History of the Karmapas

History of the Karmapas
Author: Lama Kunsang
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2012-04-16
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1559393904

Masters of esoteric knowledge and miraculous practices, the lineage of the Karmapas is the earliest of all the recognized incarnate lineages and is said to descend from the great Indian tantric master Tilopa through a chain that includes Naropa, Marpa, and Milarepa. The Karmapas are distinguished by their black crowns, said to have been woven by dakinis and symbolizing the activity of the buddhas. Unlike other Tibetan Buddhist lineage heads, each Karmapa has specific knowledge of his next reincarnation and leaves behind a "Last Testament," a letter to his disciples describing the place and circumstances of their future rebirth, the name of their parents, and so on. At a very young age, each successive incarnation is often able to recognize himself as the Karmapa. In their recounting of the histories of the seventeen Karmapas, the authors reveal the universal and marvelous concealed in the everyday world. Their lively account peppered with anecdotes is the most comprehensive in the West on this subject, with information from Tibetan, Chinese, Mongolian, French, and English sources.

Karmapa

Karmapa
Author: Lea Terhune
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2004
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0861711807

Award-winning journalist Lea Terhune paints a portrait of an extraordinary young man who will likely play a key role in the future of Tibet & Tibetan Buddhism.

The Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje

The Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje
Author:
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 297
Release: 2020-11-10
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1611807085

The first comprehensive overview of the life and writings of the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje, a revolutionary figure in the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Known for his mastery of teachings across sectarian lines, his treatises on medicine and astrology, and his work as spiritual advisor to the last Yuan emperor of China, Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339) is considered one of the most important and influential figures in Tibetan Buddhist history. First recognized as a tulku, or reincarnated Buddhist master, at the age of five, Rangjung Dorje became the Karma Kagyu lineage holder and instituted the reincarnation-based inheritance structure within Tibetan Buddhism that led to the formation of important lineages of tulkus such as the Dalai Lamas. In this groundbreaking work, Ruth Gamble synthesizes her extensive research on Rangjung Dorje into a sweeping biography covering his life, legacy, and important selected writings. Included in her discussions are Rangjung Dorje's synthesis of Dzogchen and Mahamudra in his writings, his devotion to spreading the teachings of Buddha nature, and several works never before translated into English. As the most comprehensive work available on Rangjung Dorje, this book is an indispensable resource for scholars and Buddhist practitioners alike.

The Karmapa Prophecies

The Karmapa Prophecies
Author: Sylvia Wong
Publisher: Rabsel Editions
Total Pages: 512
Release: 2020-01-07
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 2360170007

The identification of the Seventeenth Karmapa has been mired in controversy. This groundbreaking study presents for the first time in English the prophecies of the Fifth and Sixteenth Karmapas and the predictions of Guru Rinpoche. In an unbiased voice, the author presents new evidence to show that these have come true. Sylvia Wong is an editor of Buddhist teachings published in Buddhist magazines and websites.

The Third Karmapa's Mahamudra Prayer

The Third Karmapa's Mahamudra Prayer
Author: Tai Situ
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 161
Release: 2002-02-20
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1559399740

The Mahamudra Prayer by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje is a short yet thorough and profound text which presents all the essential points of Mahamudra teaching in terms of view, practice, and fruition. It is a classic that, especially in the tradition of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, has been and is widely used whenever a disciple is given a first introduction into Mahamudra. The Third Karmapa shows how to recognize our ultimate potential as a buddha. The short root text is further explained by Khentin Tai Situpa Pema Donyo Nyingje Wangpo, the twelfth incarnation of the Tai Situpa lineage, which is one of the most important lineages of the Kagyu tradition. His deep understanding of Western culture, especially of the Western psychological perspective, allows him to expound the Dharma with a clarity and directness that is truly inspiring.

History of the Sixteen Karmapas of Tibet

History of the Sixteen Karmapas of Tibet
Author: Karma Thinley
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 165
Release: 2001-05-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1570626448

The Karmapa is the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The present Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, is the sixteenth of the line which began with Dusum Khyenpa, the first Karmapa, in the twelfth century. Karma Thinley presents the biographies of all the Karmapas, based on his translations from numerous Tibetan sources. These biographies are not only histories of the training and teaching of these great teachers; they are also inspirational texts used to cultivate devotion in the practitioner. Accompanying the text are sixteen line drawings, based on the thangka paintings of the Karmapas at Rumtek monastery, the seat of the present Karmapa.

The Miraculous 16th Karmapa

The Miraculous 16th Karmapa
Author: Norma Levine
Publisher: Shang Shung Publications
Total Pages: 440
Release: 2013
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9788878341333

Norma Levine has travelled to Tibet, India, Europe and North America to record the stories of this memorable man and the impact he had on the people who met him. This book gives us a rare and intimate insight into the personality of the man who was the 16th Karmapa.

The Kagyu Monlam Book

The Kagyu Monlam Book
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014-04-16
Genre:
ISBN: 9781934608043

The Kagyu Monlam Book was composed by H.H. 17th Karmapa, for the annual monlam in Bodhgaya, India and North America. A rich source of Tibetan Buddhist prayers, with the Tibetan, English, and transliteration, it consists of 438 pages and a 138-page supplement.

Music in the Sky

Music in the Sky
Author: Michele Martin
Publisher: Snow Lion Publications, Incorporated
Total Pages: 396
Release: 2003
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN:

Presents a biography of the seventeenth Karmapa, discussing a history of his life, including his escape from Chinese occupied Tibet to northern India, and offering some of his teachings, wisdom, and accomplishments.