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Dalai Lama's Confirmation

From the time of the 16th Karmapa's death in 1981 until Ogyen Trinley Dorje's discovery in 1992, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had been continuously updated by the leaders of the Kagyu lineage about events related to the search for the 17th Karmapa. Prior to the discovery of the Prediction Letter, His Holiness had a pure vision of green mountains covered with meadows, with two streams on each side of the valley. The name "Karmapa" resounded in the air and His Holiness was told that this was the place of his reincarnation. This vision matched the place Karmapa was eventually found.

On June 9th, 1992, Situ Rinpoche and Gyaltsab Rinpoche met with His Holiness to to inform him of the successful discovery of the reincarnation matching exactly the 16th Karmapa's prediction letter. On June 30th, after final consultations with all parties involved, including Shamar Rinpoche, His Holiness granted the official letter with his seal of confirmation, the "Bhuktam Rinpoche", stating:

"The boy born to Karma Dondrub and Loga in the Wood Ox year (of the Tibetan calendar) identifies with the prediction letter (left by the previous Karmapa) and is hereby recognized as the reincarnation of the 16th Karmapa."

At this time, His Holiness also offered the following comments:

"It is mainly Situ Rinpoche along with Tsurphu Gyaltsab Rinpoche and those closely connected, who are responsible for finding the 17th Karmapa, and I am very happy about this. There is a proverb that says "where there is great Dharma, there is immense Mara."  Although there have been some difficult situations, from now on, everyone should maintain firmly their faith and samaya. I pray that this precious reincarnation will have a long life and that his activity will flourish. I wish you all auspicious goodness."

These and other remarks were recorded and communicated to the Rumtek community and also broadcast on All India Radio. Soon afterwards, Situ Rinpoche and Gyaltsab Rinpoche went to Tibet to meet His Holiness the 17th Karmapa.

Dalai Lama Discusses His Prophetic Dream


Dalai Lama Describes Basis for His Confirmation of the Karmapa


These clips are from "Living Buddha" (1994) by German documentary filmmaker Clemens Kuby.