The Gyalwa Karmapa, his entourage and about 100 followers arrived around midday on a chartered airplane from Kalmykia in Moscow, the capital of Russia. In the afternoon a cheerful welcoming reception was given on the rooftop of the Central Concert Hall Rossia at Moscow University. Buddhist Centres from Moscow and numerous places around Russia’s Metropole had the opportunity to present their activities to the Karmapa.

t the airport in Elista (the capital of Kalmykia), Gyalwa Karmapa was heartily welcomed by Mr. Andrej Zirkunow, the Chief of Government Administration, and by members of the local Buddhist association.

The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, accompanied by Lama Ole Nydahl, Tenam Nendo Rinpoche, an entourage of senior monks, and an international group of students, were brought to the Karma Kagyu Buddhist Center in St. Petersburg.