Bouddha’s teachings were passed on until today by a succession of masters and disciples who applied and accomplished them.

The Karma Kagyu lineage has its origin in Vajradhara (Dorje Chang in Tibetan) the primordial Buddha and a symbol of supreme enlightenment. Tilopa, an Indian mahasiddha, received direct instructions from Vajradhara during visions and found in Naropa his disciple. Then Marpa the translator spread Buddhism all over Tibet. His disciple Milarepa (1052-1153) was a very popular mystic poet in Tibet. His initiatory songs are still an important source of inspiration to practitioners.

The transmission was continued by Gampopa, followed by the first Karmapa Tusum Khyenpa (1110-1193), which literally means “Holder of Buddha’s activity”. In 1204, Karma Pakshi initiated the trulkous tradition (reincarnation of great masters) in Tibet. After this, Karmapa and Shamarpa assured the lineage’s authenticity and continuity by alternately being each other’s master and disciple until today.

The 14th Shamarpa, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, has recently recognised the Karmapa’s 17th reincarnation as Trinlay Thaye Dorje, the son of Mipam Rinpoche who is a renowned master of the Nyingmapa tradition.