(TibetanReview.net, Dec06’23) – The two 17th Karmapa reincarnations, each recognized by different top lamas within the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, have issued a joint statement Dec 4, outlining their mutual plans to work together toward the recognition, education, and spiritual growth of the next Shamarpa. Kagyu is one of the five officially recognized sects of Tibetan Buddhism, the others being Nyingma, Sakya, Gelug, and Jonang.
The Shamarpa, also known as Shamar Rinpoche, or more formally Künzig Shamar Rinpoche, is the second oldest lineage of tulkus (reincarnated lamas) in Tibetan Buddhism and one of the highest lineage holders of the Kamtsang or Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th Shamarpa passed away suddenly on Jun 11, 2014 in Germany, aged 62.
Due to a dispute in the lineage, which the duo have noted in their statement, today there are two individuals who are recognized as the 17th Karmapa by different groups of people. In recent years, the two, Ogyen Trinley Dorje and Trinley Thaye Dorje, have met several times in an effort to overcome the rift in the lineage,
Official recognition of the Shamar Rinpoche had remained prohibited by the Tibetan government at Lhasa for some 170 years until the late 14th Shamarpa, Mipham Chokyi Lodro, who was enthroned by the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa after coming into exile in the aftermath of China’s invasion and occupation of Tibet.
Referring to the dispute in their recognition by different groups, the two 17th Karmapas have said, “Before the ensuing disputes within the Kamtsang (one of the four main schools of the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism) could be settled, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche also passed into parinirvana, which was a source of much grief.”
Referring to the potential for division within the Karma Kagyu school arising from the existence of two 17th Karmapas, the duo have said, “For the recognition to be unmistaken and undisputed would have tremendous benefit for reuniting the Karma Kagyu.”
They said the responsibility for this goal had fallen on both of them, that they had met several times over issue, and have thus summarise the results of their discussions:
1. The recognition of Shamar Rinpoche’s reincarnation will be a joint effort by the two of us together. Neither of us will do it separately.
2. In order for Shamar Rinpoche’s Yangsi to be able to live up to his name, the two of us will take joint responsibility for his education, empowerments, transmissions, and pith instructions.
3. As the topic of Shamar Rinpoche’s reincarnation is a crucial point of concern within the Kamtsang, we will not accept interference from any uninvolved parties.
The decision not to accept interference from any uninvolved parties would obviously refer to China, which has made it clear that all reincarnations of Tibetan Buddhism must take place within the People’s Republic of China and with its approval.
China said most recently in its latest white paper on Tibet, issued on Nov 10: “In 2007, the State-Issued Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism stipulated the principles that should be followed, the conditions that should be met, and the application and approval procedures that should be implemented. It also specified that reincarnated Tibetan living Buddhas, including Dalai Lamas and Panchen Rinpoches, must be looked for within the country, decided through the practice of lot-drawing from the golden urn, and receive approval from the central government.”
The Kagyu sect consists of four main schools and eight additional lineages, with the Karma Kagyu being the most influential.
The two lineages have held close ties historically, with Karmapas and Shamarpas often acting as alternating teachers and disciples.