Spiritual masters

In this light, Tibetan historical records refer to the Karmapa as ‘Karmapa Shanagpa’ which means ‘Karmapa – Holder of the Black Crown’ and the Shamarpa as ‘Karmapa Shamarpa’ which means ‘Karmapa – Holder of the Red Crown’. These designations are found in the historical records authored by several well-known Tibetan Buddhist masters, masters such as Golo Shonnu Pal (1392-1481), Pawo Tsuglag Trengwa (1504-1516), the fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lozang Gyamtso (1617-1682) and the eighth Situpa Chökyi Jungnay (1700-1774). In recent times, Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje also emphasized the inseparability of the Karmapa Shamarnag legacy publicly on many occasions.

The Shamarpas are revered in the annals of Tibetan Buddhism as an emanation of Buddha Amitabha, and are addressed honorifically as Künzig Shamar Rinpoche.

In keeping with this illustrious spiritual legacy and responsibilities, the 14th Shamarpa, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche Mipham Chokyi Lodro(1952-2014) was recognized by the 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa, and thereby enthroned as the principal lineage holder of the Kamtsang Kagyu order.

He received from the 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa, who was his root guru as well as his uncle, the entire cycle of Kagyu teachings, and remained by his side till the 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa passed away in 1981. Thereafter, the 14th Shamarpa was the main lineage holder entrusted with upholding, preserving and flourishing the order of Kamtsang Kagyu. In this, one of his main responsibilities was to fulfill all the projects and aspirations of the late Gyalwa Karmapa, as well as undertake chief responsibility to recognize and enthrone the 17^th Gyalwa Karmapa. Thus, he recognized the current 17^th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje and also guided and instructed his entire spiritual education that included the most profound and sacred transmissions of the Kagyü tradition.

In this way, in the evolution of the Kamtsang order, the 14^th Shamarpa fulfilled his traditional role in ensuing the continuity of the authentic Kamtsang Kagyu order in a very turbulent era. Despite such upheavals, he also developed a vast network of boundless activities in the service of preserving authentic Buddha dharma in general, and the Kamtsang Kagyu order in particular over a period of just about 30 years till his Parinirvana in 2014.