Shamar Rinpoche in Hong Kong
H.H. Shamar Rinpoche will visit Hong Kong and will give an empowerment into Mahakala (Skt.), otherwise known as Black Coat or Bernagchen (Tib.). Black Coat embodies the love and protective activity of unlimited space. Black Coat is known as the main protector of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
An empowerment is a ceremony which introduces the practitioner to the powerfield of a certain buddha-aspect. It may be given as a blessing to establish a bond to the teacher and to purify obstacles on the way to enlightenment, or given at the start of a practice. The effectiveness of these methods in developing one’s awareness cannot be overestimated.
About the teacher
Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche is second to Gyalwa Karmapa in the spiritual hierarchy of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism and is an emanation of Buddha Amithaba. The first Shamar Rinpoche, Khedrup Trakpe Senge (1283-1349), was the principal disciple of the 3rd Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. His second incarnation, Kacho Wangpo, received the Red Crown from the 4th Karmapa, Rolpe Dorje, an exact replica of Karmapa’s Black Crown. With the Red Crown, the Karmapa bestowed on him the name of “Shamarpa – The One with the Red Crown.” Since then, Karma Kagyu texts speak of two Karmapas, the Black Hat and Red Hat Karmapas, always alternating as teacher and student throughout centuries and their minds are considered inseparable.
H.H. the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche Mipam Chokyi Lodro was born in 1952 in Derge, Tibet as the nephew of H.H. the 16th Karmapa. He was recognized as the Shamarpa incarnation at the age of 6, and was taken to Yang Chen Monastery, the main seat of the Shamarpas in Tibet. He left Tibet at the age of 9 together with the 16th Karmapa for Sikkim, India where he lived and studied under Karmapa’s guidance. Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche received the entire teachings and transmissions of the Karma Kagyu School from the 16th Karmapa at Rumtek monastery in Sikkim. After Karmapa’s death, Shamar Rinpoche undertook the project of completing the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi, India. In March 1994, he officially recognized Trinlay Thaye Dorje as the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. Shamar Rinpoche spends most of his time giving Dharma teachings around the world.
Schedule
Empowerment of Black Coat (followed by a celebration for the birthday of Shamar Rinpoche): Saturday 27 October, 3pm
Meeting students (by appointment – contact details below): Sunday 28 October, 3pm
Information
Please note these events will not take place at the Diamond Way Buddhist Centre in Sheung Wan. Please see the venue address and contact details below.
Venue: Karma Kagyu Lineage Centre, Flat A, 1/F Wing Tai Centre, 12 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong (telephone 2802 6767)
All are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!