Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, a preeminent master of the Karma Kagyu tradition, was a pivotal figure in the planting of Tibetan Buddhism in North and South America in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
From his dramatic escape from occupied Tibet in the 1950s, to his emigration to the United States in the 1970s, and his passing at the age of 96 on October 6, 2019, Rinpoche fully dedicated himself to making the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism available in a land where they had not spread before.
Along the way, he built a monastery and a three-year retreat center, founded 33 branch meditation centers and published numerous books. Even today, Rinpoche is well known in Tibetan communities across the world, and has inspired countless followers to embrace the Kagyu dharma.
STORIES
Our Stories of the Master
Personal stories and reflections from students and friends.
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and Thrangu Rinpoche
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche shared a special relationship with Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. Khenpo Rinpoche was about 15 years older than Thrangu Rinpoche and was Thrangu Rinpoche’s study attendant when Thrangu Rinpoche was young. Stories of their friendship could fill books.
He Would Disappear and Reappear – Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and the 16th Karmapa
Lama Kathy Wesley – As we approach the commemoration of the 39th anniversary of the passing of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa and the 1st anniversary of the passing of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, the connection between these two amazing masters is illustrated by this beautiful story …
Twenty-Six Black and White Photos
Stephanie Colvey has taken thousands of beautiful photos of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche and KTD over the years – thanks to her kindness, here is a very precious suite of twenty-six images, taken at KTD (late 80’s?) when His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul visited.
Teachings
Advice from Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
Audio, video, writings, interviews and more from the master.
Read
Read books, transcripts, articles, and interviews from Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.
Featured Teaching
Featuring Devotion as the Path: The Short Vajradhara Lineage Prayer
Video by Silvio Faccin (2016)
STORIES
Tell Us Your Story
If you have a story or wisdom you gained from Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, please share it with us.





