His Holiness the 17^th Gyalwang Karmapa Presides over Five-Day Vinaya Conference

December 13, 2009, report by Lhundup Damchoe, photos taken by Tashi Paljor
 

At His Holiness’ request, this year’s Winter Debate Session includes a five-day conference entirely devoted to the vinaya, or monastic discipline and consequently restricted to ordained members of the sangha only.

In preparation for the event, in the fall of this year, each of the Kagyu monasteries had sent delegates to Dharamsala for a period of intense vinaya study under His Holiness’ direct guidance.  During the conference, these Khenpos will be taking turns making presentations and leading question-and-answer sessions devoted to particular issues related to the vinaya.

Today was the first day of the conference. His Holiness attended all of the day’s four sessions, taking an active role in fielding questions and monitoring the lively discussions. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, who arrived at Tergar Monastery on Friday, also attended, lending his voice to clarify a number of complex questions that arose.

The first day was devoted to the topic of how monastic ordination is conferred. Tomorrow’s discussions will be entirely devoted to the question of bhikshuni  (Tib. gelongma) ordination, ie. full ordination for women.