WHO IS THE KARMAPA?

The Gyalwang Karmapas rank amongst the most powerful figures of Tibetan Buddhism. The Karmapas were the first lineage of reincarnate Lamas (tulkus) in Tibet to take conscious rebirth in a continuous lineage of reincarnations. The Karmapas are said to be self-recognized, because each Karmapa leaves a letter predicting his next rebirth. All the Karmapas left detailed information about their future rebirth with their closest students. Thus the Gyalwang Karmapas have carried the authentic Buddhist teachings in an uninterrupted lineage of seventeen reincarnations into our modern world.

The historical Buddha Shakyamuni and Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Tibet from India, prophesied the arrival of a master who would be known as the Karmapa. Throughout the centuries, the Karmapas have carried out his activities of enlightenment. The Karmapas have worked to the alleviate and remove suffering and the promote the happiness and contentment for all living beings. The Karmapa’s purpose is to manifest unconditional compassion in a direct, accessible way. For centuries, the Karmapas have been sought out as spiritual supports, protectors, and supreme mentors by lay and monastic Tibetians from evey region. Traditionally, it is said that the Karmapa attained enlightenment many eons ago as the Buddha namend Shenphen Namrol.

The Gyalwang Karmapas manifest the enlightened activity of all the Buddhas and embody their wisdom and compassion. It is for this reason that they are called Gyalwang, which means victorious or kingly. For their followers they are a living example of the intrinsic Buddha nature that is present in every sentient being. This potential for complete enlightenment can be awakened in everyone and eventually leads from the suffering of samsara to freedom, the realization of mind’s deepest, pure nature.

Despite his young age, the present XVII. Karmapa is known all over the world. He represents not only a new generation of spiritual masters, but, at the same time, his charisma, clarity, candour, and presence captivate old and young alike. He has a remarkable ability to make the Buddhist teachings relevant in today’s world. Karmapa’s teachings focus mainly on enabling beings - through developing wisdom and compassion - to live in harmony with themselves and the surrounding world. This also includes the conservation of the environment.

In present time, His Holiness The XVII. Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, is a leading Tibetan master in the modern era of Tibetan history. Since then,  His Holinesss has worked tirelessly for the development of Buddhism both inside and outside of Tibet. His Holiness is now temporarily living in Gyuto Monastery in the Dharamsala region, where he is receiving the complete teachings of the Karmapa lineage. Thousands of Tibetans, Indian, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Asians, and Westerners visit His Holiness year round. His Holiness grants public and private audiences as well as special practice interviews for higher lamas.