The name Karmapa means “man of action”. The Karmapa was prophesized by the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, who described him as a bodhisattva of special abilities. Karmapa is regarded as an emanation of Loving Eyes (Tchenrezig).

The Karmapa incarnations have been the spiritual heads of the Karma Kagyu School since the 12th century. In 1959 the 16th Karmapa (1921-1981) left Tibet because of the Chinese invasion and in this way ensured the continuation of the lineage.

H.H. 17th Karmapa, Trinlay Thaye Dorje (born 1983) is Tibetan by birth and came to India in 1994. Today the Karmapa is 23 years old and lives in Kalimpong in the eastern Himalayas.

The Lolland Centre had the great honor of accommodating the Karmapa during his visit to the centre in 2000 and 2004. Here he gave empowerments into Loving Eyes (Tchenrezig) and Highest Bliss (Khorlo Demchok).