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To give a short impression of his life...

See also here for a more detailed biography written by Dr. Alex Gardner:

Life Story of His Holiness

the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa




by Venerable Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche1


The embodiment of all the enlightened activity of the Buddhas of the three times, who, though having attained supreme enlightenment, out of His limitless compassion chooses to take rebirth in this dark age in order to subdue the sufferings of sentient beings – the supreme lineage of tulkus, self-recognizing, who continually take rebirth for the benefit of all beings – whose name, Karmapa, is renowned as the sun and the moon.

Dharma activities of H.H. Karmapa

From the First Karmapa, Dus.gsum. mkhyen.Pa, to the Fifteenth Karmapa mKa.Khyab. rDo.rJe, they have performed their Dharma activities principally in Tibet, China, Mongolia, Sikkim and Bhutan. His Holiness the XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa, Rang.‘byung Rig.Pae rDo.rJe, branched out His Buddha activity to encompass the entire world.

Early life and recognition of H.H. Karmapa

His Holiness was born at Den.Khok in Kham, near the river Yangtse, on the full moon day of the sixth month of the year of the Wood Mouse (1924 A.D.). He was born in an aristrocratic family named Ah.Thub. His father’s name was Tshe.dbang.Nor.Bu, and his mother’s name was Kal.bZang.Chos.lDan. The birth of a great bodhisattva in the Ah.Thub family had been previously predicted by rDzog.Chen. sPrul.sKu.Chos.Kyi.rDo.rJe, head of the famous rNying.Ma Monastery of rDzog.Chen. Acting on his advice, the mother had given birth in the nearby cave of Padmasambhava, called the “Lion Sky Castle“.

Before the child’s birth He disappeared entirely from the womb for one whole day, and then returned the next. On the actual night of His birth, the atmosphere was charged with portents, which everybody in the locality could sense.

Shortly thereafter, Si.Tu.Pad.Ma.dBang Phyug.rGyal.Po opened the previous Karmapa’s letter of prediction and discovered therein a detailed description of the house in which His Holiness‘ parents dwelt. A search party was sent, and the child was speedily recognized to be the Sixteenth Karmapa incarnation.2

Lay ordination of the H.H.Karmapa from Situ Rimpoche and Jamgön Kongtrül Rimpoche II.

His Holiness stayed with his family for several years. When he was seven years old, he received the lay ordination from Si.Tu.Rin.Po.Che, and ‘Jam.mGon.Kong.sPrul.Rin.Po.Che of dPal.sPungs, and a year later the Vajra Crown and the robes of the Karmapa were brought from mTshur.Phu to Khams for Him. Si.Tu.Rin.Po.Che then invited Him to visit dPal.sPungs Monastery. His Holiness was given a great welcome there, and four days later, he was enthroned by Si.Tu.Rin.Po.Che, in the main shrine of the Monastery.

Vajra Crown ceremony held for the first time

  Two month later, His Holiness and Si.Tu.Rin.Po.Che, accompanied by a monastic camp of a thousand people, set out for mTshur.Phu. His Holiness‘ love of animals was very evident on this long journey and many guineapigs were presented to Him as pets. Along the way, His Holiness performed the Vajra Crown ceremony for the first time in His lifetime at Gyi.Na.Gang. After this auspicious event, the party visited Nyen.Chen.Thang-Lha, an environment symbolically dedicated to the energy of the Karma.bKa‘.brGyud tradition. On His subsequent arrival at mTshur.Phu, His Holiness was welcomed by dPal.sPungs.‘ Jam.mGon.Kong.sPrul.Rin.Po.Che, dPa.Bo.Rin.Po.Che, and rGyal.Tshab.Rin.Po.Che.

After a short period of time, His Holiness visited His Holiness the Thirteenth Dalai bLa.ma Thub.bsTan.rGy.mTso, in Lha.Sa. During this visit, the Dalai bLa.ma perceived the Vajra Crown, vowen from the hair of one hundred thousand dakinis above His Holiness Karmapa’s head. After His return to mTsur.Phu, His Holiness was given a second golden throne ceremony by Si.Tu Rin.Po.Che and ‘Brug.Chen Rin.Po.Che Mi.Pham Cho.Kyi dBang.Po.

Study of scriptures

For the next four years, His Holiness studied with Kang.dKar Rin.Po.Che, who was acclaimed as the greatest bKa.brGyud scholar of the time. He had memoriezed the entire contents of the Kagyur, and also numbered among his students the most profound Sa.sKya contemporary scholar, De.Zhung Rin.Po.Che. While studying with Kang.dKar Rin.Po.Che, His Holiness related the stories of His previous lives to His guru.

H.H. the Karmapa’s Journey to Khams

In 1937, His Holiness and His entourage set out on a journey to Khams, De.rGe to visit Si.Tu Rin.Po.Che. On the journey many highly symbolic events took place which conveyed the inspiration of Karmapa’s energy. On this journey, His Holiness visited the monastery of mChog.Gyur gLing.Pa, the nineteenth century Ba.Ram bKa‘ brGyud master, in the Nang.Chen area. There bLa.Ma bSam.gTen rGya.mTsho requested His Holiness to bring an end to the drought that was afflicting the monastery. In response, His Holiness asked for some water to wash Himself. As He bathed, it started to rain and a spring came up under the wash tub.

When His Holiness arrived at dPal.sPungs monastery, He was welcomed by Si.Tu Rin.Po.Che. Subsequently, Si.Tu Rin.Po.Che instructed His Holiness in ‘Jam.mGon Kong.sPrul bLo.Gros Tha.‘Yas’s profound works, bKa.‘brGyud sNags.mDzod and gDam.Ngag.mDzod. On a visit to sPang.Phung monastery, His Holiness and Si.Tu Rin.Po.Che left their footprints on stone, while outside the temple, His Holiness‘ dog and horse left footprints on the rock.

At the Dzong.gSar monastery of mKhyen.brTse.Chos.Kyi.bLo.Gros, the great Ris.Med scholar, His Holiness performed the Vajra Crown ceremony. MKhyen.brTse Rin.Po.Che envisaged the spiritual form of the Vajra Crown floating about eighteen inches above His Holiness‘ head. In addition, he saw His Holiness in the form of Dus.gSum.mKhyen.Pa, the first Karmapa. On His return to dPal.sPungs, His Holiness received the empowerments, transmissions and instructions of the collected spiritual practices of the Sa.sKya tradition.

His Holiness‘ back Journey to Tsurphu, Pilgrimage to Samye

In the ninth month of the year of the Iron Dragon (1940 A.D.), His Holiness began the journey back to mTshur.Phu. On the way, he visited Ben.Chen monastery, where, on His arrival, a statue of the horse on which the Dharmapala Prithavapati was seated, began to neigh. After a journey lasting eleven months, His Holiness and His entourage reached mTshur.Phu. For the next three years, His Holiness entered into intensive practice, while new construction work was carried out on the monastery. In 1944, He went on pilgrimage, firstly to bSam.Yas monastery and then to Lho.brags, the home of Mar.Pa.Lo.Tsa.wa. That same year His Holiness visited Bhutan at the request of His Majesty the King, Jigs.Med.rDo.rJe.dBang.Phyug. During His stay, He performed the Vajra Crown ceremony several times and gave many empowerments.

Full Ordination of H.H. Karmapa

In the following year, the aged Si.tu.Rin.Po.Che travelled to mTshur.Phu to give further teachings to his spiritual son. His Holiness, then twentythree years old, received full ordination as a monk from Si.Tu.Rin.Po.Che. In addition, his guru instructed Him in the rGya.Chen.bKa‘.mDzod collection of ‘Jam.mGon.Kong.sprul.bLo. ‘gros.mTha.yas and the gCig.Shes.Kun.grol collection of the Ninth Karmapa, dBang.Phyug.rDo.rJe. From O.rGyan.sPrul.sKu, His Holiness received the complete empowerments and transmissions of gTer.sTon.Chog.‘Gyur.gLing.Pa’s teaching. This teaching has in fact exerted a powerful influence on both the bKa.‘brGyud and rNying.Ma traditions in the modern period.

H.H’s Journey to Western Tibet, India, and Nepal

In the fourth month of this year of the Fire Pig (1947 A.D.), His Holiness journeyed to Western Tibet and from there into India and Sikkim. In Nepal He performed the Vajra Crown ceremony and gave His blessings to the people, His Holiness then travelled to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Shakyamuni Buddha. He also visited Varanasi, the site of Shakyamuni'’ first sermon, and Bodhgaya, the place of his enlightenment. At the invitation of the Chos.rGyal of Sikkim, bKra.Shis.rNam.rGyal, His Holiness visited Gangtok where He performed the Vajra Crown ceremony, and gave empowerments.

His Holiness then travelled to Rewalsar (mTsho.Pad.Ma) in North west India, which is sacred to Guru Padmasambhava. Many white snakes appeared on the surface of the Rewalsar lake and this was regarded as a very auspicious event. The long journey back to mTshur.Phu passed through the area of Mount Kailasa and Lake Manassarovar. Finally, His Holiness and His party arrived back in mTshur.Phu in the eleventh month of the year of the Earth Rat (1948 A.D.).

Karmapa received instructions on Mahamudra and Six Yogas of Naropa from Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche

  His Holiness invited ‘Jam.mGon.Kong.sprul.Rin.po.Che of dPal.sPungs to come to mTshur.Phu and give Him further teachings. ‘Jam.mGon.Kong.sprul.Rin.po.Che gave Him the Rin.Chen.gTer mDzod, which is a sixtythree volume collection of rNying.Ma.Pa.gTer.Ma texts, and instructions in Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. At the completion of His studies, His Holiness received the transmission of the lineage from ‘Jam.mGon.Kong.sprul.Rin.po.Che and Si.Tu.Rin.Po.Che. To celebrate His Holiness‘ mastery of Mahamudra, dPal.sPung. ‘Jam.mGon.Kong.sprul.Rin.Po.Che composed a poem, in which he praised Him as a perfect holder of the Mahamudra lineage.

In 1953, His Holiness gave the empowerments and transmission of bDe.Chen.mChog.‘Gyur.gLing.Pa’s gTer.Ma teaching to sMin.grol.gLing.Chung.Rin.Po.Che, who as head of the important sMin.grol.gLing monastery was in effect the senior bLa.Ma of the rNying.Ma tradition.

Karmapa’s visit to China

In 1954, the Chinese authorities in Peking invited His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai bLa.Ma, and the heads of the other Tibetan religious traditions, together with other notaries, to visit Peking and other parts of China. His Holiness Karmapa accepted the invitation and together with the rest of the party, travelled to Peking. While there, His Holiness received a visionary intimation from Mahakala indicating the circumstances of the rebirth of Si.Tu.Rin.Po.Che. He was able to send a letter to dPal.dPungs describing the where-abouts of Si.Tu.Rin.Po.Che’s incarnation. On the return journey, His Holiness formally enthroned the new Si.Tu.Rin.Po.Che at dPal.sPungs. Many bKa.‘brGyud bLa.Mas and students came to His Holiness, while He travelled, to receive empowerments and teachings.

H.H. the Dalai Lama’s visit to Tshurphu

Following His return to mTshur.Phu, His Holiness supervised the construction of a residence for the Dalai bLa.Ma, whom He invited to visit. The Dalai bLa.Ma and his entourage were greeted with great festivities, and he was requested to give the empowerment of the one thousand armed Avalokiteshvara. In return, the Dalai bLa.Ma asked His Holiness to perform the ceremony of the Vajra Crown. A ritual, Padmasambhava dance was also held in his honour.

  Karmapa’s pilgrimage to India during 2500th Anniversary of Buddha’s Parinirvana

In 1956, His Holiness visited ‘brug.bDe.Chen.Chos.‘Khor.gling‘ the principal ‘brugs.Pa.bKa.‘brgyud Monastery. He gave teachings and also performed a purification rite. He travelled to Sikkim, where He again met the Chos.rGyal.bKra.Shis.rNam.Gyal. The year 1956 was celebrated world-wide as the twothousand fivehundredth anniversary of Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana. So, His Holiness and His party extended their journey into India and Nepal wheere they visited all the sacred places of pilgrimage. During this journey, His Holiness was asked to visit Rum.bTeg Monastery in Sikkim, which had been established during the lifetime of the Ninth Karmapa. However, His Holiness declined the invitation, saying that He could be coming to it in the future, when He had need of it.

Trouble in Tibet, recognition of Rinpoches by H.H.Karmapa

When His Holiness returned to mTshur.Phu early in 1957, serious hostilities had broken out again in Khams. A stream of refugees was pouring into Central Tibet. Among these refugees were many bKa.brGyud.bLa.Mas such as the Ninth Sangs.rGyas.sNyan.Pa. Rin.Po.Che and the Twelfth Si.Tu Rin.Po.Che, both of whom came to mTshur.Phu. During this time, His Holiness recognized the Twelfth rGyal.Tshab Rin.Po.Che incarnation and the new dPal.sPung ‘Jam.mGon.Kong.sPrul Rin.Po.Che.

H.H. Karmapa receives instructions

From Ze.Chen Kong.sPrul Rin.Po.Che His Holiness Himself received the transmissions and teachings of the kLong.Chen.mDzod.bDun, the profound seven-volume work of kLong.Chen.Pa which deals with Maha Ati Yogas.

Conflict spread in Central Tibet, H.H. stayed in Tibet to assist the refugees

Inexorably, the conflict spread from Khams into Central Tibet. His Holiness sent Si.Tu Rin.Po.Che, Sangs.rGyas.sNyan.Pa Rin.Po.Che and the venerable meditation master Ka.Lu Rin.Po.Che to Bhutan. The young dPal.sPungs. ‘Jam.mGon.Kong.sPrul Rin.Po.Che was sent to Kalimpong in India to stay with his family, the Sa.‘Du, wealthy merchants. However, His Holiness Himself decided not to leave at that time, saying that He would come to Bhutan, if the situation deteriorated. It was His intention to stay behind at mTshur.Phu until the last possible moment to render assistence to the refugees.

Karmapa’s decision to leave Tibet

The hostilities between the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Khams.Pa refugee forces were now raging throughout Tibet. His Holiness saw that the ancient Buddhist culture of Tibet was about to be extinguished like the light of a lamp. Realizing that He must leave Tibet then, in order to help preserve Buddhadharma, His Holiness informed the Dalai bLa.ma of His plans.

H.H. escaped into Bhutan

Susequently, in the middle of the fourth night of the year of the Earth Pig (1959 A.D.), His Holiness, dressed in lay clothing, together with a party of one hundred and sixty people, left mTshur.Phu. The party included incarnate bLa.Mas, monks and lay people. With His Holiness were the Thirteenth Zhwa.dMar Rin.Po.Che, the Twelfth rGyal.Tshab Rin.Po.Che, the meditation master Grub.dPon bsTan.‘Dzin Rin.Po.Che, and the saintly fourth consort of the Fifteenth Karmapa, mKha‘.Khyab rDo.rJe, mKha.‘gro.Chen.Mo. The party’s escape route lay over the Himalayas into Bhutan.

Kings of Bhutan, Sikkim and Govt. Of India extended invitations to H.H. to take up residence.

As all the successive Karmapas had been the head lamas of the Kings of Bhutan and Sikkim, they always enjoyed a close Dharma connection. And thus the Chos.rGyal of Sikkim, bKra.Shis Nam.rGyal, and His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigs.Med rDo.rje.dBang.Phyug extended their invitations to His Holiness and His followers to take up residence in their respective countries. The Government of India also extended an official invitation to His Holiness, as they had made preparations for receiving and resettlement for His Holiness the Dalai bLa.Ma and all the eminent bLa.Mas who were fleeing Tibet.

H.H.‘s decision to take residence in Sikkim (India)

However, in His perfect wisdom, His Holiness perceived that Sikkim, the ‘holy land of Guru Padmasambhava,‘ was the ideal place for the preservation of the precious and noble Dharma. And thus, He proceeded to Sikkim. The Chos.rGyal of Sikkim offered 74 acres of land at Rum.bTeg to His Holiness, and having gathered together more than 500 followers, tulkus, monks and lay disciples, His Holiness cared for them all, providing their material needs as well as their spiritual need. He gave numerous empowerments transmissions and teachings on the bKa.‘brGyud.sNags.mDzod, and gDams.sNags.mDzod, collections of ‘Jam.mGon.Kong.sPrul.bLo.‘gros.mThy.‘Yas comprising 13 volumes, and performed many Vajra Crown ceremonies.

  H.H initiated construction of Kagyu Shedrub Chokhor Ling at Rumtek

Upon His arrival in Sikkim, His Holiness initiated the building of the root monastery of bKa'‘‘brGyud tradition‘ the Main Seat, known as Shedrup Chokhor Ling. The construction commenced in 1963 and was completed in 1967. More than 250 tulkus, lamas and monks are constantly engaged with performing pujas there in the traditional manner for the flourishing of the Dharma and the benefit of all limitless Mother sentient beings.

Establishment of centres for Buddhist philosophy and retreat

The establishment of an Institute for the study of Buddhist philosophy, Sutra and Tantra, and founding of a retreat centre for the practice of meditation on Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, are just a few of the many Dharma activities which His Holiness accomplished. His Holiness blessed Rum.bTeg as the main centre for the re-establishment of the Precious Dharma.

  300 Dharma Chakra Centres throughout the world

In recent years, at the instruction of His Holiness, Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Venerable Kalu Rinpoche and numerous tulkus and lamas have gone abroad to elucidate the teachings and presently there are more than 300 bKa‘.brGyud monasteries and Dharma Centres in various countries throughout the world, such as America, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

H.H. visit to monasteries of Himalayan regions

At the request of the devoted benefactors and followers, His Holiness visited all the monasteries of Nepal, Ladakh and the Himalayan region. For the benefit of all, His Holiness gave empowerments, transmissions and teachings. During His visit to Nepal, the Shri Karmaraja Mahavihara monastery at Swayambhunath was particularly blessed, as His Holiness arranged for its complete renovation and refurnishing.

H.H. visited Bhutan at the request of King

Also, the Late King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigs.Med.rDo.Rje.dbang.Phyug, extended a yearly invitation to His Holiness to visit and bless his country. His Holiness visited all parts of the country imparting blessings, refuge vows, transmission of the Six-Syllable Mantra, and empowerments and teachings according to the needs and requests of the people.

Construction of monastery in Bhutan and transmission of Kagyud doctrine


Later, Tashi Chholing Dzong in Bumthang and Kunga Rabten Dzong were offered to His Holiness by the Late King, and at his request, His Holiness constructed a large monastery at Tashi.chholing to house more than 300 monks. Thereafter, at the request of many tulkus and lamas of all sects, His Holiness conferred the empowerment, transmission and teachings on rGya.Che bKa‘.mDzod, a collection of the First ‘Jam.mGon Kong.sPrul, and gChig.Shes Kun.grol, a collection of the Ninth Karmapa, and on Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, the main teachings of the bKa‘.brGyud Tradition, which continued for three months.

Installation of thousand Buddha images at Rumtek Monastery

At the same time, His Holiness completed the unfinished Dharma activities for the Rum.bTeg monastery, such as, the making of one thousand Buddha statues of clay with gold-plating, 8 inches in height, each consecrated and containing a precious bone relic of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha. These statues are the main devotional objects in the monastery.

H.H.‘s visit to Dharma Chakra Centres abroad bestowing teachings

 In 1974, at the invitations received from various Dharma Centres, His Holiness went abroad for the first time. During His five-month tour, His Holiness visited America, Canada and Europe, bestowing teachings and instructions for the future at each Centre. During His Holiness‘ visit to Arizona, one of the States of America, the Hopi Indians were most grateful to His Holiness for performing the miracle of bringing rain to the parched land, afflicted by a draught.

Donation of lands in U.S.A. and France for construction of monasteries

Dr. and Mrs. C. T. Shen, wealthy and devoted Buddhists and residents of America, offered to His Holiness 400 acres of land in the vicinity of New York for the construction of a monastery. Similarly, a disciple in France [Bernard Benson] offered a 500 acre plot of land. In accordance with the wishes of His Holiness, the various works for the establishment of these monasteries, retreat centres and institutes are already in progress.


Setting up of Karma Kagyu Trust abroad

In order to facilitate the monastery construction projects and to unify and strengthen the existing Centres, His Holiness set up Karma Kagyu Trusts in America, Canada, England, and France according to the laws of the respective countries. The concerned governments showed a great deal of devoted interest and respect to His Holiness‘ project and also gave their full recognition and co-operstions.

H.H’s visit to Vatican at the invitation of Pope John


While in France, His Holiness received an invitation from Pope John the XXIIIrd to visit Rome. His Holiness visited the Vatican, staying for several days, during which time He discussed with the Pontiff the establishment of harmony among all world religions.

Printing of Kagyud text and Derge Kangyur

Soon after returning from the Dharma tour, His Holiness took up the project of printing some one hundred very rare texts, commentaries of the bKa‘.brGyud Tradition, and printed 500 sets of the ‘Derge Edition‘ of the Kangyur in 102 volumes, making it available to all monasteries and libraries irrespective of sects. Subsequently, these precious texts have become the indispensible objects of devotion for all benefactors, monks and lay people.

Construction of Ka.Nying.Shedrup.Ling Monastery in Nepal

In 1976, His Holiness paid a visit to Nepal at the requests of various monasteries there. During this visit, His Holiness consecrated the newly founded Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling monastery and gave teachings to tulkus, lamas and lay people numbering over 100 for an entire month. His Majesty the King of Nepal, Maharaja Birendra, was present for the opening ceremony of the monastery, and His Holiness requested the King to take the monasteries and Dharma people of Nepal under his government’s protection and assistence. His Holiness visited a number of monasteries, and returned to India by way of Lumbini.

Donation of a plot of land in New Delhi by Govt. Of India

The Government of India had made all necessary arrangements for His Holiness‘ stay in New Delhi, the Capital of the country. His Holiness had a meeting with the Prime Minister, Shrimati Indira Gandhi, at which time the Government of India expressed its willingness to offer a plot of land in New Delhi to His Holiness for the construction of a monastery.

H.H.‘s second visit abroad

In 1977, His Holiness made His second international Dharma tour, proceeding to the Centres which He had established in southeast Asia, America, Canada, and Europe. His Holiness bestowed many teachings and performed the Vajra Crown ceremony, besides fullfilling the various other spiritual needs of the individual disciples. At the same time, He initiated the establishment of some twenty new Dharma Centres and performed the consecration ceremonies for the construction of several monasteries.

Renovation of Calcutta Monastery

At the end of 1978, His Holiness returned to India. Upon arrival, His Holiness began renovation of the Calcutta Monastery and sent 30 Lamas abroad as resident teachers for Centres, to instruct and guide the many disciples along the Path of Dharma.


  Laying of corner stone of Dharma Chakra Centre in Delhi

In 1979, the Government of India gave official confirmation of the allotment of land for the construction of the New Delhi Monastery. And on 28th November 1979, in the presence of the Honourable Vice President of India and host of other government officials and dignitaries and devoted benefactors, His Holiness and His Excellency the President of India, Shri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, laid the cornerstone of Karmae Dharma Chakra Centre.

  Sudden illness and recovery of H.H.

Shortly thereafter, His Holiness became suddenly ill. At the request of His Excellency the President and His Excellency the Former Governor of Sikkim, Shri B.B.Lal, His Holiness was admitted in to All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, for examination and treatment, Comprehensive treatment was offered and within a month’s a time His Holiness had fully recovered. Thereafter, He returned to His Main Seat, Rumtek.

Request by Tibetan in Tibet to recognise incarnate Lamas in Tibet

At that point in time, due to the liberalization policies of the Chinese Government, communication was opened with Tibet. Many people in Tibet requested His Holiness to recognize the rebirths of the tulkus who had passed away in Tibet over the past 20 years. And subsequently, His Holiness recognized thirtytwo.

H.H.‘s Third World Tour

In 1980, His Holiness made His Third World Dharma Tour. He was admitted in to several world-renowned hospitals for check-up, and gradually was able to visit all the Centres and universities which had extended invitations. A hearty welcome was extended to His Holiness upon His arrival in Washington, D.C, the Capital of America, and the Government expressed in a letter its gratitude to His Holiness for coming to the country. Above all, Senator Charles H. Percy of Illinois and his family arranged a luncheon in honour and devotion to His Holiness at the Capital Building. In a speech to the official dignitaries, His Holiness spoke extensively on the Dharma and on world peace and happiness.


H.H.‘s visit to Hong Kong

Later, as per the request of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, His Holiness proceeded to Hong Kong and spoke to those present stressing the importance of mutual understanding among the various Buddhist traditions existing there. He established a new Tibetan Dharma Centre in Hong Kong.

H.H.‘s prediction for future reincarnation

After His return to India, His Holiness began preparing new small robes, and often in His conversations he mentioned that impermanence might strike at any moment, and that in the near future, He would return as a small child and at that time He should be well looked after. His Holiness gave the impression that He would not stay on for long. His Holiness caused His body to weaken in order to demonstrate impermanence for the benefit of all. And at the persistent requests of many benefactors from all walks of life, He proceeded to Hong Kong for medical treatment. However, His Holiness did not say clearly that he would stay on, but only agreed to go for treatment.

Proceeding Hong Kong for treatment, H.H. passed to Dharmadhatu Samadhi

The Government of Sikkim made special arrangements for His Holiness to proceed to Hong Kong, and provided a physician to accompany Him. Later, at the advice of a Hong Kong doctor, His Holiness went on to America, where the American International Clinic, Zion, Illinois, Chicago, offered their treatment. However, eventually, His Holiness chose to leave His body and passed to the Dharmadhatu. He remained in samadhi for three days, after which the Precious sKu.gDung was transported to Rum.bTeg, and approximately 500 tulkus, lamas and monks performed the 49-day pujas.

Thousands of people paid tribute to the precious mortal remain

During this time, hundred and thousands of people came to receive blessings and pay their tribute to the Precious sKu.gDung. The holy cremation ceremony was performed on 20th December, 1981. At that time the great multitude had the blessed opportunity of witnessing the miraculous signs which expressed the noble qualities of His Holiness, the Living Buddha. This invoked and strengthened their devotion in the noble Dharma. His Holiness‘ devotees and followers all offered and continued to offer constantly their heartfelt prayers for the quick rebirth of His Holiness‘ next incarnation, the Protector of all sentient beings.

Four High Lamas took responsibilities of International Kagyu Centres

In the meantime, His Eminence Shamar Rinpoche, His Eminence Tai.Situ Rinpoche, His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, and His Eminence Gyaltsab Rinpoche, who are the Four Heart-Sons of His Holiness, are taking full responsibility for carrying out the Dharma activities and fulfilling His Holiness‘ wishes, so that the Golden Chain of Kagyu Lineage will continue to flourish for all time.

1From: Bulletin of TibetologySikkim Research Institute of Tibetology& other Buddhist Studies, Gangtok, Sikkim, I. 1982. The first part of this article is almost identical with  Karma Thinleys Biography.
2 It took years until the letter was found and the Karmapa was found, as the government of the Dalai Lama tried to install an imposter as 16th Karmapa (See Tulku Urgyen: Blazing Splendor, pg 59-61.