The Gyalwa Karmapas were the first of the incarnate lamas of Tibetan Buddhism to be recognized as reincarnations and are known to be among the greatest, spiritually realized masters of Tibet. The Karmapas vowed to come back for twenty-one incarnations in order to relieve the suffering of the world.

From the first Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa, who lived during the 12th century, to the 17th Karmapa, born in 1985, each successive Karmapa has predicted his reincarnation by leaving behind a letter, where the parents' names, his place of birth and other pertinent information are accurately foretold.

The monastery of Tsurphu has been the home of all his predecessors and was totally destroyed in the Chinese Cultural Revolution. It has now been partially restored.

This is an excellent video documentary about the auspicious arrival of H.H the 17th Karmapa, at his main seat Tsurphu. Also included is the Hair-Cutting ceremony that took place in the Jokhang in Lhasa. The main feature is the Enthronement of this child incarnate which empowers him fully with the role of the new Karmapa who is destined to become one of the greatest living saints of our time.

Copyright 1993 Tsurphu Foundation Ward Holmes

Video/audio quality inherent from original source. Video quality may not be perfect.