Compassion is the essence of Buddhist religion: Karmapa

His Holiness, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, today exhorted people to practise compassion which is the essence of Buddhist religion.
Seated among religious scholars, monks, nuns and high profile dignitaries at Yid-Gha-Choezin Gompa at Tawang monastery, His Holiness, who arrived at Tawang yesterday, referred to philosopher Nagarjuna and advised that maintaining good health was equally important.
His Holiness further spoke on the relationship between the Karmapa and the Monpas referring to the visit of first Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa during the early 12th century. He also mentioned the visit of 3rd, 4th and 9th Karmapa to the Mon region.

Earlier welcoming the Karmapa, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the people of Monyul were long aspiring to seek the blessings of His Holiness. He hoped that with his spiritual blessings and guidance, it would help all to become better human beings.
Khandu informed His Holiness that the people of Mon region were eager to learn Bhoti script which had been introduced in schools as third language. He hoped that proficiency in Bhoti script would help people understand the ancient Buddhist scriptures and take them to higher level of perfection.
Earlier, the programme began with a plantation drive in the Gompa compound by the Karmapa and Khandu. It was followed by the offerings of Mande-Ten-Tsum by the Abbot of Tawang Monastery, an official release said.

Over 20,000 people from all over Tawang district gathered at the high altitude stadium to get a glimpse of the Karmapa, the release said.