Visiting Teachers and Speakers
H.H. 17th Gyalwang Karmapa was born in 1985 to a nomadic family in Tibet. His recognition in 1992 was guided by the prediction letter left by his predecessor, the 16th Karmapa, and later confirmed by the His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
At the end 1999, in a heroic escape over the Himalayas, the 17th Karmapa fled from communist-occupied Tibet to Dharamsala, India, were he was warmly greeted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The 17th Karmapa has since been residing as the Dalai Lama's guest at Gyüto Monastery, from which he directs his vast and international activities.
His Holiness has visited the U.S. twice—in 2008 and 2011—both times paying a short visit to KPL. His main seat in North America is Karma Triyana Dharmachakra.
Photo of H.H. 17th Karmapa by Sarite Sanders.
All rights reserved.
H.E. Garchen Rinpoche is one of the most inspiring living Tibetan masters. A Drikung Kagyu lama, he was known in the thirteenth century as the Siddha Gar Chodingpa, a heart disciple of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon, founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
In his present incarnation he was imprisoned for 20 years during the political turmoil of China’s Cultural Revolution. While in the labor camp, he received meditation instruction from his root lama, the Nyingma master Khenpo Munsel. Enduring hardship and practicing secretly, Garchen Rinpoche attained realization of the lama’s wisdom mind.
Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual director of the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Chino Valley, Arizona.
Photo of H.E. Garchen Rinpoche by Robert Hansen-Sturm. All rights reserved.
H.E. Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche was born as the eldest daughter of Kyabje Mindrolling Trichen Gyurme Künzang Wangyal, the 11th Mindrolling throne holder of the renowned Mindrolling lineage. Mindrolling has had the unique lineage of great female masters who have been great teachers and yoginis who have been inspiration for generations to come.
Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche was recognized by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa as the reincarnation of the great Dakini of Tshurphu, Khandro Orgyen Tsomo, the consort of the 15th Karmapa.
Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche has been teaching internationally for nearly two decades. Rinpoche has been teaching extensively in North America, Europe and Asia since 1992.
Photo of Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche by Diana Blok. All rights reserved.
H.E. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche was recognized as the 12th incarnation in the Gharwang lineage by the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa. Rinpoche received many empowerments and transmissions from the 16th Karmapa. He also received teachings from the late Kalu Rinpoche, late Tulku Urgen Rinpoche, late Khenpo Pema Pedtse, late Jamgön Kongtrül Rinpoche, ShaMarpa, Tai Situpa, Gyaltsapa, and H.H. Sakya Trizin. Rinpoche studied under the guidance of Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso, and Khenchen Chodak Tenphel. He was a top scholar at the Nalanda Buddhist Institute between 1982 and 1991. Since 1987, he has taught extensively in dharma centers in Europe, America, and Asia.
Lama Colleen Reed received refuge vows in the Soto Zen tradition as a teenager. In her mid-20s, she met Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in Chicago, received refuge vows from him, and began practice in the Karma Kagyu lineage. For many years she assisted with dharma activities at the Chicago KTC. In 1996, she completed a 3-year retreat at Karme Ling. She is currently living in rural west-central New York, pursuing her interests in permaculture, organic gardening, beekeeping, and fiber arts.
Photo of Lama Colleen Reed by Robert Hansen-Sturm. All rights reserved.
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