Diamond Way Buddhism, UK

Press release

Living Buddha E-Blesses & Blogs Britain for Friendship Visit

24 year old head of Tibetan Buddhism lineage addresses Queen, country and offers public first chance to meet

Media call: Saturday 9 June 2007, 5:30-7:00pm
Report to: Main entrance, Friends Meeting House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ

His Holiness Karmapa Trinlay Thaye Dorje, the Black Hat Lama of Tibet and one of the top three figures in global Buddhism, for the first time in his life extends an online and physical hand of friendship to the British public ahead of his visit this week.

In his newly formed web presence, www.myspace.com/blackhatlama, the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism offers to bless and befriend members of the British public. This unique event will follow teachings of his students at - appropriately - Friends Meeting House, and is an effort by His Holiness to spread happiness, understanding and demonstrate diversity within global Buddhism. He also delivers a video 'E-blessing' for the British public, in which he humbly calls upon Queen Elizabeth, as head of the Church of England, and all the religious and spiritual leaders, to help protect the religious freedom in the land. He posts pictures of his family, his travels and his childhood on the page to give an insight into the man behind the spiritual leader.

The cricket-loving Karmapa, who also plays on his PS3 and surfs the net when he is not studying Buddhist books, discusses his thoughts about his visit in a 'Blog for Britain.' He will update this during his stay so that people who can not physically meet him will have the chance to be friends in the virtual world and share in his experiences and reflections as a world spiritual leader.

Karmapa's first visit to Britain was in 2005, when he was guest of honour at a special inter faith event at St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, attended by leaders and members of the major faith communities. Karmapa's visit to Britain is part of a twelve week teaching tour throughout Europe. His Holiness will also meet senior faith and other dignitaries during his stay.

Over 3000 students queued to be blessed by Karmapa in Spain last week and interest from the wider British public is expected to be high; early arrival is recommended to avoid disappointment and admission is free of charge. People can add His Holiness as their friend at www.myspace.com/blackhatlama.