On July 18, 2013, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche introduced the Spanish translation of the book “Compassion NOW!” by His Holiness the Karmapa, edited by KTD.
Editorial Albricias, the first Dharma publisher in Mexico, published the book in its Spanish version. “Eyes That Never Close” is the Spanish title authorized by His Holiness the Karmapa. This is the third book published by Editorial Albricias, who also published “Bardo” by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. Its Spanish title is “Entre el morir y el nacer”. “Entre el morir y el nacer”and “Karmapa 900”, were both introduced to Latin America during the last visit to Mexico of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
At the conclusion of the teaching that constituted the 2013 Retreat, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche made a formal announcement, saying “We have a new book that contains the immaculate words of His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa, a jewel that grants all our wishes. During this Retreat, we have been studying the practice of the sublime Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, and as we now know, when we visualize the form of the deity, it appears with a white body and other attributes. This is how we conceive the Great Compassionate as we visualize this deity. I think that maybe this compassionate being is manifested in this form from the perspective of total purity; meanwhile, those of us who experience things in a relatively impure form find this same compassionate being in the form of the Gyalwang Karmapa. He is the manifestation of great compassion, and as an expression of this luminous compassion, he has given teachings that are the words contained in this book.”
Rinpoche continued, saying: “This book has been possible due to your efforts, those involved in the process of translating his voice, his sublime words, into Spanish so they are accessible in diverse countries of the world. So, in recognizing your marvelous efforts, I make the aspiration that through your efforts to translate this book and other books, great benefits arise for many beings, as many as possible. So, with this aspiration, I would like to take the opportunity to present this book to you.”
The cutting of the ribbon was performed by Silvia Sevilla director of Editorial Albricias, and Venerable Tenzin Nangpel, the translator of the book from English to Spanish. V. Nangpel is a Mexican nun that lives in the Dharmadatta community in India under the guidance of HH the Karmapa. Also present was Elena González, designed both the book and its cover. Elena, who is the director of Kagyu Tarjay Chöling in Peru, commented: “I am so grateful to be a part of this project – it has been an honor that strengthens my connection to His Holiness Karmapa. I am also grateful to be part of this team, so that Dharma can reach more Spanish-speaking people”. Also present were Maureen McNicholas and Peter van Deurzen of KTD Publications, who kindly gave Editorial Albricias the authorization to translate and publish the book in Spanish.
In Latin America, the interest in Dharma is growing. Nonetheless, the books in Spanish that meet this demand are few, presenting a significant obstacle for the genuine establishment of Dharma. This is why Silvia took the risk and asked for the blessing of His Holiness Ogyen Trinley Dorje to begin a publishing house dedicated specifically to aid in the distribution of Dharma teachings to the Hispanic world. The Gyalwang Karmapa not only gave the project his blessings, but gave it a name: “Topaga”. “Topaga”means producing joy when heard, and is the name the great Milarepa had during his youth; in Spanish, it means the same as “Albricias”.
The Gyalwang Karmapa sent a written message to Editorial Albricias, expressing his support. “I offer my prayers that Editorial Albricias’ activities may be of great benefit to Spanish speakers.” His Holiness wrote. “I offer it my full support, and encourage all those who value human wisdom and compassion to do the same.”
