His Holiness the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje
The 16th Karmapa (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje and Dorje Shugden
Lama: The 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje
Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje was the 16th incarnation of the famous meditation master who heads the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. He was also highly regarded by other High Lamas of other traditions and had a particularly close relationship with Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. He was born in Derge Province of Eastern Tibet and was discovered by the authorities of Tsurphu Monastery based upon clues written by the previous Karmapa. The Karmapa incarnations are particularly known to reveal the whereabouts of their future incarnations in this manner. He received his novice vows and was officially enthroned at Tsurphu in 1931. There he began his spiritual education on Sutra, Tantra, Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. He received his full ordination when he turned 23 and in 1959, he fled Tibet due to the Cultural Revolution. The ruler of Sikkim in northern India offered the Gyalwa Karmapa the Rumtek Monastery, which was built during the time of Karmapa’s 9th incarnation, Wangchuk Dorje (1556 -1603). In 1974 the 16th Karmapa led a party of Karma Kagyu lamas to the West in order to establish Buddhism there. On November 5th 1981, the 16th Karmapa entered clear light in a hospital near Chicago.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Bhagawan Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way view. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources. He has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish.
Click here for more beautiful thangkas.
For more interesting information:
- The Dorje Shugden category on the blog
- Must Watch: Powerful Explanations on Dharma Protectors
- Black Tara – The Wrathful Protectress
- Mahasiddha Tilopa – the Chakrasamvara Master
- Guhya Manjushri – the Secret Form of Wisdom
- Five Extraordinary Visions of Lama Tsongkhapa
- The Mahasiddha Kukkuripa and His Dog
- Lords of Purification – 35 Confessional Buddhas
- Manjushri Nagarakshasa – The Naga Deity
- Janguli – The Goddess that Protects from Snakes
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Born into a noble family the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje was spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He was well respected and consulted by high lamas of other lineages. He was given many names expressing this respect, including “King of the Yogis”. Interesting short life history of a great lama.
Lama Jigme Rinpoche an accomplished teacher of the Kagyu lineage has once said….
“Although the 16th Karmapa appeared and acted as a human being, his mind was completely open, without any limitation. He knew everything in an instant and without having to think about it.”
Depicted in this beautiful thangka with Dorje Shugden who is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings.