In 1981, the revered 16th Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, passed away. His death set in motion a process to identify his reincarnated successor that originated 900 years ago with the 1st Karmapa who was the first Tibetan Buddhist master ever to reincarnate. Since the early 1990’s the identification of the 17th Karmapa has been mired in controversy, causing a schism in the Karma Kagyu sect. Two competing factions within the sect have recognized different candidates.
Part One presents the true voices of the 5th and 16th Karmapas through their writings, namely, their prophecies that forwarned of treachery not unlike the present schism in the Karma Kagyu.
Part Two refutes mistruths abouth Tibetan history that several recent publications have spread.
Part Three presents the first-person account by the Shamarpa (1952-2014), about events just prior to the 16th Karmapa’s passing and until his own recognition of the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje.
Part Four, the concluding section examines the key figures and their master plan in the takeover of Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, on August 2, 1993.
Sylvia Wong, a long-time practitioner of Tibet Buddhis, is an editor of Buddhist teachings published in Buddhist magazines and websites. She lives in Toronto, Canada.
Rabsel Éditions, France 2016