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Background Information |
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Description |
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The
Tibetan Tradition of Reincarnated Masters (est. appx. 1204) |
In 1985, a boy named "Apo Gaga" was born into a nomadic family in eastern Tibet. In 1992 that boy was recognized as the Seventeenth Karmapa. His biography can nevertheless properly be said to start some eight centuries earlier, according to the tradition in Tibet that enlightened masters ("tulkus") can reincarnate in order to extend the time in which they can benefit beings. |
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The
17 Karmapas (1110-present) |
The Karmapas have incarnated in this form of nirmanakaya, or manifestation body, for seventeen lifetimes, as of the present, and all have played the most important role in preserving and propagating the Buddhist teachings of Tibet. |
Prophecies |
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Description |
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Chogyur
Lingpa's Prophetic Vision of 21
Karmapas |
Details of the Seventeenth Karmapa's life were foretold with startling insight in the vision of Chogyur Dechen Lingpa (1829-1870), a great nonsectarian master and one of the most renowned discoverers of sacred hidden texts ("tertöns") of the last few centuries. |
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The
Prophetic Songs of the 16th Karmapa (1940-62) |
The songs of His Holiness Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the Sixteenth Karmapa, who was born in Tibet in 1924 and left permanently in 1959, reveal his prophetic foresight that his reincarnation, the 17th Karmapa, would be enthroned in Tsurphu, and in this way the Karmapa would see that the main seat of the Karmapas would be restored. |
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The
Prophetic Verses of the 5th Karmapa (1384-1415) |
Many see in the growing activity of the 17th Karmapa the dispelling of obstacles in Tibet, India and throughout the world, and the increasingly vivid manifestation of the heart-fulfillment of vision of the Karmapas. |
Interregnum |
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Interregnum (1981-1992) |
After the passing of the sixteenth Karmapa, it became the responsibility of his disciples to carry out His Holiness' wishes, to continue his activities and to find and enthrone the 17th Karmapa. |
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The
Prediction Letter (1981-1992) |
In January of 1981, the XVlth Gyalwang Karmapa, gave to his heart son, the Xllth Tai Situpa, a protection amulet with a brocade cover, and said, "This is your protection amulet. In the future, it will confer great benefit." Many years later, the amulet was discovered to contain the prediction letter for the rebirth of His Holiness. |
HH Gyalwa Karmapa
Detailed biographical information about His Holiness the 17th Karmapa is available from the drop down menus above. The materials are divided into:
17th Karmapa (His Holiness's current activities and schedule)
Background (Kagyu history regarding predictions about the 17th Karmapa)
In Tibet (His Holiness's early years, enthronement in Tibet and activity at Tsurphu Monastery)
In India (The Karmapa's escape to India and activities in India)
Reference (Official releases from the Kagyu Office and historical background documents referenced in other sections)
When not traveling, His Holiness holds regular public audiences at his temporary camp at the Gyuto Ramoche Tantric University in Dharamsala, HP, India
Kagyu Office of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa (about the Kagyu Office)
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