The Gyalwa Karmapa is a fully enlightened being and holder of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Buddhism. In the 12th century, the first Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa became a holder of the Kagyu lineage. Before his death he predicted the exact circumstances of his next rebirth. His successor, the second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi, was the first recognized reincarnate lama of Tibet.

His lineage, the Karma Kagyu, grew to become one of the most prominent in Tibet. Following the Chinese invasion in the 1950s, the Karma Kagyu teachings spread across the globe through the activity of H.H. the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. The present 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje was found and recognized according to tradition by H.H. Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, second to the Karmapa in the Karma Kagyu Lineage.

Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje resides in Kalimpong, India, and in recent years has travelled extensively around the world, giving teachings and empowerments to thousands of students. Karmapa has completed a traditional Tibetan Buddhist education and has received the full transmission of the Kagyu Lineage, attaining the position of Vajracharya, or Highest Tantra Master in 2003. He has also received a modern Western education, including the study of Western philosophy and science. He has visited the UK twice, first in 2005 and also in 2007.

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17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje