H.H. the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

H.H. the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa is the 17th Karmapa of Kagyu, and the leader of Kagyu (Kamtsang Sect of Tibetan Buddhism). In 1147, The first Karmapa Dusum-Chenpa was born in Treshu, Tibet. When Dusum-Chenpa became a monk at seventeen , "One Hundred Thousand Dakinis" offered him a crown of black jewels and the name "Karmapa". In DUSUM-Chenpa's time, "Karmapa" was still a secret title. It was only during the incarnation of the second Karmapa that the name "Karmapa" became widespread. Karmapa means "One who embarks on Buddha's mission", and is also synonymous with Pu-Cheh, the sixth Buddha of this Kalpa, the Lion's Roar Buddha. In 1984, the present 17th Karmapa was born to a shepherd family in Tibet's Kham area and named Apo Gaga. At eight He was recognized as the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa. It is said that when the 17th Karmapa was born, divine signs showed everywhere. The king of birds sang beautiful songs upon the tent in the dawn on the roof of the world. His family and the whole village heard the continuous sound of a conch shell filling up the sky. Rainbows appeared upon tents. All these fortunate signs made the village people understand that an extraordinary being had been born. Regarded as a little living Buddha by neighboring temples, the young Apo Gaga was often taken to temples to study Tibetan language. Not until he was eight was it revealed that this little Buddha was in fact the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa when the Karmapa search group appeared from Tshurpu Temple. At the end of 1999, in order to seek more complete Buddhist education and the heritage of traditions such as empowerment, the 17th Karmapa chose to leave Tibet for Rumtek Temple, India (which the 16th Karmapa built) in hope of receiving training from his previous life's disciples. Partly owing to political concerns, the 17th Karmapa currently resides in Dharamsala, India, from where he spreads His teaching with lectures, music and so on. In this transition, the 17th Karmapa is embarking on a brave new beginning.

Artist's others Profiles:

Sweet Melody of Joyful Aspiration The Lion Roar H.H. the 17th GYALWANG KARMAPA Spacious Expanse of Dharmadatu: Karmapa