17th Karmapa to attend Kalachakra ceremony in Washington

Dharamshala, July 8 (ANI): The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, will travel to Washington DC today to attend Kalachakra ceremonies.

His arrival in Washington signals a significant shift by the Indian Government, which has closely monitored and restricted his movements since he fled into exile from Tibet in 2000, the Telegraph reports.

Since arriving in India, following an epic 900- mile trek across the Himalayas, the Karmapa has been forbidden from travelling freely, as Indian intelligence services suspect him of being a Chinese agent.

He became embroiled in further controversy earlier this year, following the discovery of large amounts of foreign currency in his Dharamsala monastery, leading to a witch-hunt by the Indian media.

The "Kalachakra for World Peace" ceremony in Washington DC would see 100,000 visitors take part in prayer, chanting, meditation and speeches.

The Karmapa's presence at the Dalai Lama's side reinforces long- held speculation that the Dalai Lama sees the young Karmapa as his spiritual successor. (ANI)