On Friday, August the 28th, 2009, a large crowd of people gathered in front of the Karma Kagyu Sangha, Vienna, to welcome the Gyalwa Karmapa with flowers and to receive his blessing.
The official program in the capital of Austria started on the next day with public explanations at the great hall of the University of Vienna. With more than 500 people in attendance, not everyone was finally able to get a seat and many had to take place on the floor in front of the stage.

The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa visited Europe from June to August 2009.

During the following days, the Gyalwa Karmapa took part in the symposium “Inner Peace – Outer Peace” which had been organised by Karma Kagyu Sangha on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the official recognition of the Austrian Buddhist Society. The aim of this symposium was to “discover sources of peace and happiness” through teachings and discussions with authentic Buddhist masters from different traditions who would share the treasure of their knowledge and experience with the participants.

Amidst the Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte and architectural relics of days gone by is a Karma Kagyu Dharma Community with its roots planted by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje’s first turnings of the Wheel of Dharma in the Western world.