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Karma Kargyu

The Origin of Black Crown

According to the Buddhist lessons, the spiritual continuum of a person extends for many eons. Many eons ago, a yogi called Kompa Kye lived in the south of India. The Illumination of Compaq Key, who at present is called as His Holiness Gnawing Karmapa, was seen by the Buddhas of the three times and by all the Dakins and the Protectors; and in recognition of that achievement, they offered him the Crown of Wisdom made with the hair of the Dakinis. This Crown remained on the head of whom at the moment is known as His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa. It cannot be seen by a common person unless all his negativities have been purified. Although our mental veils, do not allow us to see the original Crown of Wisdom, during the time of the fifth Karmapa a retort of this one was made, which is only worn by Karmapa, at the famous " Black Crown Ceremonies ".

Before the fifth Karmapa, the history of the Crown was only known by very few people. Nevertheless the Emperor of China of Ming Dynasty, Yung Lok, that lived at the end of the XIV century , developed such devotion towards H.H. that one day saw the Crown of Wisdom on the head of his Karmapa teacher. After seeing it and knowing its meaning, he obtained H.H. permission to create a retort and thus the common people would also have the benefit to see it. This one is the retort of the Crown used at present in the ceremonies. During the 21th century, His Holiness, the 17th Karmapa, often celebrated the ceremony of the Black Crown. The tradition of The Karmapas Crown, is not a history merely created by the Tibetan culture, but it was predicted in the Sutras, where we read:

From the Lankavatara (Manifesting in Lanka) Sutra:?

Wearing monastic robes and a black crown,
He will perform unceasing benefit for beings
Until the teachings of one thousand buddhas disappear.

One talks about the " Black Crown ", but, after a meticulous examination we see that in fact it is dark blue . In the same way the hair of Buddha is represented as “Blue night ". The shape and ornamentation of the crown display the enlightened qualities of the Karmapas. Like the first Tulku or Emanation Body, recognized in the Tibet, Karmapa is historically the center of the Tibetan culture.

The Reincarnation System

The First Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa, was born in the 12th Century, made predictions about future Karmapas. In particular, he was the first Karmapa to present a prediction letter, detailing his future incarnation. He gave it to his main disciple, Drogon Rechen, predecessor of the Tai Situ line Thereafter, each Karmapa has left specific instructions so his disciples can accurately find and enthrone the next Karmapa incarnation. The Buddha Shakyamuni has predicted that Karmapa will be found according to this tradition and bear the official title. However, the line of the incarnations of the Karmapa shall never cease as long as there is a single living being suffering. The present head of Karma Kagyu is the 17th incarnation of the Karmapa – His Holiness Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorje.

The Brief History of Karmapa Reincarnation

◆?First Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa (1110-1193)

◆?Second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi (1203-1283)

◆?Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339)

◆?Fourth Karmapa, Rolpe Dorje (1340-1383)

◆?Fifth Karmapa, Dezhin Shegpa (1384-1415)

◆?Sixth Karmapa, Thongwa Donden (1416-1453)

◆?Seventh Karmapa, Chodrag Gyatsho (1454-1506)

◆?Eighth Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje (1507-1554)

◆?Ninth Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje (1555-1603)

◆?Tenth Karmapa, Choying Dorje (1604-1674)

◆?Eleventh Karmapa, Yeshe Dorje (1676-1702)

◆?Twelfth Karmapa, Changchub Dorje (1703-1732)

◆?Thirteenth Karmapa, Dudul Dorje (1733-1797)

◆?Fourteenth Karmapa, Thegchog Dorje (1798-1868)

◆?Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakhyab Dorje (1871-1922)

◆?Sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924-1981)

◆?Seventeenth Karmapa, Ugyen Trinley Dorje (present)