Mipham Chokyi Lodro (27 October 1952 - 11 June 2014), also known as Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche -Holder of the Red Crown -, was the 14th Shamarpa of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Shamarpa is the second most important teacher of the Karma Kagyu school after the Karmapa. The Karmapas are sometimes referred to as the Black Hat Lamas, referring to their Black Crown.
The second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi, prophesied that 'future Karmapas shall manifest in two Nirmanakaya forms'. Later the third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje presented his principal student, Khedrup Drakpa Senge, a ruby-red crown which was an exact replica of his own Black Crown. The Karmapa explained that it symbolised their identical nature and so the lineage of the Shamarpas started.
The 14th Shamarpa was recognised by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. During his lifetime, the Shamarpa was a central figure in the current controversy within the Karma Kagyu lineage. He recognised Trinley Thaye Dorje as the current (17th) Karmapa
On June 11, 2014 the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche pass away suddenly in Germany at the age of 62. He had just completed several days of teachings at his main European seat in Renchen-Ulm, Germany.
At approximately 7:30 am (Central European Time), he experienced a heart attack. Emergency medical services were immediately summoned but nothing could be done. Rinpoche is now in the meditative Thugdam state.
Shamar Rinpoche's unexpected death leaves thousands of his disciples in Asia and the Western world greatly saddened and in a profound state of shock. He touched the lives of countless numbers of people. His accomplishments as a spiritual leader will benefit sentient beings for years to come.
The second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi, prophesied that 'future Karmapas shall manifest in two Nirmanakaya forms'. Later the third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje presented his principal student, Khedrup Drakpa Senge, a ruby-red crown which was an exact replica of his own Black Crown. The Karmapa explained that it symbolised their identical nature and so the lineage of the Shamarpas started.
The 14th Shamarpa was recognised by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. During his lifetime, the Shamarpa was a central figure in the current controversy within the Karma Kagyu lineage. He recognised Trinley Thaye Dorje as the current (17th) Karmapa
On June 11, 2014 the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche pass away suddenly in Germany at the age of 62. He had just completed several days of teachings at his main European seat in Renchen-Ulm, Germany.
At approximately 7:30 am (Central European Time), he experienced a heart attack. Emergency medical services were immediately summoned but nothing could be done. Rinpoche is now in the meditative Thugdam state.
Shamar Rinpoche's unexpected death leaves thousands of his disciples in Asia and the Western world greatly saddened and in a profound state of shock. He touched the lives of countless numbers of people. His accomplishments as a spiritual leader will benefit sentient beings for years to come.
