Lama Jigme Rinpoche

Early Life and Spiritual Education in Tibet

Lama Jigme Rinpoche was born in 1949 in Kham, Eastern Tibet. As a child, he moved to Tsurpu Monastery-the traditional seat of the Karmapas-alongside his brother, the late 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, Mipham Chökyi Lodrö.

Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, Jigme Rinpoche, together with the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, and their entourage, escaped first to Bhutan and then to Sikkim. There, near Gangtok at Rumtek, King Tashi Namgyal offered land to the Karmapa. This site became Rumtek Monastery, the main seat in exile for the Karma Kagyu lineage, ensuring its continuity.

At Rumtek, Lama Jigme Rinpoche received his comprehensive spiritual education. He was personally trained by the 16th Karmapa and received all the essential transmissions and teachings of the Karma Kagyu tradition. He also studied with other eminent Tibetan Buddhist masters, including Gendün Rinpoche, Pawo Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Düjom Rinpoche, Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, Khandro Orgyen Tsomo Rinpoche, and Gyatrul Rinpoche.

Jigme Rinpoche often credits these masters for shaping his approach: from Dujom Rinpoche, he learned the art of teaching; from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, the importance of dedication to others; and from Kalu Rinpoche, Gendün Rinpoche, and Pawo Rinpoche, the preservation of authentic transmission.

Establishing the Karma Kagyu Lineage in Europe

In response to growing interest in Buddhism, the 16th Karmapa visited Europe in 1974. The following year, he was offered land in Dordogne, South-West France. There, he established Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, meaning "the place of the transmission of the teachings," as the principal seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Europe.

To ensure the sustainable flourishing of Dharma in the West, the 16th Karmapa outlined five essential conditions:

1. 1. A Network of Buddhist Centers: Accessible locations for study and meditation, including public and local satellite centers.

   2. A Monastery: Supporting the continuity of living tradition and providing a temple for teachings and practice.

   3. Retreat Centers: Spaces dedicated to intensive meditation and deepening of knowledge.

   4. A Buddhist Institute: A hub for contemporary Buddhist studies, dialogue, and research.

   5. A Library: Preserving and making accessible the teachings for visitors and researchers.

The 16th Karmapa appointed Lama Jigme Rinpoche as his official representative to Europe, supported by Gendün Rinpoche and Pawo Rinpoche. Before departing, the Karmapa famously stated, 

“In the person of Lama Jigme Rinpoche, I leave you my heart.”

Building Buddhism in the West

Lama Jigme Rinpoche led the development of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling and founded Karmé Dharma Chakra, the first non-Catholic religious congregation in France, officially recognized by the French State. This milestone greatly contributed to the establishment of Buddhism across Europe.

With over fifty years of experience, Jigme Rinpoche has developed a deep understanding of Western culture, allowing him to adapt and share the Buddha’s teachings in ways that resonate with modern society.

Inspiring Leadership and Interfaith Dialogue

Renowned for his natural communication skills, Lama Jigme Rinpoche inspires people from all backgrounds, including educators, youth, and caregivers. His commitment to religious and spiritual harmony is exemplified by his successful series of interviews with Robert Le Gall, Archbishop of Toulouse, which fostered greater understanding of Buddhist values in the West.

Jigme Rinpoche also serves as a consultant to business leaders and educational institutions, including ESSEC and HEC Paris. He is the founder or president of several humanitarian organizations, such as Infinite Compassion, École dans le ciel ("School in the Sky"), Tibet Save & Care, and Ethic.

Global Leadership in the Karma Kagyu Lineage

In December 2012, Thaye Dorje, the 17th Karmapa, appointed Jigme Rinpoche as his General Secretary, entrusting him with administrative responsibilities for the Karma Kagyu lineage worldwide. In this capacity, he travels extensively, overseeing the development of Karma Kagyu centers and monasteries globally.

After the passing of the 14th Shamar Rinpoche in 2014, Jigme Rinpoche assumed responsibility for continuing Shamar Rinpoche's educational initiatives, including a primary school in Takdha near Darjeeling, the Diwakar Buddhist Academy in Kalimpong, and an advanced Buddhist studies institution in Sharminub, Kathmandu.

Teaching, Training, and Publications

Today, Jigme Rinpoche teaches internationally within organizations linked to Karmapa Thaye Dorje, such as Bodhi Path, Diamond Way, and the Dhagpo Mandala. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the five foundational resources for Buddhism are now firmly established in Europe.

He also trains and mentors Western Dharma teachers-both lay and monastic-primarily in France and Germany, ensuring the continued growth and authenticity of the tradition.

Jigme Rinpoche is the author of several influential books, translated into numerous languages. Explore his published works on his official website.