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The Life and Legacy of the 14th Shamarpa Mipham Chokyi Lodro
The Life and Legacy of the 14th Shamarpa Mipham Chokyi Lodro
Early Life and Recognition
Early Life and Recognition
Mipham Chokyi Lodro, the 14th Shamarpa, was born on October 27, 1952, in the Kingdom of Derge, Eastern Tibet. He came from the noble Athub family and was the nephew of the 16th Karmapa, one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism. Due to a political ban on the formal recognition of the Shamarpa lineage, Shamarpas were reborn near the Karmapas, who would recognize them informally.
At just four years old, Mipham Chokyi Lodro recognized senior monks from Yangpachen Monastery, the traditional seat of the Shamarpas. By age six, he was privately enthroned as the 14th Shamarpa by the 16th Karmapa, marking the continuation of this ancient reincarnate lineage.
Escape from Tibet and Spiritual Training
Escape from Tibet and Spiritual Training
Following the political turmoil in Tibet, Shamar Rinpoche sought refuge at Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, India. There, he received the complete teachings and transmissions of the Karma Kagyu school directly from the 16th Karmapa. In 1963, with the approval of the Dalai Lama, Shamar Rinpoche was officially enthroned as the 14th Shamarpa and recognized as the second-highest lineage holder in the Karma Kagyu tradition.
Contributions to Tibetan Buddhism and Global Outreach
Contributions to Tibetan Buddhism and Global Outreach
After settling in India, Shamarpa played a pivotal role in completing the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi, a project initiated by the 16th Karmapa. He traveled extensively, teaching thousands of students worldwide through his Bodhi Path centers and other Karma Kagyu institutions.
Shamarpa was also a prolific author, writing several books on Buddhist practice and social issues such as democracy. His work demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people, rather than engaging in politics. In addition, he founded the Infinite Compassion Foundation, dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals.
Recognizing the 17th Karmapa
Recognizing the 17th Karmapa
Shamarpa was instrumental in the recognition and enthronement of the 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje. Upon learning of a young boy with extraordinary qualities living in Lhasa, he arranged for trusted lamas to visit and eventually confirmed the boy as the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa. Shamarpa ensured the safe passage of Thaye Dorje and his family out of Tibet and formally enthroned him at KIBI in 1994.
As the root teacher of the 17th Karmapa, Shamarpa transmitted the full Kagyu lineage teachings, ensuring the continuity and authenticity of this ancient tradition.
On the Recognition Process
On the Recognition Process
Regarding the recognition of the 17th Karmapa, Shamar Rinpoche explained:
“There exists no tradition of asking for proof of such types of recognition. This is because the process is beyond what people can perceive with their normal senses. So I myself, being a Shamarpa, I am the proof of the authority to recognize Karmapa according to the traditions of the Karma Kagyu lineage.”
Legacy and Passing
Legacy and Passing
The 14th Shamar Rinpoche, Mipham Chokyi Lodro, passed away at age 61 at his Dharma center in Renchen Ulm, Germany, on June 11, 2014. Throughout history, each Shamarpa has been authenticated by the Karmapa they recognized, maintaining the principle of reciprocal recognition. This unique relationship between the Red Hat (Shamarpa) and Black Hat (Karmapa) lineages ensures the unbroken transmission of one of the oldest reincarnate traditions in Tibetan Buddhism.
Achievements and Ongoing Influence
Completion of the Tengyur: Shamar Rinpoche oversaw the reprinting of the Tengyur, a collection of 214 volumes featuring commentaries by prominent Indian and Tibetan masters on the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Support for Rumtek Monastery: He continued to offer guidance and support to Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the 16th Karmapa.
Karmapa International Buddhist Institute: As co-founder, he helped establish KIBI in New Delhi, which now offers comprehensive Buddhist studies for both monastic and lay students.
Global Teaching: Shamar Rinpoche frequently traveled internationally, teaching at Karma Kagyu centers around the world.
For more on the history and significance of the Karmapa and Shamarpa lineage, visit our microsite or read “The Kunzig Shamarpas of Tibet” by Yeshe Dronma.
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