His Holiness the Karmapa

Karmapa is the title of the head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The lineage is traditionally traced to Dusum Khyenpa (1110–1193), recognized as the First Karmapa, and is known for a succession of incarnations (tulkus). Karmapas have been influential teachers within Tibetan Buddhism, associated with the Karma Kagyu tradition and its monasteries, including Tsurphu in Tibet. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the identity of the 17th Karmapa became disputed, with two principal claimants: Ogyen Trinley Dorje and Trinley Thaye Dorje. The title “Karmapa” is used for historical and contemporary holders of this office.