|
The Gyalwa Karmapas, well-known as spiritual leaders of Tibet, China and the Himalayas, were foretold by the historical Buddha Shakyamuni of our era. The Karmapas ("Holders of Buddha-Activity") have been at the center of Buddhist contemplative and scholarly traditions in Tibet since the twelfth century. Their lineage, the Karma Kagyü School of Tibetan Buddhism, originates with the Tibetan masters Marpa the translator, Tibet’s great yogi Milarepa, the unparallelled Gampopa and others. The Kagyü School emphasizes rigorous scholarship and realization of the true nature of reality aquired through meditation. Having left Tibet in 1959, H. H. the sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpa’i Dorje, established a new seat in Sikkim, India. From there his spiritual influence spread throughout Asia and the West. Until his passing away in 1981, the sixteenth Karmapa proclaimed the Buddhist teachings for the benefit of all people without exception. Chief among his visions was the establishing of an institute of higher learning to propagate universal wisdom and compassion, based on the proper study and translation of the great treatises of Buddhism. The present Karmapa, H. H. the seventeenth Karmapa Thaye Dorje, was born in 1983. Presently he is engaged in the education associated with his spiritual status.
H.H. the Künzig Shamarpa
The Künzig Shamarpas are prominent spiritual masters in the Kagyü School of Tibetan Buddhism. In authentic Tibetan Buddhist records there is frequent mention of the inseparability of the "Black Crown Lamas" and the "Red Crown Lamas" (the Karmapas and the Shamarpas). The historical record "The Garland of Moon Crystal" by Situ Chökyi Jungnay, tells us that the Karmapas and the Shamarpas accomplish the welfare of all beings in constant companionship. From the perspective of absolute reality the Buddhist scriptures maintain that the Karmapas and the Shamarpas are two manifestations of the same enlightened mind. H. H. Künzig Shamar Rinpoche is responsible for bringing the vision of KIBI to fruition according to the wishes of the late sixteenth Karmapa. Shamar Rinpoche completed his traditional education and training at Rumtek Monastery. He is the Chairman of the Institute and he guest-teaches as his time allows.
|
|
