The Life and Passing of Shamar Rinpoche
(1952 - 2014)
Shamar Rinpoche, also known as the 14th Shamarpa, Mipham Chokyi Lodro (1952-2014), was a prominent figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Born in Derge, Tibet, he was recognized at an early age as the reincarnation of the previous Shamarpa, making him one of the highest-ranking lamas in the Karma Kagyu lineage, second only to the Karmapa. The Shamarpa lineage is often referred to as the “Red Hat” lineage due to the distinctive red crown worn by its holders.
At the age of four, Shamar Rinpoche was formally enthroned by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, and began his spiritual training under the guidance of eminent lamas. Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet, he fled to India with the 16th Karmapa and continued his education in exile.
Shamar Rinpoche was instrumental in establishing and developing various Dharma centers and institutions worldwide. He founded the Bodhi Path Buddhist Centers, a network aimed at providing accessible Buddhist teachings. His emphasis on practical meditation and ethical living attracted numerous Western students.
In addition to his teaching activities, Shamar Rinpoche was deeply involved in humanitarian work. He established the Infinite Compassion Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation in developing countries.
Shamar Rinpoche’s scholarship is notable for his efforts to revive and preserve Tibetan Buddhist texts. He authored several influential works, including “The Path to Awakening,” a commentary on a classic Mahayana text.
Shamar Rinpoche passed away in 2014, leaving behind a rich legacy of spiritual leadership, educational endeavors, and humanitarian efforts. His contributions continue to inspire and guide practitioners around the world.
New Delhi, June 11, 2014
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that the 14th Shamarpa, Mipham Chokyi Lodro, has passed away. We will publish a statement from His Holiness Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje on this website soon. In the meantime, His Holiness asks all of you to dedicate your merit and practice to Shamar Rinpoche, and to practice Amitabha Tsok pujas for him.
Administration of Shamarpa Rinpoche
His Holiness Karmapa Thaye Dorje’s message regarding the passing of Shamar Rinpoche
On June 11, 2014 the 14th
Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche died 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. His funeral will take place in Asia. Details will be announced shortly.
Administration of Shamarpa Rinpoche
Saturday, 14 June, 2014
Yesterday, two days after his passing and on the auspicious holy full moon day of Saga Dawa, Shamar Rinpoche left the special meditation state after death showing all the signs of Buddhahood.
In the presence of the kudung (the physical remains of Shamar Rinpoche), prayers and practices commenced yesterday at the Renchen cemetery hall (77871 Renchen, Friedhofstr.), near the European Bodhi Path headquarters in Germany. Many great Rinpoches, Lamas and practitioners from all over the world are joining us for the prayers and practices. We warmly encourage each of you to join us in this as well.
As many of you have heard, His Holiness Karmapa Thaye Dorje will be travelling to Renchen Ulm, and will accompany Shamar Rinpoche’s remains back to India once the traditional practices are complete. Details regarding the location and date of the cremation will be announced soon.
In his final teaching, given just a few days ago, Shamar Rinpoche said: “You don’t need to be afraid of death if you know how to practice in death.”
At this time may we all join together in dedicating our practice to Shamar Rinpoche.
In prayers,
Administration of Shamarpa Rinpoche
Tuesday, 24 June, 2014
Dear Dharma Friends,
Since the Kudung of Sharmar Rinpoche arrived at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) from Germany, His Holiness Karmapa Thaye Dorje along with the sangha has been performing daily prayers. During the first week, Vajrasattva’s practice will be conducted in the morning which will be followed by Guru Yoga practice of Dagpo Kagyus in the afternoon. As per our earlier announcement, the Kudung of Shamar Rinpoche accompanied by His Holiness Karmapa Thaye Dorje will be leaving for Kalimpong on the 1st of July. Once in Kalimpong, the Kudung of Rinpoche will be housed at Shri Diwakar Vihara Buddhist Research and Educational Institute that Shamar Rinpoche had established. Various Rinpoches and the monks will be conducting Vajrayogini puja for a week which will be followed by the Five Deities Chakrasamvara practice as a form of offering to Kudung of Rinpoche. The days at Kalimpong will also allow all disciples from Bhutan, Sikkim and the district of Darjeeling to pay their respects. On 14th July, 2014, His Holiness Karmapa Thaye Dorje will be accompanying Kudung of Rinpoche on the final journey to Shar Minub Monastery the main seat of Shamar Rinpoche, which will be the final resting place for his Kudung. While in Shar Minub Monastery, until the final rites are concluded, Red Avalokeshvara and subsequently Hevajra practice as offerings to the Kudung will be conducted. 31st July, 2014 which, coincides with the first turning of the dharma wheel by Buddha Shakyamuni, His Holiness Karmapa Thaye Dorje alongside many high Rinpoches will lead and perform various Yidam practices, fire puja to commence a cremation ceremony along with the assembly of disciples from all over the world. During Sharmar Rinpoche’s lifetime, it was his wish to build a Kudung stupa in the land of his own seat. Thus, a stupa will be constructed to contain the remains of the 14th Shamarpa. These remaining days will provide the opportunity for friends and disciples all over the world to pay their final respects.
Administration of Shamar Rinpoche
Prayer for the swift rebirth of Shamar Rinpoche (Tibetan)
Dear Dharma Friends,
As many of you have heard, His Holiness Karmapa Thaye Dorje will be travelling to Renchen Ulm, and will accompany Shamar Rinpoche’s remains back to India. Please understand that His visit is entirely dedicated to paying homage to HH Shamar Rinpoche, and that there are no scheduled public events with him.
Administration of Shamarpa Rinpoche
Thursday, 3 July, 2014
Dear Dharma Friends,
The kudung of Shamar Rinpoche is currently enshrined at the Shri Diwakar Vihara Buddhist Research and Educational Institute in Kalimpong, India. The journey to Sharminub Monastery at Kathmandu, Nepal was scheduled for July 14, 2014. However, the travel date has been changed to July 13, 2014. Therefore, we would suggest making all your travel arrangements accordingly.
Administration of Shamar Rinpoche
Saturday, 12 July, 2014
Dear Dharma Friends,
Due to some unanticipated circumstances, we have had to postpone the departure of Shamar Rinpoche’s kudung from Kalimpong on July 13, 2014. We regret the inconvenience that this may have caused on your travel plans. We will be providing the updates once the date has been confirmed.
Administration of Shamar Rinpoche
July, 21 2014
Dear Dharma Friends,
We would like to give you an update on the situation in Nepal as there are many different versions appearing in both the international press and social media. For the moment there is no final decision from the Nepalese government. We are working diligently to resolve all the concerns of the Nepalese officials in order to allow the final voyage of Rinpoche’s Kudung to take place. Many high lamas and disciples have already begun to gather at the Shar Minub monastery in Kathmandu and prayers have already commenced. As of now the Kudung is still in Kalimpong, India, enshrined at the Diwakar Vihara Buddhist Academy where prayers are being diligently conducted by both monastic and lay practioners alike since the beginning of July. If we are unable to resolve the situation in Nepal, the cremation will take place in Kalimpong, India on the 31st of July. However, we are hopeful that we will receive a positive response from the Nepalese government. Thank you for your patience in this matter. We are aware that many of you have planned to travel from very far distances and assure you that we will keep you informed with all pertinent developments as they arise. Until a final resolution is reached, we advise everyone to follow the instructions of His Holliness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinlay Thaye Dorje who stated, “this is a time for wisdom and responsibility. We must guard ourselves from any thoughts, words and actions that could lead to harm or unnecessary karma.”
Administration of Shamar Rinpoche
