On the 30th of May 2014 a group of Benchen representatives had the precious opportunity to have an audience with His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Orgyen Thrinley Dorje at the Kamalashila Institute. After a warm welcome Tempa individually introduced the groups of board members from Benchen Phuntsok Ling Allmuthen, Lotus Direkthilfe, Benchen Karma Kamtzang Poland, Karma Tegsum Tashi Ling Italy and Benchen Tashi Ling Cologne.
During the audience His Holiness Karmapa said that after a long time of trying, he finally was able to visit Europe, but unfortunately this time he couldn't make it to more places. His Holiness expressed his hope and wish that next time he could also visit Benchen centres in Belgium, Poland, Italy and other places. The Karmapa said we all are very fortunate to have had such a great master like Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche and that we all should keep on following Rinpoche's instructions.
His Holiness recounted how some years ago at one day during Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche's visit to the Gyuto Monastery, Rinpoche was talking to him about the eventual whereabouts of Rinpoche's rebirth. During the conversation Rinpoche said that he will not be reborn in Tibet but somewhere near to His Holiness and he also mentioned passing away. His Holiness said hearing these words, he did not like the sound and felt scared because it indicated that Kyabje Rinpoche might pass away soon. On the other hand, the Karmapa said that he needed to listen because he will be responsible for Rinpoche's reincarnation. His Holiness, furthermore, mentioned that it is indeed very good that the main relic stupa in Nepal has been successfully finished because he has clear indications that after completing the stupa Rinpoche will be coming back to this world soon. Finally the Karmapa added that we should not worry.
As far as we remember this is what His Holiness told us on that occasion.