In Tibetan Buddhism the Shamarpa also known as Shamar Rinpoche is considered by some to be the second-highest lama in the Kagyu school, next only to the Karmapa. Along with Tai Situpa he is one of regents responsible for locating the Karmapa's reincarnation. The shamarpas constitute the second tulku lineage to be established in Tibetan Buddhism after that of the Karmapa. The two lineages are historically interwoven, with each in turn acknowledging and teaching the other. At various times the two have come from the same extended family.

The Shamarpa is considered the manifestation of the Amitabha Buddha. He is traditionally associated with Yangpachen monastery near Lhasa.

The 1st Shamarpa, Khedrup Drakpa Senge (1283-1349), was the principle disciple of the 3rd Karmapa. The Karmapa, holder of the Black Crown , bestowed on him an identical ruby-red crown and named him "Shamarpa", meaning "Holder of the Red Crown". (Hence the successive Shamarpas are known as the Red Hat lamas).

The present (14th) Shamarpa is Mipham Chokyi Lodro , born in Derge , Tibet in 1952. At age four he was recognized by his uncle the 16th Karmapa. In turn, following the death of the 16th Karmapa in 1981, the Shamarpa recognized Thaye Dorje as the 17th Karmapa. Unfortunately the recognition of the 17th Karmapa is mired in controversy as an alternate choice Urgyen Trinley Dorje was recognized by the Tai Situpa. This choice was approved by the People's Republic of China and endorsed by Dalai Lama. For more informatiion of the controversy see Karmapa controversy. The 14th Shamarpa presently resides in India, where he is educating his claimant as 17th Karmapa.

The Shamarpa lineage

1. Khedrup Drakpa Senge , (1284-1349)
2. Shamar Khachö Wangpo , (1350-1405)
3. Shamar Chöpal Yeshe , (1406-1452)
4. Shamar Chokyi Drakpa Yeshe Pal Zangpo , (1453-1526)
5. Shamar Köncho Yenlak ,(1526-1583)
6. Shamar Mipan Chökyi Wangchuk ,(1584-1629)
7. Shamar Yeshe Nyinpo , (1631-1694)
8. Palchen Chökyi Döndrup , (1695-1732)
9. Könchog Geway Yungnay ,(1733-1741)
10. Mipam Chödrup Gyamtso ,(1742-1793)
11. (unnamed physician in Tibet, forced into hiding by the regents of the 11th Dalai Lama who sought to submerge the Kagyu school into the Geluk school)
12. Tugsay Jamyang Rinpoche
13. (an infant who survived only a year)
14. Mipham Chokyi Lodro , (1952 - )

External Link

• www.shamarpa.org