Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, the head of the Kagyu lineage represents the longest unbroken chain of reincarnated spiritual leaders of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
He was born on 6 May 1983 in Central Tibet, the son of Mipham Rinpoche III – high Nyingma Lama, and Dechen Wangmo. When he was 1.5 years old, he announced that he was Karmapa. Traditionally, Karmapas recognize themselves in each reincarnation. The authenticity of his incarnation was confirmed using all traditional methods and certified by the official recognition of the supreme lama of the Karma Kagyu then, XIV Künzing Shamar Rinpoche.
In March 1994, with his family, he escaped from China-controlled Tibet to Nepal and then to India. During the welcoming ceremony in New Dheli he was formally enthroned as Karmapa. In 1996, in Bodhgaya he took vows and refuge, and received the name of Trinley Thaye Dorje, which means the Limitless Unchanging Buddha Activity.
Thaye Dorje settled in Kalimpong and began an intense period of traditional Buddhist education. He received direct trasmissions of Buddhist philosophy and practices from the most famous masters. In 2003, his formal education was completed, and he received the title of Vidyadhara or Possessing the Knowledge of all Sutras and Tantras.
Today, Karmapa is the spiritual leader of more than 900 Buddhist centers and monasteries in 68 countries around the world. As the possessor of unique and valuable Buddhist wisdom and methods, he passes them to his students and listeners around the globe. He travels extensively, teaching, sharing his experience and inspiring thousands of people by his attitude.
He was born on 6 May 1983 in Central Tibet, the son of Mipham Rinpoche III – high Nyingma Lama, and Dechen Wangmo. When he was 1.5 years old, he announced that he was Karmapa. Traditionally, Karmapas recognize themselves in each reincarnation. The authenticity of his incarnation was confirmed using all traditional methods and certified by the official recognition of the supreme lama of the Karma Kagyu then, XIV Künzing Shamar Rinpoche.
In March 1994, with his family, he escaped from China-controlled Tibet to Nepal and then to India. During the welcoming ceremony in New Dheli he was formally enthroned as Karmapa. In 1996, in Bodhgaya he took vows and refuge, and received the name of Trinley Thaye Dorje, which means the Limitless Unchanging Buddha Activity.
Thaye Dorje settled in Kalimpong and began an intense period of traditional Buddhist education. He received direct trasmissions of Buddhist philosophy and practices from the most famous masters. In 2003, his formal education was completed, and he received the title of Vidyadhara or Possessing the Knowledge of all Sutras and Tantras.
Today, Karmapa is the spiritual leader of more than 900 Buddhist centers and monasteries in 68 countries around the world. As the possessor of unique and valuable Buddhist wisdom and methods, he passes them to his students and listeners around the globe. He travels extensively, teaching, sharing his experience and inspiring thousands of people by his attitude.