Shamar Rinpoche is the 14th Shamarpa, or Red Hat Lama of Tibet. While the Shamarpas are the second-oldest reincarnate lineage, what earlier incarnations have done or not done does not define the subsequent Shamarpas.

Four Ways to Authenticate a Genuine Buddhist Teacher Many students in the Bodhi Path Buddhist Centers have asked me to explain how to find a good meditation teacher. As this is an important question and something that many people are curious about, here is a brief explanation.

Shamar Rinpoche, the 14th Shamarpa (1952-2014), was a significant figure in Tibetan Buddhism, recognized as the reincarnation of the previous Shamarpa and a leader in the Karma Kagyu lineage. Enthroned at four by the 16th Karmapa, he continued his spiritual training in …

The 4th Shamarpa was born in Kangmar in the Treshö province of Kham, eastern Tibet. Wonderous signs were ablaze at his birth, which were variously interpreted by the local monastic communities, according to their own anticipation.

The 2nd Shamarpa, with a retentive power to his previous learnings, taught at the age of three. Self-declared, the acknowledged Shamarpa Incarnate was enthroned by Rolpe Dorje the 4th Karmapa, at the age of six.

Shamar Rinpoche, also known as the 14th Shamarpa, Mipham Chokyi Lodro (1952-2014), was a prominent figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Born in Derge, Tibet, he was recognized at an early age as the reincarnation of the previous Shamarpa, making him one of the highest-ranking lamas in the Karma Kagyu lineage, second only to the Karmapa.

Born in Drikhung, central Tibet, the 6th Incarnate of the Shamarpa was recognized by Wangchuk Dorje the 9th Karmapa. It was through the sensitive guidance of him that the beautiful flower of the Shamarpa’s intellect came to the richest fruition.

Today’s startling news that H.H. Gyalwa Shamarpa Rinpoche has entered parinirvana at his Dharma Centre in Germany came as a great shock, filling us with sadness. Rinpoche’s very sudden and entirely unexpected passing is a tremendous loss to Buddhism, specifically to the Kagyu Lineage, and to a great many Dharma practitioners everywhere.

Born in Drikhung, central Tibet, the 6th Incarnate of the Shamarpa was recognized by Wangchuk Dorje the 9th Karmapa. It was through the sensitive guidance of him that the beautiful flower of the Shamarpa’s intellect came to the richest fruition.

The 3rd Shamarpa, Shamar Chöpal Yeshe; The 4th Shamarpa, Shamar Chokyi Drakpa Yeshe Pal Zangpo; The 5th Shamarpa, Shamar Köncho Yenlak; The 6th Shamarpa, Shamar Mipan Chökyi Wangchuk; The 7th Shamarpa, Shamar Yeshe Nyinpo; The 8th Shamarpa, Palchen Chökyi Döndrup; The 9th Shamarpa, Könchog Geway Yungnay; The 10th Shamarpa, Mipam …