HIS HOLINESS THE 16TH KARMAPA

The Activity of All Buddhas: The Meaning of “Karmapa”

Every Karmapa embodies the enlightened qualities needed by their students and society, manifesting aspects of wisdom and compassion according to the times. The life of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, exemplifies the true meaning of “Karmapa,” which translates as “Activity of All Buddhas.”

Under his leadership, the Karma Kagyu lineage not only survived the escape from Tibet of most of the high Buddhist teachers, but flourished. The Karma Kagyu lineage spread worldwide, with the Buddhist monasteries, institutes, and centers established by the 16th Karmapa now offering Buddhist teachings and methods to people across India, Asia, and the West.

The 16th Karmapa was renowned for his intuitive wisdom, joy, and boundless loving kindness. His compassionate activity was said to be “beyond words or concepts.” Revered throughout the Himalayas—including by the royal families of Sikkim and Bhutan—he was often sought for advice by masters of other lineages.

“He was such a highly respected teacher across the Himalayas… that masters of the other lineages would also call upon him for help and advice.”

Reviving the Shamarpas: A Historic Achievement

A major achievement of the 16th Karmapa was the revival of the Shamarpa lineage. For political reasons, the recognition of Shamarpas—the second-oldest reincarnate lineage in Tibetan Buddhism—had been banned by the Tibetan government for 170 years. Throughout this period, previous Karmapas quietly recognized and trained successive Shamarpas as spiritual lineage holders.

The 16th Karmapa informally recognized his nephew, Mipham Chokyi Lodro, as Shamarpa at age six. In 1957, the 14th Dalai Lama lifted the ban, and Shamar Rinpoche was officially enthroned in 1963 in Sikkim, remaining with the 16th Karmapa until the latter’s passing in 1981.

In 1994, in accordance with tradition, the 14th Shamarpa recognized Thaye Dorje as the 17th Karmapa. Shamar Rinpoche passed away in June 2014.

The legacy of the 16th Karmapa continues through his reincarnation, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa.

Early Life and Recognition

Birth and Prophecy

Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, was born in 1924 in Denkhok near Derge, eastern Tibet, to a noble family. His birth was surrounded by auspicious signs and prophecies. While still in his mother’s womb, he was said to recite the mantra of Chenresig (Avalokiteshvara).

Two great Buddhist masters prophesied the birth of a bodhisattva and advised his parents on auspicious circumstances for his arrival. At birth, rainbows appeared, and the child reportedly took seven steps, declaring, “Mother, Mother! I am going away!” To protect him from ill-wishers, his family initially announced the birth of a girl.

Discovery and Enthronement

The search for the new Karmapa followed a letter of prediction left by the 15th Karmapa, which described the exact circumstances of the birth. Upon confirmation, the child was recognized as the 16th Karmapa. He displayed extraordinary insight from a young age, even locating lost animals with precision.

At age seven, he received primary ordination and a ceremonial empowerment of Vajravarahi. His enthronement took place at Palpung monastery, followed by a journey to Tsurphu and the first Black Crown ceremony of his life, witnessed by thousands.

Spiritual Training and Miraculous Events

The 16th Karmapa’s youth was marked by spiritual training and miraculous occurrences. He met the 13th Dalai Lama in Lhasa, who recognized the subtle Bodhisattva-hat on his head—visible only to those of the highest attainment.

Throughout his travels in Tibet, the Karmapa performed miracles, such as resolving water shortages and displaying mastery over natural phenomena. He received comprehensive teachings from eminent masters, including the full Kagyu “Treasury” and the oral transmission.

Pilgrimages and Global Activity

Pilgrimage Across the Himalayas

The 16th Karmapa undertook pilgrimages to Bhutan, Nepal, and India, visiting sacred sites and performing ceremonies. He was warmly received by royalty and laypeople alike, bestowing blessings and performing the Black Crown ceremony in many places.

Encounters with World Leaders

He met with prominent figures, including the Dalai Lama and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and was invited by General Chiang Kai-shek of China, though he declined the invitation.

Escape from Tibet and the Rebirth of Rumtek

Flight from Tibet

With increasing Chinese hostilities, the 16th Karmapa realized that the Dharma’s survival required escape. In 1959, accompanied by an entourage of lamas, monks, and laypeople, he left Tsurphu monastery for Bhutan, bringing with him sacred relics and texts.

“He felt that the Dharma had become like a lamp that needed a supply of vital oil, in order to burn with a clear strong light.”

Establishing Rumtek Monastery

Sikkim was chosen as the new seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The Maharaja of Sikkim offered land at Rumtek, a site with auspicious attributes. With support from the governments of India and Sikkim, and personal resources, the 16th Karmapa oversaw the construction of the new monastic center, completed in 1966.

International Activity and Spreading the Dharma

Pilgrimages and Teachings

The 16th Karmapa continued pilgrimages and teachings throughout Bhutan and India, performing ceremonies for peace and the preservation of the Dharma. He oversaw the creation of thousands of Buddha statues and initiated large gatherings for scriptural readings and empowerments.

First Visits to the West

In 1974, the 16th Karmapa became the first Karmapa to visit the West, traveling to Europe, America, and Canada. He performed the Black Crown ceremony for Western audiences and established direct connections with overseas centers.

He returned to Europe and America in subsequent years, leading to the establishment of numerous meditation centers across the West.

Founding the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute

In 1979, he laid the foundation stone for the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi, envisioning a center for advanced Buddhist studies and translation.

Final Years and Passing

Last Activities and Teachings

Despite illness, the 16th Karmapa continued to travel, teach, and oversee the printing and distribution of Dharma texts. Even in his final months, he worked tirelessly for the spread of the Dharma.

Passing and Cremation

In 1981, the 16th Karmapa passed away in the USA. His death became a profound teaching on impermanence. He remained in the meditative state of Tugdam for three days after death, with signs witnessed by medical staff. His remains were transported to Rumtek, where ceremonies continued for forty-nine days before cremation.

“During the cremation, the heart of the 16th Karmapa rolled out from the stupa on the side facing Tibet.”

Hundreds of Rinpoches and students from around the world participated in these final ceremonies, marking the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to the preservation and flourishing of the Karma Kagyu lineage.