Home >

Site Map

Table of Contents:
Biographical Materials about the Seventeenth Karmapa

 

Background Information

Click on the document name to go to the information page on the topic
Description
The Karmapas are a line of enlightened masters tracing to Dusum Khyenpa, the First Karmapa, born in 1110. 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. The tradition that made possible the recognition of the Karmapa in our 20th-21st culture is recounted in the pages at this website.
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.
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
Click on the document name to go to the information page on the topic
Description
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.
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.
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
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.

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.

The Seventeenth Karmapa In Tibet
Click on the document name to go to the information page on the topic
Description
The identity of a Karmapa is not decided by a popular vote or a debate between groups. It is decided only by the prediction of the previous Karmapa. The 16th Karmapa's sacred letter of prediction stated that he would be reborn "to the north in the east of the land of snow." This was interpreted at the March 1992 meeting of the council of the four seat holders to mean that he would be reborn in eastern Tibet (north of Rumtek). In May, the Karmapa was officially located in the Lhotak region of Tibet.
The Early Years
 (1985-1992)
 As predicted in the 16th Karmapa's letter, the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa was born in the nomad community of Bakor, eastern Tibet, on the eighth day of the fifth Tibetan month, year of the Wood Ox (June 26, 1985). His father is Karma Döndrub and mother is Loga. He has six sisters and three brothers. The village in which he was born had about 72 nomadic families, comprising about 430 people.
After consideration of the evidence and additional meetings with Their Eminences Tai Situ Rinpoche, Tsurphu Gyaltsab Rinpoche and Shamar Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama granted the Buktham Rinpoche, the official notification of the Dalai Lama's approval of the identity of His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa.
Return to Tsurphu
(June 15, 1992)
 As dancing and singing in the courtyard continued for many hours into the late evening, opera singers resplendent in their colorful costumes and masks together with some other singers celebrated the historic arrival of the XVIIth Karmapa to Tsurphu Monastery--home and original seat of all the glorious Karmapas on June 15, 1992.
Enthronement
(September 27, 1992)
In the traditional Ngasol ceremony, the Karmapa was consecrated the seven year old Karmapa with the eight precious ingredients, the eight auspicious symbols and the seven possessions of universal monarchs. His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa had fulfilled the prediction of the Sixteenth, returning to the seat of the Karmapas.
Rebuilding Tsurphu
(1992-1999)
Though isolated parts of Tsurphu Monastery had been repaired after the destruction of the 1960s, the return of the Seventeenth Karmapa brought reconstruction of Tsurphu Monastery to a completely different level. Most of the original Tsurphu complex was restored, and new buildings, such as the shedra, or monastic college, were added.

The Seventeenth Karmapa In India

Click on the document name to go to the information page on the topic
Description
Long Journey from Tibet to India
(December 28, 1999- January 5, 2000)
During the years the Karmapa was at Tsurphu Monastery, His Holiness worked very hard to restore Tsurphu Monastery to health and prosperity, and to care for the monastic and lay community in the area. In 1999, His Holiness decided that it would benefit beings if he were no longer to stay in Tibet. Shortly before the turn of the millennium, His Holiness slipped out of Tsurphu in secret. His Holiness's own account of his journey from Tibet to India was provided to the press on April 27, 2001, and the transcript of that interview is reprinted at the link destination.
His Holiness presided over the Pal Nyammay Kagyupay Sangha Monlam Chenmo at the end of 2001, "The Great Monlam Aspiration of the Glorious Unequaled Kagyu Sangha." The gathering of Kagyu monks from all over the world takes place annually at the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya, India, under the Bodhi tree, the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
In 2002, His Holiness visited Kolkata as Guest of Honor for the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Rajasthan, was selected by Time Asia as one of "Asia's Heroes," representing Tibet, and joined His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Sarnath for a variety of activities, as well as the Mind-Life Conference in Dharamsala.
At the beginning of 2003, His Holiness Karmapa presided over The Great Monlam Aspiration of the Glorious Unequaled Kagyu Sangha, and then returned to Bodhgaya later in January to receive the Kalachakra empowerment from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Karmapa also taught in Jayanti Park in Delhi, was a guest of honor at the Shoton Festival in Dharamsala and made many prayers for the passing of Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden, affectionately known to the Bhutanese people as Gayum Angay, and for the mother of HE Situ Rinpoche.
His Holiness presided over the Karma Gon Cho, Annual Conference of Kagyu Philosophy, held prayer services for the Tsunami victims, presided over the ceremonies for Bokar Rinpoche after the latter's passing in August and, taught the public in Delhi.
His Holiness presided over The Great Monlam Aspiration of the Glorious Unequaled Kagyu Sangha (Pal Nyammay Kagyupay Sangha Monlam Chenmo) from December 30 - January 8, attended a gathering of all Tibetan Lineages in Bodhgaya with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to prayer for peace, toured Tibetan settlements throughout South India, presided over ceremonies at Bokar Monastery and installed Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche as the new General Secretary.
His Holiness presided over The Great Monlam Aspiration of the Glorious Unequaled Kagyu Sangha (Pal Nyammay Kagyupay Sangha Monlam Chenmo) from December 27 - January 3, was the Buddhist representative to an interfaith ceremony celebrating the Buddha's 2550 anniversary, presided over the parinirvana ceremonies of Very Ven. Bokar Rinpoche, turned 21 years of age (the legal age of majority in India), established the Saraswati Trust, and was the Chief Guest at the Buddha Jayanti cermonies in Bodhgaya for the anniversary of the parinirvana.
His Holiness presided over The 25th Anniversary Great Monlam Aspiration of the Glorious Unequaled Kagyu Sangha (Pal Nyammay Kagyupay Sangha Monlam Chenmo) from December 22 - 29, where he established a new direction for the Monlam and emphasized the importance of the environment, visited Dechen Chokorling Mahvihara
 

Reference Materials about the Seventeenth Karmapa
Click on the document name to go to the information page on the topic
Description and citing pages

Background and Recognition

A Song
(appx. 1940)

In approximately 1940, at the age of 17, His Holiness Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the Sixteenth Karmapa, composed a song entitled simply A Song.

Background: Songs of the 16th Karmapa
In 1944, the 16th Karmapa published another song foreseeing the flight from Tibet, expressing his sadness at being forced to leave the glorious seat of the Kagyu at Tsurphu Monastery.

Background: Songs of the 16th Karmapa
In 1961-62, upon his arrival in India, the 16th praised Tsurphu Monastery and spoke of returning to that "pure realm," but evidenced no intention to return during his lifetime. After his passing, it gradually became clear that the 16th Karmapa's reference to his return to Tsurphu was a prediction about the 17th Karmapa.

Background: Songs of the 16th Karmapa
Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

Details of the Seventeenth Karmapa's life were foretold with startling prescience in the vision of Chogyur Dechen Lingpa (1829-1870), a great nonsectarian master and one of the most renowned discoverers ("tertöns") of sacred hidden texts of the last few centuries.

Background: Vision of Chogyur Dechen Lingpa
A Prophecy of the Fifth Karmapa
(early 15th century)

Some of the details of the Seventeenth Karmapa's life were foretold in the prophecy of the Fifth Karmapa, who predicted that the 17th Karmapa would triumph over obstacles which would threaten the continuity of the Kagyu lineage.

Background: Prophecy of the Fifth Karmapa

In January of 1981, the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, gave to his heart son, the Xllth Tai Situpa, a sealed 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.

Background: Sacred Letter of Prediction

Confirmation by H.H. the Dalai Lama

A summary and reference guide to some of the publicly disclosed communications from and to His Holiness the Dalai Lama regarding the discovery and recognition of the Karmapa.

In Tibet: Confirmation by the Dalai Lama
Initial Communication
(June 7, 1992)

Since His Holiness the Dalai Lama was in Brazil when the 17th Karmapa was found in Tibet, information was faxed to His Holiness in Brazil, whose office issued a provisional statement that His Holiness had confirmed the identity of the 17th Karmapa based on evidence of the search party.

In Tibet: Confirmation by the Dalai Lama
Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

Objection Letter
(June 17, 1992)

After the discovery of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa and provisional confirmation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in June of 1992, Shamar Rinpoche announced his opposition to the manner of recognition of the 17th Karmapa and that he would not accept the Sacred Testament of the 16th Karmapa. In the referenced letter, Shamar Rinpoche announced that his demands were "suspended," but he continued to voice his objections when he met with the Dalai Lama on June 29, 1992. The Dalai Lama issued his official confirmation after considering Shamar Ripoche's objection.

Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

The Buktham Rinpoche
(June 30, 1992)

His Holiness the Dalai Lama issued the Buktham Rinpoche, the formal seal of approval and confirmation recognizing His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa.

In Tibet: Confirmation by the Dalai Lama
Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

"In Tibetan, there is a proverb that says where there is great Dharma, there is immense Mara, and so there has been a little disharmony and some difficult situations, but these do not have great importance." Remarks by His Holiness the Dalai Lama upon the occasion of his official confirmation of the 17th Karmapa.

Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

The Office of the Dalai Lama released a special notification concluding: "Thus, His Holiness the Dalai Lama granted his final seal of approval and recognition to the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, not randomly or hastily for any reason, but after satisfying himself by means of hearing a series of reports from all those concerned; studying and paying due consideration to the overall matter; and reconfirming the final indications with exclusive traditional examinations."

In Tibet: Confirmation by the Dalai Lama
Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

Kagyu Office Official Releases

After the passing away of the 16th Karmapa, the Kagyu Office announced that the four heart-sons of His Holiness—the current Shamar Rinpoche, Tai Situ Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, and Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche— had agreed to form a council of regents to take joint responsibility for the spiritual affairs of the Karma Kagyu lineage, alternating as the regent of His Holiness, serving for three years in rotation, each taking lead responsibility for preserving the activity of the Karmapa during that three year period of their term.

Background: Interregnum - Transition between the 16th and 17th Gyalwang Karmapas

A further announcement about the council of four throne-holders.

Background: Interregnum - Transition between the 16th and 17th Gyalwang Karmapas
The resolution accepted the resignation of Topga Yulgyal in 1992. Mr. Tenzin Namgyal succeeded him in the position of General Secretary, and continues so to serve.

Background: Interregnum - Transition between the 16th and 17th Gyalwang Karmapas
The Karmapa was permitted by the Indian Government to speak to the press and a press conference was held with the international press corps in attendance.
A transcript of the question and answer session with the international press corps at the Press Conference.
A press release from the Kagyu Office describing the request of His Holiness for his followers to comply with the lawful orders of the court regarding an inventory of sacred possessions of Rumtek Monastery sought in a court action brought by opponents of the Kagyu administration
The Kagyü Office of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa notification through its legal counsel that a motion designed to bring the litigation over Dharma Chakra Centre, Rumtek Monastery to a swifter conclusion has been unsuccessful. Although the Kagyü Office is disappointed with the news because it will prolong the litigation, the ruling by the Supreme Court of India was not unexpected due to the legal technicalities involved in the underlying suit.
Zhanag Dzodpa (General Secretary to the Holder of the Black Crown) Tenzin Namgyal was born in 1933 in the Year of the Female Water Bird in deva-bhumi Todlung Tsurphu into the family line of the 14th Karmapa 'Nakharsharu Khangsar.' With peaceful countenance he passed away on the evening of June 8, 2005 in Nepal.
Statement identifying the officials at the temporary residence at Gyuto Monastery, Sidhbari, Dharamsala, who manage the office of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa, and officials at Dharma Chakra Centre, Rumtek Administration. Also, information on donations and audience notification procedures.

Selected News Media Articles
Observer
(April 29, 2001)
 An interview of His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa by Luke Harding
Telegraph
(April 28, 2001)
 A background piece about His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa's administration at Gyuto by Mick Brown
Time Magazine
(May 10, 2001)
 An interview by Asia bureau chief Michael Fathers

The Tibetan tradition of reincarnated masters

Kagyu Office of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa (about the Kagyu Office)

Web pages © Kagyu Office except as noted in the text of the page or on the copyright notice page (click link for copyright information); photographs, drawings and images © Kagyu Office except as noted in the text of the page or on the copyright notice page (click link for copyright information)

Web design by His Holiness Karmapa's Office of Administration