DHARAMSHALA, JUNE 11: One of the most prominent spiritual figures of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the most influential personality from Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism has passed away earlier today in Germany. Sources said heart attack is said to be the cause of his death but there is no official confirmation from his close aides.
Shamar Rinpoche Mipham Chokyi Lodro was born in Derge, Tibet. At the age of four he was recognized by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpei Dorje as the 14th Shamarpa.
The 14th Shamar Rimpoche is one of the three main disciples of the previous Karmapa. After the death of the 16th Karmapa, Shamarpa recognized Thaye Dorje as the 17th Karmapa in 1994. However, Tai Situpa Rinpoche chose another boy, Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the 17th Karmapa who was also approved by the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Shamar Rinpoche met His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 13th of August, 2010.
“I met His Holiness the Dalai Lama iin Dharamsala at His Holiness’ residence. We had a discussion for approximately one and a half hours and had a very important and detailed exchange of views regarding the ongoing Karmapa controversy and its possible solution. Although this matter is not easily resolved, since it is connected to the politics of China and India as well, with His Holiness Dalai Lama’s blessing and support I am confident that there will be an amicable solution, which will be beneficial for the Karma Kagyü lineage, as well as for Tibetan Buddhism in general,” Shamar Rinpoche wrote in a statement.
Trinley Thaye Dorje, the other claimant to the Rumtek Monastery, the headquarters of Karmapas, have expressed his grief over the death of his patron. “Sadly, his physical manifestation has left our material world. Yet he was and continues to be our teacher and blessings will; remain with us always,” Thaye Dorje said on his official website.
