The Life of the Great Bodhisattva

A Brief Biography of Khyabje Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche

The Life of the Great Bodhisattva

A Brief Biography of Khyabje Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche

Khyapje Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, who passed away at the age of 96 on October 6, 2019, was a great master of the Kagyu lineage, renowned for his unceasing kindness, inspiring teaching, and exceptional knowledge of practice and the monastic arts. For almost half a century, he resided in the United States, dedicating his life to making the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism available in a land where they had not spread before. He built a monastery and a three-year retreat center, founded thirty-three branch meditation centers, published numerous books, and traveled to Asia and South America to teach. He is well known in Tibetan communities across the world.

“Through the wide embrace of his compassionate activity, Rinpoche has touched and transformed the lives of untold numbers of people who had the great good fortune to meet him.”

Khyabje Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, who passed away at the age of 96 on October 6, 2019, was a great master of the Kagyu lineage, renowned for his unceasing kindness, inspiring teaching, and exceptional knowledge of practice and the monastic arts. For almost half a century, he resided in the United States, dedicating his life to making the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism available in a land where they had not spread before. He built a monastery and a three-year retreat center, founded thirty-three branch meditation centers, published numerous books, and traveled to Asia and South America to teach. He is well known in Tibetan communities across the world.

“Through the wide embrace of his compassionate activity, Rinpoche has touched and transformed the lives of untold numbers of people who had the great good fortune to meet him.”

In the Beginning

The Early Years

Born in Eastern Tibet in 1924, Khenpo Rinpoche received most of his training in traditional Tibet at Thrangu monastery, which he entered at the age of twelve. The training he received there would find its fruition in Rinpoche’s continuous Dharma activity in all its many forms. After six years of study and practice, he journeyed to central Tibet to meet the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa for the first time. At the age of twenty, Khenpo Rinpoche took full ordination, and then entered the three-year, three-month retreat, followed by another one-year retreat.

Though he wished to stay in retreat for his entire life, his teacher, the eighth Tralek Rinpoche, advised Rinpoche that he should take part in the new monastic college, established for the young Thrangu Rinpoche, and study Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and logic with Khenpo Lodro Rabsel. Completing five years at the college, Rinpoche traveled around Tibet with Thrangu Rinpoche, giving teachings, performing rituals for families and individuals, and having long discussions between themselves.

In the Beginning

The Early Years

Born in Eastern Tibet in 1924, Khenpo Rinpoche received most of his training in traditional Tibet at Thrangu monastery, which he entered at the age of twelve. The training he received there would find its fruition in Rinpoche’s continuous Dharma activity in all its many forms. After six years of study and practice, he journeyed to central Tibet to meet the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa for the first time. At the age of twenty, Khenpo Rinpoche took full ordination, and then entered the three-year, three-month retreat, followed by another one-year retreat.

Though he wished to stay in retreat for his entire life, his teacher, the eighth Tralek Rinpoche, advised Rinpoche that he should take part in the new monastic college, established for the young Thrangu Rinpoche, and study Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and logic with Khenpo Lodro Rabsel. Completing five years at the college, Rinpoche traveled around Tibet with Thrangu Rinpoche, giving teachings, performing rituals for families and individuals, and having long discussions between themselves.

Departure

Leaving Eastern Tibet

Due to the Chinese invasion, Rinpoche was forced to leave Eastern Tibet in 1958, and he traveled with three of the four main tulkus at his monastery: Thrangu Rinpoche, Traleg Rinpoche, and Zuri Tulku as well as other monks. Taking what sacred objects and texts they could carry, the group began an arduous journey to Central Tibet, during which they were surrounded by a hostile army. They escaped at night through a swamp, lost all their food, and barely survived.

The group finally arrived at Tsurphu Monastery, the seat of the Karmapas in central Tibet, where they met the 16th Karmapa, Rigpe Dorje. Through his deep realization, the Karmapa knew of the impending danger in Tibet and told the group that they should leave their homeland and go to Sikkim and India. They left on March 7, 1959, and journeyed toward Bhutan. Through the intercession of the Dalai Lama, Tibetans were allowed to cross Bhutan and enter India, so Rinpoche’s party was able to arrive at Buxador. This former prison became the home for some 1,500 monks, who shared the vision of maintaining and preserving the dharma, organizing a Tibetan community, and teaching. Rinpoche stayed there for six years until 1967 when he was called to Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, the seat-in-exile of His Holiness the Karmapa. For almost two years, Rinpoche taught the monks and performed various rites for local Buddhist families before he was posted to the Karmapa’s new monastery in Bhutan. Afterward the Karmapa sent him for a year to Tilokpur, India, where he had established a nunnery. After receiving from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche the full transmission of the Treasury of Precious Instructions, Rinpoche returned to Rumtek, where he stayed until 1975, the year he received the title of Choje Lama (Supreme Dharma Master).

Rinpoche then went to Tashi Choling in Bhutan, but after just one year, he was called back to Rumtek by His Holiness and asked to serve as the abbot of a new Karma Kagyu monastery that had yet to be built in the United States. Khenpo Rinpoche often told the story of how he was in very poor health at this time, and if the Karmapa had not sent him to the States where he could receive the care he needed, he would have died. Thus it happened that in the following spring, Rinpoche was on an airplane bound for New York City to begin a very different life as a teacher of the Dharma in a culture and environment far removed from his home in Eastern Tibet.

Departure

Leaving Eastern Tibet

Due to the Chinese invasion, Rinpoche was forced to leave Eastern Tibet in 1958, and he traveled with three of the four main tulkus at his monastery: Thrangu Rinpoche, Traleg Rinpoche, and Zuri Tulku as well as other monks. Taking what sacred objects and texts they could carry, the group began an arduous journey to Central Tibet, during which they were surrounded by a hostile army. They escaped at night through a swamp, lost all their food, and barely survived.

The group finally arrived at Tsurphu Monastery, the seat of the Karmapas in central Tibet, where they met the 16th Karmapa, Rigpe Dorje. Through his deep realization, the Karmapa knew of the impending danger in Tibet and told the group that they should leave their homeland and go to Sikkim and India. They left on March 7, 1959, and journeyed toward Bhutan. Through the intercession of the Dalai Lama, Tibetans were allowed to cross Bhutan and enter India, so Rinpoche’s party was able to arrive at Buxador. This former prison became the home for some 1,500 monks, who shared the vision of maintaining and preserving the dharma, organizing a Tibetan community, and teaching. Rinpoche stayed there for six years until 1967 when he was called to Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, the seat-in-exile of His Holiness the Karmapa. For almost two years, Rinpoche taught the monks and performed various rites for local Buddhist families before he was posted to the Karmapa’s new monastery in Bhutan. Afterward the Karmapa sent him for a year to Tilokpur, India, where he had established a nunnery. After receiving from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche the full transmission of the Treasury of Precious Instructions, Rinpoche returned to Rumtek, where he stayed until 1975, the year he received the title of Choje Lama (Supreme Dharma Master).

Rinpoche then went to Tashi Choling in Bhutan, but after just one year, he was called back to Rumtek by His Holiness and asked to serve as the abbot of a new Karma Kagyu monastery that had yet to be built in the United States. Khenpo Rinpoche often told the story of how he was in very poor health at this time, and if the Karmapa had not sent him to the States where he could receive the care he needed, he would have died. Thus it happened that in the following spring, Rinpoche was on an airplane bound for New York City to begin a very different life as a teacher of the Dharma in a culture and environment far removed from his home in Eastern Tibet.

The Iron Bird Flies to the West

Arriving in the United States

With three other Tibetans from his Karma Kagyu lineage, Rinpoche moved into a house, which sat at the edge of 375 rustic acres of land in Putnam County, New York. It had been generously offered to the Karmapa by C.T. Shen, one of the great patrons of Buddhism in America. Khenpo Rinpoche began traveling to New York City on a weekly basis to offer teachings at a fledgling center that soon became the New York City Karma Thegsum Choling (KTC). In the wake of the Karmapa’s second United States tour in 1977, more KTC centers were established in Columbus, Palo Alto, and Santa Cruz, then in Albany, NY and Cambridge, MA.

Meanwhile, the search was on for a permanent site to establish His Holiness’ North American headquarters. It was becoming apparent that the donated land, although a fine piece of property, would not be suitable. In the spring of 1977 during his second world tour, the Karmapa told Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche that he should open the new dharma center on the auspicious day of Saga Dawa (the fourth Tibetan month) in the following year (May 25, 1978). Through fortuitous circumstances, a mountaintop property nestled above the town of Woodstock was found, and in early 1978, the Mead Mountain House was purchased and became the home of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra.

Khenpo Rinpoche, Tenzin Chonyi, and others, who were now joined by Bardor Tulku Rinpoche, soon moved in and began creating a center for teaching and practice. A formal shrine room was established on the ground floor of the 113-year-old house. On May 25, 1978, just as the Karmapa had suggested, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra opened as his North American seat, with Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche as its abbot.

The Iron Bird Flies to the West

Arriving in the United States

With three other Tibetans from his Karma Kagyu lineage, Rinpoche moved into a house, which sat at the edge of 375 rustic acres of land in Putnam County, New York. It had been generously offered to the Karmapa by C.T. Shen, one of the great patrons of Buddhism in America. Khenpo Rinpoche began traveling to New York City on a weekly basis to offer teachings at a fledgling center that soon became the New York City Karma Thegsum Choling (KTC). In the wake of the Karmapa’s second United States tour in 1977, more KTC centers were established in Columbus, Palo Alto, and Santa Cruz, then in Albany, NY and Cambridge, MA.

Meanwhile, the search was on for a permanent site to establish His Holiness’ North American headquarters. It was becoming apparent that the donated land, although a fine piece of property, would not be suitable. In the spring of 1977 during his second world tour, the Karmapa told Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche that he should open the new dharma center on the auspicious day of Saga Dawa (the fourth Tibetan month) in the following year (May 25, 1978). Through fortuitous circumstances, a mountaintop property nestled above the town of Woodstock was found, and in early 1978, the Mead Mountain House was purchased and became the home of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra.

Khenpo Rinpoche, Tenzin Chonyi, and others, who were now joined by Bardor Tulku Rinpoche, soon moved in and began creating a center for teaching and practice. A formal shrine room was established on the ground floor of the 113-year-old house. On May 25, 1978, just as the Karmapa had suggested, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra opened as his North American seat, with Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche as its abbot.

Beginnings in a New Land

The Early Years at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra

During the first several years after KTD was established, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche continued to oversee and travel to a growing number of affiliated centers around the country. By the early 1980s, centers had been founded in Chicago, Ann Arbor, Santa Fe, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Seattle, Chapel Hill, and other cities. In 1982, Khenpo Rinpoche visited South America where he established two more KTCs in Columbia and Venezuela. By the mid-1980s, there were thirty-two affiliate centers in North and South America, and three in Taiwan. Rinpoche was now travelling to teach at all of them on an annual or semi-annual basis.

With a solid base in Woodstock and a busy travel schedule, Khenpo Rinpoche initiated a tradition of longer, more intensive teachings at KTD. During the summer of 1981, he offered two month-long courses: one on the Amitabha sadhana and the other on the Mahayana Uttara Tantra Shastra (The Changeless Nature). This focus on practice and philosophy continued throughout Rinpoche’s long teaching career.

By 1989, Khenpo Rinpoche began to scale back the length of his annual summer teachings to better accommodate the growing number of students coming from farther away. Thus the tradition of the ten- day teaching began with the Third Karmapa’s Profound Inner Meaning during the first two summers, followed in 1991 by the Guru Yoga of Marpa. Every year until 2019, Khenpo Rinpoche opened the door to a profound text on meditation or philosophy, including teachings on mahamudra and Karma Chakme’s famous Mountain Dharma, which has been published in four volumes.

Throughout the 1980s, Rinpoche was not only teaching, but also fully involved in overseeing the building of a new monastery at KTD, situated next to the original building. He was involved in every aspect of construction from architectural geomancy, furnishing, and decoration to helping mix cement, fabricating the meditation cushions for the shrine rooms, sewing the brocade frames around the lineage thangkas, and overseeing the consecration of many of the statues.

Beginnings in a New Land

The Early Years at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra

During the first several years after KTD was established, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche continued to oversee and travel to a growing number of affiliated centers around the country. By the early 1980s, centers had been founded in Chicago, Ann Arbor, Santa Fe, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Seattle, Chapel Hill, and other cities. In 1982, Khenpo Rinpoche visited South America where he established two more KTCs in Columbia and Venezuela. By the mid-1980s, there were thirty-two affiliate centers in North and South America, and three in Taiwan. Rinpoche was now travelling to teach at all of them on an annual or semi-annual basis.

With a solid base in Woodstock and a busy travel schedule, Khenpo Rinpoche initiated a tradition of longer, more intensive teachings at KTD. During the summer of 1981, he offered two month-long courses: one on the Amitabha sadhana and the other on the Mahayana Uttara Tantra Shastra (The Changeless Nature). This focus on practice and philosophy continued throughout Rinpoche’s long teaching career.

By 1989, Khenpo Rinpoche began to scale back the length of his annual summer teachings to better accommodate the growing number of students coming from farther away. Thus the tradition of the ten- day teaching began with the Third Karmapa’s Profound Inner Meaning during the first two summers, followed in 1991 by the Guru Yoga of Marpa. Every year until 2019, Khenpo Rinpoche opened the door to a profound text on meditation or philosophy, including teachings on mahamudra and Karma Chakme’s famous Mountain Dharma, which has been published in four volumes.

Throughout the 1980s, Rinpoche was not only teaching, but also fully involved in overseeing the building of a new monastery at KTD, situated next to the original building. He was involved in every aspect of construction from architectural geomancy, furnishing, and decoration to helping mix cement, fabricating the meditation cushions for the shrine rooms, sewing the brocade frames around the lineage thangkas, and overseeing the consecration of many of the statues.

The Tashi Gomang Stupa

Continuing His Holiness’ Vision

In 1980 the Sixteenth Karmapa visited Crestone, Colorado and accepted a gift of two hundred acres of natural land in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche visited the site in 1988 and encouraged the sangha to first build a stupa before any other buildings were constructed. In the autumn of 1989, Khenpo Karthar travelled to Colorado to select an auspicious site and bless the land on which the Tashi Gomang Stupa would be built. Over the years, Rinpoche continued to oversee the construction, and in July of 1996, Khenpo Rinpoche and Bardor Rinpoche were joined by other Rinpoches and lamas for the formal consecration of the stupa. Bokar Tulku Rinpoche, who lived in India, came to officiate. The majestic structure stands at 40 feet and overlooks a vast view of mountains and the valley below. Rinpoche also built eight stupas at KTD, which were blessed and consecrated by the Gyalwang Karmapa in October of 2017.

The Tashi Gomang Stupa

Continuing His Holiness’ Vision

In 1980 the Sixteenth Karmapa visited Crestone, Colorado and accepted a gift of two hundred acres of natural land in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche visited the site in 1988 and encouraged the sangha to first build a stupa before any other buildings were constructed. In the autumn of 1989, Khenpo Karthar travelled to Colorado to select an auspicious site and bless the land on which the Tashi Gomang Stupa would be built. Over the years, Rinpoche continued to oversee the construction, and in July of 1996, Khenpo Rinpoche and Bardor Rinpoche were joined by other Rinpoches and lamas for the formal consecration of the stupa. Bokar Tulku Rinpoche, who lived in India, came to officiate. The majestic structure stands at 40 feet and overlooks a vast view of mountains and the valley below. Rinpoche also built eight stupas at KTD, which were blessed and consecrated by the Gyalwang Karmapa in October of 2017.

Karme Ling and the Three-Year Retreats

The Long Retreats Begin

With more students wishing to do the traditional three-year retreat, Khenpo Rinpoche sought to build the necessary facilities. Auspiciously, in 1989, an anonymous donor offered 40 acres of land in Delaware County, New York, an eighty-minute drive from KTD. In 1990, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche blessed the land and soon thereafter an access road was built on the property and the excavation of the first building began.

Once again, as envisioned by His Holiness Karmapa, Khenpo Rinpoche was able to bring to fruition another facility for the practice of dharma. Rinpoche oversaw the construction of two retreat buildings, an Ani House where nuns and laywomen could live and practice, and the Lama House to accommodate visiting Rinpoches and individual short-term retreats. He designed all the interior details of these buildings, personally collecting a number of beautiful thangkas and statues to adorn each of the four shrine rooms. On January 23, 1993, the first retreat at Karme Ling began, and they have continued up to the present day, allowing people from West and East to engage in profound practice under the guidance of a qualified master. Rinpoche’s explanations of the retreat meditations with their excellent translations are regarded as the finest in the Karma Kamtsang lineage.

Karme Ling and the Three-Year Retreats

The Long Retreats Begin

With more students wishing to do the traditional three-year retreat, Khenpo Rinpoche sought to build the necessary facilities. Auspiciously, in 1989, an anonymous donor offered 40 acres of land in Delaware County, New York, an eighty-minute drive from KTD. In 1990, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche blessed the land and soon thereafter an access road was built on the property and the excavation of the first building began.

Once again, as envisioned by His Holiness Karmapa, Khenpo Rinpoche was able to bring to fruition another facility for the practice of dharma. Rinpoche oversaw the construction of two retreat buildings, an Ani House where nuns and laywomen could live and practice, and the Lama House to accommodate visiting Rinpoches and individual short-term retreats. He designed all the interior details of these buildings, personally collecting a number of beautiful thangkas and statues to adorn each of the four shrine rooms. On January 23, 1993, the first retreat at Karme Ling began, and they have continued up to the present day, allowing people from West and East to engage in profound practice under the guidance of a qualified master. Rinpoche’s explanations of the retreat meditations with their excellent translations are regarded as the finest in the Karma Kamtsang lineage.

1988 Trip to Thrangu Monastery in Kham

Return to Tibet

Almost thirty years after he originally fled his homeland, Khenpo Rinpoche was able to return to Tibet. In 1988 he travelled to Thrangu Monastery in Kham (Eastern Tibet) where he was reunited for the first time with many relatives and old friends. While there, he imparted to a new generation of monks the instructions he had received in his youth for the rainy-season retreat practices (yarné) and then he guided a month-long retreat.

Rinpoche has returned to Kham four times since this first visit. He also has strong family ties to Thrangu Monastery, given that his nephew, the fifth Tulku Lodro Nyima, is one of four primary tulkus (reincarnated lamas) associated with Thrangu Monastery to live there and oversee its operations. In 1992, he returned to central Tibet to participate in two special events: the hair- cutting ceremony of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, which took place in front of the sacred Jowo Shakyamuni statue in the Jokhang Temple of Lhasa, and afterward, in the 17th Karmapa’s enthronement at Tsurphu Monastery.

1988 Trip to Thrangu Monastery in Kham

Return to Tibet

Almost thirty years after he originally fled his homeland, Khenpo Rinpoche was able to return to Tibet. In 1988 he travelled to Thrangu Monastery in Kham (Eastern Tibet) where he was reunited for the first time with many relatives and old friends. While there, he imparted to a new generation of monks the instructions he had received in his youth for the rainy-season retreat practices (yarné) and then he guided a month-long retreat.

Rinpoche has returned to Kham four times since this first visit. He also has strong family ties to Thrangu Monastery, given that his nephew, the fifth Tulku Lodro Nyima, is one of four primary tulkus (reincarnated lamas) associated with Thrangu Monastery to live there and oversee its operations. In 1992, he returned to central Tibet to participate in two special events: the hair- cutting ceremony of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, which took place in front of the sacred Jowo Shakyamuni statue in the Jokhang Temple of Lhasa, and afterward, in the 17th Karmapa’s enthronement at Tsurphu Monastery.

Publishing Projects

The Author

In 1992 Khenpo Karthar’s book Dharma Paths, an in-depth introduction to the Tibetan Buddhist path, was published by Snow Lion Publications, and in 1996, they published Rinpoche’s commentary on The Precious Garland of the Supreme Path by Je Gampopa with the title The Instructions of Gampopa. Chinese translations of Rinpoche’s work, published in Taiwan, include these texts and others, many of which have been best sellers.

Publishing Projects

The Author

In 1992 Khenpo Karthar’s book Dharma Paths, an in-depth introduction to the Tibetan Buddhist path, was published by Snow Lion Publications, and in 1996, they published Rinpoche’s commentary on The Precious Garland of the Supreme Path by Je Gampopa with the title The Instructions of Gampopa. Chinese translations of Rinpoche’s work, published in Taiwan, include these texts and others, many of which have been best sellers.

Distinguished Visitors

An Open Door to the Teachings

As the abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, Rinpoche has been responsible for insuring that when visiting Rinpoches and lamas teach at KTD, preparations are in keeping with age-old Tibetan traditions. Distinguished visitors have included His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness Sakya Trizin, all four heart sons of the Karmapa, and numerous eminent Tibetan teachers from the Kagyu and other lineages. For over four decades—with sensitivity and great patience—Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche has guided students on all levels, most of whom were new to the Tibetan spiritual traditions. He imparted these teachings with great care in a way that maintained a deep respect for the oral tradition of the Karma Kagyu practice lineage.

Distinguished Visitors

An Open Door to the Teachings

As the abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, Rinpoche has been responsible for insuring that when visiting Rinpoches and lamas teach at KTD, preparations are in keeping with age-old Tibetan traditions. Distinguished visitors have included His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness Sakya Trizin, all four heart sons of the Karmapa, and numerous eminent Tibetan teachers from the Kagyu and other lineages. For over four decades—with sensitivity and great patience—Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche has guided students on all levels, most of whom were new to the Tibetan spiritual traditions. He imparted these teachings with great care in a way that maintained a deep respect for the oral tradition of the Karma Kagyu practice lineage.

A Life in Full

Later Years

Through the late 90s, Khenpo Rinpoche organized and led several pilgrimages to Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet to meet the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje. He also hosted the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche at KTD for a series of residential teachings. Since His Holiness left Tibet in January 2000, Rinpoche has led several pilgrimages to visit him in India, and in

2008, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018, Rinpoche hosted the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje in residence at KTD. In July 2010, Rinpoche organized and presided over the first Kagyu Monlam (a prayer gathering) held in the Americas. In September 2006, the 14th Dalai Lama accepted Rinpoche’s invitation to visit and teach at KTD.

Up to his last year, Khenpo Rinpoche continued to maintain an active teaching and ministerial schedule. In May 2013, he transmitted Khenpo Gangshar’s mind teachings entitled Naturally Liberating Whatever You Meet, which he had received directly from Khenpo Gangshar, and in July 2013, Rinpoche delivered his first-ever Spanish-language retreat with a simultaneous webcast, attended in person by 60 Spanish- speaking pilgrims and viewed across the internet by 1900 people from 39 countries. In July 2016, Rinpoche led a first Spanish-language Chö retreat. And in August 2014, he conducted the first public transmission in English of “the Pointing Out Instructions for Mahamudra” from the Torch of Certainty. His last teaching was for a Chinese language phowa retreat in October 2019.

A Life in Full

Later Years

Through the late 90s, Khenpo Rinpoche organized and led several pilgrimages to Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet to meet the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje. He also hosted the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche at KTD for a series of residential teachings. Since His Holiness left Tibet in January 2000, Rinpoche has led several pilgrimages to visit him in India, and in

2008, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018, Rinpoche hosted the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje in residence at KTD. In July 2010, Rinpoche organized and presided over the first Kagyu Monlam (a prayer gathering) held in the Americas. In September 2006, the 14th Dalai Lama accepted Rinpoche’s invitation to visit and teach at KTD.

Up to his last year, Khenpo Rinpoche continued to maintain an active teaching and ministerial schedule. In May 2013, he transmitted Khenpo Gangshar’s mind teachings entitled Naturally Liberating Whatever You Meet, which he had received directly from Khenpo Gangshar, and in July 2013, Rinpoche delivered his first-ever Spanish-language retreat with a simultaneous webcast, attended in person by 60 Spanish- speaking pilgrims and viewed across the internet by 1900 people from 39 countries. In July 2016, Rinpoche led a first Spanish-language Chö retreat. And in August 2014, he conducted the first public transmission in English of “the Pointing Out Instructions for Mahamudra” from the Torch of Certainty. His last teaching was for a Chinese language phowa retreat in October 2019.

Honored at the Kagyu Monlam

The Karmapa Celebrates Khenpo Rinpoche

Over the years at the Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya, India, the Gyalwang Karmapa has honored the main teachers in his lineage with a celebration of their lives and Dharma activities. In April of 2016, His Holiness paid tribute to Rinpoche: “Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche fulfilled the 16th Karmapa’s wishes by moving to the United States, and then setting a peerless example, he spent decades taking on great responsibilities and making tireless efforts for the sake of others. Today I’d like to take the opportunity to express from the depths of my heart my gratitude to him and also to rejoice in all his activity.”

“Those who have donned the armor of powerful aspiration prayers and bodhichitta for the sake of the teachings and living beings, even if they remain for only a few hours, create an immense benefit for the world. I make the aspiration prayer for the universal glory of the teachings and living beings, that all of Khenpo Rinpoche’s aspirations without exception be naturally accomplished.”

“Actually, there would be nothing that would truly suffice to offer Rinpoche in commemoration or as a way of showing our gratitude for all that he has done to benefit the teachings and living beings, while shouldering numerous difficulties.” With this as a preface, the Karmapa offered Rinpoche a traditional Gampopa hat to symbolize that he is a Lord of the Kagyu Family and also a set of Dharma robes to indicate that he has carried out a life of being learned, venerable, and good.

The Karmapa closed with this aspiration: “Through the blessings of the compassion of an ocean of the Three Roots and the Three Jewels, I pray that Rinpoche will always be with us, and that in all his lifetimes, he will accomplish great benefits for the teachings and living beings.”

Honored at the Kagyu Monlam

The Karmapa Celebrates Khenpo Rinpoche

Over the years at the Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya, India, the Gyalwang Karmapa has honored the main teachers in his lineage with a celebration of their lives and Dharma activities. In April of 2016, His Holiness paid tribute to Rinpoche: “Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche fulfilled the 16th Karmapa’s wishes by moving to the United States, and then setting a peerless example, he spent decades taking on great responsibilities and making tireless efforts for the sake of others. Today I’d like to take the opportunity to express from the depths of my heart my gratitude to him and also to rejoice in all his activity.”

“Those who have donned the armor of powerful aspiration prayers and bodhichitta for the sake of the teachings and living beings, even if they remain for only a few hours, create an immense benefit for the world. I make the aspiration prayer for the universal glory of the teachings and living beings, that all of Khenpo Rinpoche’s aspirations without exception be naturally accomplished.”

“Actually, there would be nothing that would truly suffice to offer Rinpoche in commemoration or as a way of showing our gratitude for all that he has done to benefit the teachings and living beings, while shouldering numerous difficulties.” With this as a preface, the Karmapa offered Rinpoche a traditional Gampopa hat to symbolize that he is a Lord of the Kagyu Family and also a set of Dharma robes to indicate that he has carried out a life of being learned, venerable, and good.

The Karmapa closed with this aspiration: “Through the blessings of the compassion of an ocean of the Three Roots and the Three Jewels, I pray that Rinpoche will always be with us, and that in all his lifetimes, he will accomplish great benefits for the teachings and living beings.”

Parinirvana

His Passing from This World

For many years, Khenpo Rinpoche had wanted to receive the full reading transmission of Karma Chakme’s collected works and he was finally able to do so in August and September of 2019 from the Vajra Master Lama Tobden. During a break in September, Rinpoche was scheduled to give the ten-day teachings, but for the first time, Rinpoche delegated this role to someone else—Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin, who has stayed at KTD for many years and completed both a three- year retreat as well as the fullcourse of study at the Karmapa’s monastic college in Rumtek Monastery. On the last day of the teachings, Rinpoche came to the shrine hall and addressed the students, saying that they were very lucky to have three khenpos at KTD who could teach them: Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin, Khenpo Karma Tenkyong, and Khenpo Sangye Trinley. He related this with such a gentle naturalness that some did not fully realize that he was passing along his teaching duties. Already his nephew, Lama Karma Drodul is carrying out Rinpoche’s vision and serving as the President of KTD while also giving teachings.

When the reading transmission of Karma Chakme’s texts finished on September 29, 2019, Rinpoche expressed how happy he was to have finally received it. For some days his health had not been good, and then on October 5, he experienced a stroke. As the doctors could not do anything for him, he was brought back to Karme Ling Retreat Center, his home for so many years. Here he passed at away at 3:35 in the morning of October 6, which, according to the Tsurphu lunar calendar, coincided with the anniversary of the day that his revered teacher, the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, passed away. This was an amazing synchronicity considering that Rinpoche was also born on the same day as the 16th Karmapa. The time of 3:35 am is also auspicious as it corresponds to the time period of the Buddha’s full awakening.

In retrospect, his disciples are seeing how carefully Khenpo Rinpoche planned everything related to his passing. For example, to conduct a reading transmission of the 60 volumes of Karma Chakme’s writings, Khenpo Karthar had invited a deeply experienced lama, Vajra Master Lama Tobden, who was also the one qualified to initiate the practice of Mahadevi at KTD in October (one of Rinpoche’s last wishes). Lama Tobden was also uniquely capable of monitoring Rinpoche’s week of resting in thukdam (deep meditation after passing away). Further, Khenpo Rinpoche seemed to have thought of every close student and given them a final blessing in the natural course of their visiting him.

Clearly, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche felt that after 96 years, his Dharma activities had been completed. Confirming this, the Dorje Lopon related that last year Rinpoche had said that he was ready to pass on, and this year Rinpoche told him about a dream of forthcoming difficulties. In all ways, his passing was as extraordinary as his life had been.

Parinirvana

His Passing from This World

For many years, Khenpo Rinpoche had wanted to receive the full reading transmission of Karma Chakme’s collected works and he was finally able to do so in August and September of 2019 from the Vajra Master Lama Tobden. During a break in September, Rinpoche was scheduled to give the ten-day teachings, but for the first time, Rinpoche delegated this role to someone else—Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin, who has stayed at KTD for many years and completed both a three- year retreat as well as the fullcourse of study at the Karmapa’s monastic college in Rumtek Monastery. On the last day of the teachings, Rinpoche came to the shrine hall and addressed the students, saying that they were very lucky to have three khenpos at KTD who could teach them: Khenpo Ugyen Tenzin, Khenpo Karma Tenkyong, and Khenpo Sangye Trinley. He related this with such a gentle naturalness that some did not fully realize that he was passing along his teaching duties. Already his nephew, Lama Karma Drodul is carrying out Rinpoche’s vision and serving as the President of KTD while also giving teachings.

When the reading transmission of Karma Chakme’s texts finished on September 29, 2019, Rinpoche expressed how happy he was to have finally received it. For some days his health had not been good, and then on October 5, he experienced a stroke. As the doctors could not do anything for him, he was brought back to Karme Ling Retreat Center, his home for so many years. Here he passed at away at 3:35 in the morning of October 6, which, according to the Tsurphu lunar calendar, coincided with the anniversary of the day that his revered teacher, the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, passed away. This was an amazing synchronicity considering that Rinpoche was also born on the same day as the 16th Karmapa. The time of 3:35 am is also auspicious as it corresponds to the time period of the Buddha’s full awakening.

In retrospect, his disciples are seeing how carefully Khenpo Rinpoche planned everything related to his passing. For example, to conduct a reading transmission of the 60 volumes of Karma Chakme’s writings, Khenpo Karthar had invited a deeply experienced lama, Vajra Master Lama Tobden, who was also the one qualified to initiate the practice of Mahadevi at KTD in October (one of Rinpoche’s last wishes). Lama Tobden was also uniquely capable of monitoring Rinpoche’s week of resting in thukdam (deep meditation after passing away). Further, Khenpo Rinpoche seemed to have thought of every close student and given them a final blessing in the natural course of their visiting him.

Clearly, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche felt that after 96 years, his Dharma activities had been completed. Confirming this, the Dorje Lopon related that last year Rinpoche had said that he was ready to pass on, and this year Rinpoche told him about a dream of forthcoming difficulties. In all ways, his passing was as extraordinary as his life had been.

Photo Credits

From top, cutout of Rinpoche photo by Michael Erlewine; Thrangu Monastery by Kelli Hirschauer; plane wing landscape by Leesa Chenoweth; early photo of Rinpoche, unknown; early KTD with Bardor Tulku and group, KTD; Tashi Gomag Stupa, kttg.org; Karme Ling retreat enclosure, Mary Young; Return to Tibet, Leesa Chenoweth; The Author, KTD Staff; Rinpoche with Khandro Rinpoche, Stephanie Colvey; Later Years, Svetlana Aniskina; The Karmapa Celebrates Khenpo Rinpoche, Kagyu Monlam; His Passing from this World, KTD Staff.

Photo Credits

From top, cutout of Rinpoche photo by Michael Erlewine; Thrangu Monastery by Kelli Hirschauer; plane wing landscape by Leesa Chenoweth; early photo of Rinpoche, unknown; early KTD with Bardor Tulku and group, KTD; Tashi Gomag Stupa, kttg.org; Karme Ling retreat enclosure, Mary Young; Return to Tibet, Leesa Chenoweth; The Author, KTD Staff; Rinpoche with Khandro Rinpoche, Stephanie Colvey; Later Years, Svetlana Aniskina; The Karmapa Celebrates Khenpo Rinpoche, Kagyu Monlam; His Passing from this World, KTD Staff.

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