Who is Karmapa?
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16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rigpe Dorje (1924-1981), 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje (born 1983) |
The Karmapa is one of the most important holders of the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. The first Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa (1110-1193), one of the most prominent lamas of his time, indicated prior to his death that he was to take rebirth again in Tibet. The second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi (1204-1283), was thus the first reborn lama of Tibet.
Since then, the Karmapas continued to reincarnate in Tibet and to guide the Karma Kagyu tradition. The Karmapa incarnates have always proven themselves as authentic Karmapas and were confirmed as being the Karmapa's reincarnation by a realized disciple of the respective previous Karmapa.
Their biographies show their extraordinary qualities in terms of their vast knowledge, their pure conduct and their compassion. They always made great efforts in studying the buddha-dharma, reflecting on it and in their meditation and they always displayed extraordinary abilities in teaching the dharma, helping their disciples to clear their doubts and in composing treatises to support others on their spiritual path.
The Karmapas are therefore considered to be great bodhisattvas who manifest in our world for the welfare of others. In the course of their reincarnations they have always contributed towards an authentic transmission of Buddhism in Tibet. The 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924-1981), was furthermore instrumental in making Buddhism and in particular its Kagyu school accessible to the West.
Read more about the history of the Karmapa’s reincarnations here.
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Click here for the introduction video of The 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje.