Photo of H.H. the Karmapa with the Himalaya Program Steering Committee, Wade Davis, and UBC President Santa Ono
Speakers: H.H. the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa and Wade Davis, Professor of Anthropology and the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at UBC
The Himalaya Program had the honour to host H.H. the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa in conversation with Dr. Wade Davis at the Chan Centre on UBC’s West Point Grey campus to discuss the topic, “Interconnected – Our Environment and Social (In)equality.” The event was very well attended with approximately 1100 guests, with additional seating opened in the upper levels of the Chan Centre’s auditorium in order to accommodate all of the guests. UBC President Dr. Santa Ono introduced the Karmapa with a speech emphasizing UBC’s commitment to Asia, sustainability, and social justice. Then the Tsatsu Stalqaya
(Coastal Wolfpack) dance troupe, made up of Coast Salish performers from across the generations, gave a rousing traditional welcome to the Karmapa.The Karmapa spoke passionately about the current state of the environment and social inequality, from his personal and often humorous perspective. He emphasized the importance of recognizing interconnectedness – a hallmark of Buddhist thought – in order to productively challenge the everyday behaviors that make climate change and inequality difficult to combat. The audience had the chance to ask questions of the Karmapa at the end of the dialogue, and ask for his advice. The Steering Committee of the UBC Himalaya Program had the opportunity to meet the Karmapa with Dr. Santa Ono, the UBC President.
A YouTube link to full video recording of the event is available here.
This event was co-sponsored by the Himalaya Program, Thrangu Monastery, and the Karma Kagyu Association of Canada.
Photos by Mapem Lanigan