(1) Monastic tradition, one of the Kagy¸pa group of traditions; (2) its senior reincarnate lama, also known as the Gyalwa Karmapa. This is usually regarded as the oldest reincarnate-lama lineage, and is claimed to go back to the 12th century lama D¸sum Kyíenpa. The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa died in 1981; the identity of his rebirth is currently in dispute.
Title of the spiritual leader of the Kagyu sect or school. (Also the Child K., CK XVII; 21st K., CK XXIII.)
The principal head of the Kagyü lineage, the first Karmapa was Tüsum Khyenpa, the chief student of Gampopa. Subsequently Karma Pakshi was recognised as the incarnation of the Tüsum Khyenpa, Rangjung Dorje the incarnation of Karma Pakshi and so on to the present Karmapa XVII.
A line of incarnate LAMAs whose traditional residence is at Tsurphu Monastery near Lhasa. The Karmapa heads the Karma KAGYUPA order and is also known as the Black Hat Lama. The 16th Karmapa died in Chicago in 1981. A successor was enthroned at Tsurphu in 1993, although some Karma Kagyupa members still support a rival candidate.
( Tib.): Literally, “one who manifests buddha-activity." The title given to the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage who has taken rebirth since the 12th century for the benefit of all sentient beings. Known as the "Black Hat" Lamas, the Karmapas were the first line of incarnate lamas recognized in Tibet and are considered manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The first Karmapa was Dusum Khyenpa (1110-1193) and the present day is the17th Karmapa Thrinley Thaye Dorje.
The Karmapa (officially His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa; ) is the head of the Karma Kagyu, the largest sub-school of the Kagyupa (Tib. Bka' brgyud), itself one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.