, and they had finished just in time to welcome him.

On his first visit Karmapa was given an extensive tour of the premises with detailed explanations on the various stages of the project, followed by a delicious dinner with Ven. Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche and the Nala team.

On his second visit, Karmapa performed an extensive Rabne of the entire premises of Padkar Ling, and gave a Dharma talk on the topic of meditation. He also gave the assembled practitioners the opportunity to ask questions related to their practice.

Karmapa departed Nala Centre on the morning of the 10th of July, headed for the London Diamond Way Buddhist Centre.

On the way to Prague airport, he visited the Prague Diamond Way Buddhist centre, where hundreds of practitioners from different parts of the Czech Republic had gathered to welcome him. The representatives of the various Czech centres briefly presented their groups to him, after which Karmapa gave a question-and-answer session, before he had to leave for the airport, accompanied by a delegation of students.