Karmapa

Directions Website Contact the place of worship

Karmapa Thaye Dorje, HH 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, is leader of the 900 year old Karma Kagyu lineage. From traditional texts to social media. Karmapa resides in Delhi, India.

From childhood in Tibet to travelling the globe as a world Buddhist leader. The life story of the Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, spans East and West, just as his activity bridges traditional values and contemporary issues. Here is Karmapa’s official short-form biography:

Karmapa was born on 6 May 1983 in central Tibet. His parents were the great Nyingma lama Mipham Rinpoche and Dechen Wangmo. As soon as he could speak, he told them he was the Karmapa. The Karmapas are the leaders of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. In March 1994, in accordance with the 900 year old tradition, Thaye Dorje was enthroned as the 17th Karmapa. His Holiness the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, the second most senior Karma Kagyu lama, enthroned him. The 14th Shamarpa, Mipham Chokyi Lodro was himself recognized by the 16th Karmapa and His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1957 and officially enthroned in 1963. Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche passed from this life on 11 June 2014. The first Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa, was born in 1110. The first Dalai Lama, Gendun Drub, was born in 1391. The Karmapa leads the longest unbroken chain of reincarnated leaders among the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Karmapa escaped from Tibet in 1994. In 2003, his formal education was completed when he received the title of Vidyadhara, or Knowledge Holder of the Sutras and Tantras. Trinley Thaye Dorje means Limitless Unchanging Buddha Activity. Today, Karmapa travels extensively, meeting students, young people, world leaders, and leading lights in the fields of spirituality, peace, conflict resolution, and education. He has the spiritual responsibility for over 900 monasteries and meditation centres around the world. Karmapa’s activities include: empowering young people; meeting international leaders in the fields of spirituality, peace, conflict resolution, and education; and creating videos and articles to promote peace and prosperity in our world. Karmapa defines education as “knowledge that offers compassion and wisdom”. Cultivating our innate values of compassion and wisdom – our Inner Wealth – enables us to experience peace. More than half of the world’s population is under the age of 30. For Karmapa, young people are therefore essential to engage with for peace in our world. Karmapa says that “It is essential that non-material values are supported, to help us cultivate balanced and beneficial human beings.”

In the late evening of 28 August, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived at Dhagpo Möhra, the final ...
18/09/2026

In the late evening of 28 August, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived at Dhagpo Möhra, the final stop of this year’s European tour, where he was warmly welcomed by practitioners from the centre and the nearby Dharma Village.

Situated in the heart of Germany, in Thuringia, Dhagpo Möhra has been under the direct spiritual guidance of Karmapa since its founding more than twenty years ago.

The centre is particularly known for its family courses, which offer children and young people the opportunity to encounter the authentic Dharma in a natural and joyful way. Over the years, strong bonds have grown among the young participants, many of whom have continued to visit the centre into adulthood and have met Karmapa on several occasions.

During his stay, Karmapa held meetings with the teams responsible for the administration of the centre. On his final evening in Möhra, practitioners from the centre and the surrounding area, retreatants and visitors, including many of the young people who have grown up with the centre, gathered in the temple to be with him.

Karmapa gave a Dharma talk and took part in an extensive question-and-answer session. At the end of the evening, he was offered a number of gifts, including homemade delicacies lovingly prepared by members of the sangha.

Early the following morning, Karmapa departed Möhra, accompanied by the warm farewell of a group of practitioners.

The visit brought this year’s European tour to a meaningful close, in a place where generations of practitioners come together regularly to practise, learn and share the Dharma.

www.karmapa.org/karmapa-visits-dhagpo-mohra/

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, recently spent a few quiet days at Dhagpo Kundrol Ling, his Buddhist ...
08/09/2026

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, recently spent a few quiet days at Dhagpo Kundrol Ling, his Buddhist monastery in the beautiful Auvergne region of France.

The visit was primarily a private one, offering Karmapa time to reconnect with the community and to receive an update from Gendun Rinchen on the many projects and activities unfolding at Dhagpo Kundrol Ling.

On his final evening, Karmapa met with the community gathered in the main temple for a warm and open exchange, with questions and reflections shared together.

The evening continued with a practice session on Chenresig, the meditation aspect embodying the enlightened compassion of all Buddhas.

On 28 August, Karmapa left Dhagpo Kundrol Ling and continued his journey to Dhagpo Möhra, the final stop of this year’s European tour.

www.karmapa.org/a-visit-to-dhagpo-kundrol-ling/

On 19 August, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, departed the Europe Center and travelled to Schwarzenbe...
30/08/2026

On 19 August, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, departed the Europe Center and travelled to Schwarzenberg Buddhist Centre in the beautiful Allgäu region of southern Germany.
For several decades, the centre has provided a home for both a Bodhi Path group and a Diamond Way group, sharing one roof in a spirit of Dharma practice.

Karmapa’s arrival coincided with a joyful celebration marking the transfer of the entire building to the Karmapa Foundation Schwarzenberg. The official documents were presented to Karmapa during the gathering. Tables had been set up in the garden, where members and friends of the centre came together in a warm and festive atmosphere. The head of the foundation gave a speech, after which Karmapa addressed those present, answered questions, and offered his blessings.

During the following days, Karmapa blessed the centre and met with several long-standing members of the sangha. On his final evening, he joined the two sanghas in the shrine hall for an extensive question-and-answer session.

Karmapa departed Schwarzenberg on 22 August, continuing his journey to Dhagpo Kundrol Ling in France.

https://www.karmapa.org/karmapa-visits-schwarzenberg-buddhist-centre/

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares this message following the recent floods near the border betwe...
27/08/2026

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares this message following the recent floods near the border between Nepal and Tibet.

Dear Dharma friends,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the devastating floods and debris flows that have struck communities near the Nepal-Tibet border.

In a very short time, homes, roads, bridges, and livelihoods have been swept away. Many people have lost their lives, many more remain missing, and countless families have been separated from their loved ones or left without shelter and basic necessities. The suffering caused by such a disaster touches not only human beings, but also the many animals and other living beings affected by the destruction of their environment.

I cannot imagine the confusion, fear, and profound sense of loss that those affected, and the families of those who are missing, must be experiencing. All I can offer is my heart, my prayers, and a humble reflection based on the Buddha’s teachings.

According to these teachings, life is not defined by an absolute beginning or end. It unfolds continuously, in dependence upon causes and conditions. Physical forms arise and pass away; yet this does not mean that all connection, meaning, or love is lost.

When we lose those dear to us, it is only natural that our hearts feel heavy and disturbed. Their physical presence may no longer be with us, but the love we shared, the meaning they brought to our lives, and the qualities they embodied continue to live within us. We can honour them by carrying these qualities forward with compassion, courage, and care for others.

My prayers and thoughts are with all those touched by this calamity: those who have died, those who are missing, the injured, the bereaved, and all those who have lost their homes and means of livelihood.

I also wish to express my deep appreciation for the tireless work of the rescue teams, medical workers, police, army personnel, local communities, and volunteers. Their courage, compassion, and selfless efforts bring support and hope at a time of great hardship.

I ask all our monasteries, centres, and Dharma friends in Nepal, Tibet, India, and throughout the world to keep everyone affected in their hearts. Please dedicate the merit of your Dharma practice and your aspirations to the victims of this disaster, and to all those working to bring relief.

I encourage all those who are able to offer material support to do so through reliable relief organisations. Whether or not we are able to contribute materially, our prayers and aspirations can bring benefit.

May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.

With prayers,

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa

www.karmapa.org/karmapas-message-on-the-nepal-tibet-floods/

On the morning of 12 August, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived at the Europe Center, the intern...
20/08/2026

On the morning of 12 August, Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived at the Europe Center, the international meeting place for Diamond Way Buddhists from around the world.

Karmapa’s programme formed part of the 2026 International Summer Course, the first course to take place following the passing of Lama Ole Nydahl. Held annually at the Europe Center, this two-week gathering brings together Dharma friends from many countries to practise and share the Buddha Dharma, while strengthening their bonds of friendship.

During his first session, Karmapa bestowed the reading transmission, or lung, for the Ngondro (Preliminary Practices), as well as for the Mahamudra Prayer by the Third Karmapa. He interspersed the transmissions with explanations of the practices and concluded the session with an extensive question-and-answer period.

Over the following days, Karmapa granted the empowerments of Vajrasattva (Tib. Dorje Sempa) and Amitayus to approximately 6,000 practitioners. Vajrasattva is the wisdom aspect associated with the purification of veils and negativities, while Amitayus is associated with long life. Karmapa took ample time to explain the different stages of the rituals, enabling those present to understand clearly what to focus on throughout the empowerments.

During his stay, Karmapa met with lay Buddhist teachers and representatives of various boards. He received reports, offered guidance, and answered questions.
Karmapa also gave an interview to the editors of a Buddhist magazine, responding to their questions concerning the passing of Lama Ole.

Karmapa departed the Europe Center on 20 August, en route to his next stop, Schwarzenberg Buddhist Centre.

Please enjoy this selection of photographs from Karmapa’s visit to the Europe Center.

www.karmapa.org/karmapa-visits-the-europe-center-for-the-2026-international-summer-course/

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following message on the occasion of India’s 80th Independ...
14/08/2026

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following message on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day.

Dear Dharma friends,
On 15 August 2026, the noble nation of Bharat, India, celebrates her 80th Independence Day. On this auspicious occasion, I wish to offer my heartfelt prayers, blessings, and gratitude to this great nation and to all her people.

Since I left my birthplace of Tibet at the age of eleven, India has offered me refuge, kindness, and hospitality. It is through the generosity of this land that I have been able to pursue my spiritual activities, both in India and throughout the world, for so many years. For this, I remain deeply grateful.

All of us who follow the Buddha Dharma have profound reason to cherish India. It was in this sacred land, more than 2,500 years ago, that Prince Siddhartha attained perfect awakening beneath the Bodhi Tree and became the Buddha. India is therefore the birthplace of the Dharma, whose wisdom and compassion continue to benefit countless beings across the world.

For the followers of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, India has also been a refuge and a home. Through her enduring freedom, generosity, and spiritual openness, this nation has made it possible for our tradition to continue practising, studying, and sharing the Buddha Dharma.
Freedom is a precious gift. It reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and vision of those who came before us, and of our responsibility to use this gift wisely: with compassion, respect, and a sincere wish for the well-being of all.

As India looks towards the future, the emphasis on the strength and potential of its young generation offers a message of hope. The aspiration for a Viksit Bharat – a developed India – reminds us that true progress is sustained not only by material achievement, but also by wisdom, ethical responsibility, compassion, and care for the natural world. May India’s young people be guided by courage, creativity, and a spirit of service, so that they may help build a peaceful and harmonious future for all.

I therefore ask all my students and Dharma friends to keep India in their thoughts and hearts on this special day. Let us rejoice in the spiritual wealth, beauty, and diversity of this great nation, and offer our prayers for the happiness, harmony, and flourishing of all her children.

With prayers,

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa

www.karmapa.org/indias-80th-independence-day-karmapas-message/

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived in Taiwan on 1 August 2026, following an invitation from Vene...
10/08/2026

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, arrived in Taiwan on 1 August 2026, following an invitation from Venerable Lopon Rinpoche to visit the beautiful Karma Kagyu Monastery, with its extraordinary Buddhist artwork and peaceful, sacred atmosphere.

Upon his arrival, Karmapa was traditionally welcomed with a solemn procession and accompanied to his residence within the temple.

The following day, the official welcoming ceremony took place in the main shrine hall. Beautiful offerings of mandala and Ku Sung Thuk, representing enlightened body, speech and mind, were presented to Karmapa, and all those gathered had the precious opportunity to receive his blessing.

In the evening, Venerable Lopon Rinpoche hosted a magnificent open-air gala dinner. In front of the impressive Amitabha statue, a live orchestra performed classical pieces for the guests gathered to celebrate this auspicious occasion. The evening culminated in a spectacular display of fireworks, creating a memorable atmosphere of joy and celebration.

During the days that followed, Rinpoches, Lamas, and monastic and lay devotees had the precious opportunity to meet with Karmapa, receive his blessing, and benefit from his advice and guidance.

Karmapa also gave several Dharma talks and transmitted the lung (reading transmission) for a number of precious texts, including the Ngöndro preliminary practices, the Mahamudra Prayer of the 3rd Karmapa, and the Ganges Mahamudra.

On 7 August, Karmapa departed Taiwan, leaving behind many happy and grateful hearts and precious memories.

We are happy to share this selection of photographs from his visit.

www.karmapa.org/karmapa-visits-karma-kagyu-monastery-in-tainan

Address

Delhi

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Karmapa posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Karmapa:

Shortcuts

Share