HH 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Urgyen Trinle Dorje
For almost 900 years, the Karmapa has been the spiritual leader of the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The Historical Buddha (Buddha Shakyamuni) predicted the coming of the Karmapa and saw that he would be a fully realised teacher who would keep returning to the world to work on behalf of all beings. Indeed, the name Karmapa means 'the one who performs the activity of a Buddha' and since its origins, the Kagyu tradition has indeed been known for its works and outreach.
The 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, was very much an example of this. In the face of the communist occupation of Tibet in the 1950, he established the Kagyu Order in exile and then provided much of the vision, inspiration and drive in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West. Following his death in November 1981, his reincarnation was eagerly anticipated.
Before he dies, each Karmapa leaves instructions about how his new incarnation can be discovered and recognised. Such a letter was found in 1992 by the 12th Tai Situpa. The
16th Karmapa had given him an amulet saying "This is your protection amulet. In the future, it will confer great benefit". Following a dream, the Tai Situpa opened the amulet (a very unusual step as such items are sealed) and found the letter hidden inside. The letter gave specific details on where the new Karmapa could be found, the date of his birth and the names of both parents. A deputation of lamas was sent to look for him and a seven year old boy was found exactly as expected.
The boy, then named Apo Gaga, had been born to a nomadic family in 1985 in the Lhathok region of Tibet. From the beginning, it was clear that he was an exceptional child: his mother had experienced prophetic dreams during her pregnancy and there were miraculous signs during the time of his birth. He was placed in Kalek monastery where it was realised that he was a reincarnated lama although at this time there was no way of knowing he was the reincarnated Karmapa. His early years were shared between studying Dharma at the monastery and being with his family. Shortly before the deputation of monks sought to find him, Apo Gaga prompted his family to move to the region where it was predicted he would be found. Once there, he stated that his monks were coming to take him away and so clear was he on this matter that his parents set up a special tent to receive them.
With all elements of the prediction letter having been realised, Apo Gaga was taken back to Kalek monastery where he was presented with golden robes and sacred offerings which had been prepared by the Tai Situpa: Apo Gaga had now formally been recognised as the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa.
Following this, the Karmapa was taken to his traditional base at Tsurphu monastery to be greeted by thousands of Tibetans who had heard of his coming. The young man, now known as Urgen Trinley Dorje, was confirmed as the Karmapa by HH Dalai Lama who had previously had a dream in which he heard the word 'Karmapa' and saw the valley where the Karmapa was found. Shortly afterwards, the Chinese government officially recognised the new Karmapa - the first time the communist regime had ever acknowledged the reincarnation of a high lama.
The Karmapa's hair-cutting and naming ceremony was held in the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa and this was followed by his enthronement at Tsurphu Monastery on September 27th, 1992 where a vast number of pilgrims had gathered. The following day, some 25,000 people lined up to receive, individually, personal blessings from His Holiness. The next day, the Karmapa gave his first formal empowerment, on Red Chenrezig.
For the next seven years, Urgen Trinley Dorje was engaged in his studies of Buddhadharma including philosophy, debating, ritual practices and sacred dance. The fact that he is the Karmapa means that much is natural to him and he was able then, as now, to assimilate information at an astonishing rate. He received visitors and offered blessings every day and over time came to adopt the primary role in various rituals at the monastery and to offer more empowerments.
During these years, the Karmapa has predicted, recognised and confirmed the rebirths of a number of tulkus (reincarnations of special lamas). Again, the predictions were very specific including names of parents, location and time of the child's birth. The Karmapa's letters of prophecy have sometimes included sketches and maps to provide further detail.
At the bequest of the government of the People's Republic of China, the Karmapa has visited that country twice, undertaking prilgimages to holy sites and meeting with government officials. His presence in China attracted much attention from that country's news media and his second visit led to a special programme on Chinese television describing his life and activities.
At the age of 13 years, the Karmapa decided that he would be unable to fulfil his role if he remained in Tibet given the current political conditions. He confided in just four people and over the next year they carefully planned to escape. This would be a most dangerous undertaking. The monastery and all routes out of Tibet were closely guarded by Chinese soldiers and if they were caught trying to escape, the consequences may well have been dire. On the night of 28th December, 1999, the Karmapa and two lamas jumped from a window to a waiting car. It was bitterly cold and they were about to tackle the most challenging terrain. At one point they had to pick their way by foot in total darkness across a precipitous mountain range in order to circumnavigate a Chinese army camp. Travelling non-stop over the 3 days, they crossed the Himalayas reaching Nepal on 1st January, 2001. Five days later they arrived at Dharamsala in India, the seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile to meet with HH Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama in recounting this meeting to journalist Carol Wightman said, "When he came in this very room he told me his main goal is to serve Buddhism and the Tibetan nation. To fulfil this he cannot serve properly if he remains inside Tibet so in spite of the risk he decided to escape - wonderful, wonderful."
Since that time, HH the Karmapa has been living near Dharamsala at Gyuto Ramoche Temple. There, he has been receiving thousands of visitors from around the world as well as continuing with his studies. On February 2, 2001 His Holiness was given formal refugee status by the Indian Government. This allowed him freedom to travel and shortly afterwards he embarked on a pilgrimage to a number of the most sacred Buddhist sites in India although he has not as yet been given permission to move to the official seat of the Karmapas at Rumtek in Sikkim.
The influence of His Holiness can only increase with time; he recently described his role as "to work for the benefit of others"; he clearly stated that "I myself have no political intentions or ambitions. In spite of that there is still some political consequences in my coming here".
