Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche

An emanation of Buddha Amithaba, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche is second to Gyalwa Karmapa in the spiritual hierarchy of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.

The first Shamar Rinpoche, Khedrup Trakpe Senge (1283-1349), was the principal disciple of the 3rd Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. His second incarnation, Kacho Wangpo, received the Red Crown from the 4th Karmapa, Rolpe Dorje, an exact replica of Karmapa's Black Crown. With the Red Crown, the Karmapa bestowed on him the name of "Shamarpa - The One with the Red Crown." Since then, Karma Kagyu texts speak of two Karmapas, the Black Hat and Red Hat Karmapas, always alternating as teacher and student throughout centuries and their minds are considered inseparable.

H.H. the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche Mipam Chokyi Lodro was born in 1952 in Derge, Tibet as the nephew of H.H. the 16th Karmapa. He was recognized as the Shamarpa incarnation at the age of 6, and was taken to Yang Chen Monastery, the main seat of the Shamarpas in Tibet. He left Tibet at the age of 9 together with the 16th Karmapa for Sikkim, India where he lived and studied under Karmapa's guidance.

Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche received the entire teachings and transmissions of the Karma Kagyu School from the 16th Karmapa at Rumtek monastery in Sikkim. After Karmapa's death, Shamar Rinpoche undertook the project of completing the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi, India. In March 1994, he officially recognized Trinlay Thaye Dorje as the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. Shamar Rinpoche spends most of his time giving Dharma teachings around the world.

Lopen Tsechu Rinpoche

Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche was born in the Kingdom of Bhutan in 1918.

When he was 13 years old, he left Bhutan to study and practice under the spiritual guidance of his uncle Lama Sherab Dorje in Nepal. There he received full dharma training and meditated under severe conditions in the caves of Milarepa and in the holy places of Guru Rinpoche. In 1944, Rinpoche met H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa who became one of his most important masters.

In the years to follow, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche became the key figure for dharma practitioners in Nepal. In 1987, he visited Europe for the first time at the invitation of his first Western students Lama Ole Nydahl and his wife Hannah. Since that time he traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Americas, and Australia giving teachings and countless initiations. He completed the building of a Kalachakra Stupa in Spain and more than 16 other stupas in Europe and Asia.

Lopon Tchechu Rinpoche's last project, the Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmadena, Spain is the crown jewel of his life's work.

Rinpoche passed away on June 10th 2003 at the age of 85, four months before the inauguration of this magnificent project. The immense power of his compassion is felt by people of every background and brings benefit to all beings.

Jigme Rinpoche

Lama Jigme Rinpoche was born into the family of H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, as the brother of Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche.

He received extensive teachings from the 16th Karmapa, who during his first visit in the West left him there as his representative. Since that time, Jigme Rinpoche has been guiding Karmapa's seat in Europe, Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in France.

Besides his organizational skills, he is highly respected as a lama. Many have benefited from his profound knowledge, his understanding of western lifestyle, and his practical wisdom, warmth, and humor.

Shangpa Rinpoche

Shangpa Rinpoche was born in 1960 at the border between Tibet and Nepal.

He studied all the ritual arts and scriptures under the guidance of Dupsing Rinpoche and other learned teachers. He received teachings and empowerment from H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, Urgyen Tulku Rinpoche, and other high lamas.

The 16th Karmapa instructed Shangpa Rinpoche to assume the responsibility as abbot of the Karma Kagyu monastery in Pokhara, Nepal. In 1982, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche requested Shangpa Rinpoche to go to Singapore to be the spiritual teacher of the Karma Kagyu center. In 1997, he was appointed abbot by members of the Singapore Kagyu center.

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