Mipham Chokyi Lodro
Encyclopedia
Mipham Chokyi Lodro is the 14th and current Shamarpa
. He is also known as Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche
. He is the second most important teacher of the Karma Kagyu
school of Tibetan Buddhism
after the Karmapa
. The Karmapas are sometimes referred to as the Black Hat Lamas, referring to their Black Crown
.
The second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi
, prophesied that 'future Karmapas shall manifest in two Nirmanakaya forms'. Later the third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje
presented his principal student, Khedrup Drakpa Senge, a ruby-red crown which was an exact replica of his own Black Crown. The Karmapa explained that it symbolised their identical nature and so the lineage of the Shamarpas started.
The current Shamarpa was recognised by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje
. He is a central figure in the current controversy
within the Karma Kagyu lineage. He has recognised Trinley Thaye Dorje as the current (17th) Karmapa
. Some other high lamas within the lineage recognise Ogyen Trinley Dorje to be the current Karmapa, as does the 14th Dalai Lama
and civil authorities in the People's Republic of China
.
Shamarpa
Shamarpa of the Red Crown"), also known as Shamar Rinpoche or more formally Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche is a lineage holder of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and the mind manifestation of Amitabha Buddha, He is traditionally associated with Yangpachen monastery near Lhasa.The first...
. He is also known as Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche
Rinpoche
Rinpoche or Rinboqê is an honorific used in Tibetan Buddhism. It literally means "precious one," and is used to address or describe Tibetan lamas and other high-ranking or respected teachers. This honor is generally bestowed on reincarnated lamas, or Tulkus, by default...
. He is the second most important teacher of the Karma Kagyu
Karma Kagyu
Karma Kagyu , or Kamtsang Kagyu, is probably the largest and certainly the most widely practiced lineage within the Kagyu school, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The lineage has long-standing monasteries in Tibet, China, Russia, Mongolia, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and current...
school of Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and India . It is the state religion of Bhutan...
after the Karmapa
Karmapa
The Karmapa is the head of the Karma Kagyu, the largest sub-school of the Kagyupa , itself one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism....
. The Karmapas are sometimes referred to as the Black Hat Lamas, referring to their Black Crown
Black Crown
The Black Crown is an important symbol of the Karmapa, the Lama that heads the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The crown signifies his power to benefit all sentient beings. A corresponding crown, the Red Crown, is worn by the Shamarpa...
.
The second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi
Karma Pakshi
Karma Pakshi was the 2nd Gyalwa Karmapa. He was a child prodigy who had already acquired a broad understanding of Dharma philosophy and meditation by the age of ten. His teacher, Pomdrakpa, had received the full Kagyu transmission from Drogon Rechen, the first Karmapa's spiritual heir...
, prophesied that 'future Karmapas shall manifest in two Nirmanakaya forms'. Later the third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje
Rangjung Dorje
Rangjung Dorje was the third Karmapa, an important figure in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. He reportedly produced a spontaneous black crown at the age of three and declared himself to be the mindstream reimbodiment of Karma Pakshi...
presented his principal student, Khedrup Drakpa Senge, a ruby-red crown which was an exact replica of his own Black Crown. The Karmapa explained that it symbolised their identical nature and so the lineage of the Shamarpas started.
The current Shamarpa was recognised by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje
Rangjung Rigpe Dorje
The sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje was spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism...
. He is a central figure in the current controversy
Karmapa controversy
The recognition of the Seventeenth Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, has been the subject of controversy. Since the death of the sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, in 1981, two candidates have been put forward:...
within the Karma Kagyu lineage. He has recognised Trinley Thaye Dorje as the current (17th) Karmapa
Karmapa
The Karmapa is the head of the Karma Kagyu, the largest sub-school of the Kagyupa , itself one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism....
. Some other high lamas within the lineage recognise Ogyen Trinley Dorje to be the current Karmapa, as does the 14th Dalai Lama
14th Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama is the 14th and current Dalai Lama. Dalai Lamas are the most influential figures in the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, although the 14th has consolidated control over the other lineages in recent years...
and civil authorities in the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
.