Download Historical Timeline

Historical Timeline
1974-1981
His Holiness the 16th Karmapa visits the United States three times, where
thousands attend his teachings, stirring widespread American interest in
Buddhism.
Nov 5, 1981
The 16th Karmapa passes away in a hospital in Chicago, leaving behind, per
tradition, a prediction letter to help disciples locate and recognize his next
incarnation.
Jun 26, 1985
A child is born to nomadic parents in Eastern Tibet; auspicious signs appear at
the time of his birth. Nicknamed Apo Gaga, the boy has six sisters and three
brothers. As a toddler, he builds toy monasteries and a makeshift teaching throne
of stone and earth, where he sits and recites prayers.
Jun 1992
The seven year old boy is located by disciples, and is brought back to Tsurphu
where he is enthroned as the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. In a
historic first, the 20th century Chinese government also presents an official
certificate accepting the recognition of the young boy as the 17th Karmapa.
Jun 30, 1992
The Dalai Lama officially confirms the young Karmapa’s selection
Sep 1992
Not yet eight years old, the 17th Karmapa’s first teaching at Tsurphu Monastery is
attended by 20,000 people. Every public appearance the boy makes draws a
crowd of thousands.
1992-1999
The Karmapa presides over the restoration of Tsurphu Monastery, damaged
during the 1960s turmoil in Tibet, and receives traditional monastic education at
Tsurphu. However, despite prior promises, the government refuses to allow
certain important teachers to travel to Tibet to bestow significant teachings to the
Karmapa. The Karmapa realizes that to fulfill his role in the world and his duties
to the lineage, he will need to leave Tibet.
Dec 28, 1999
The Karmapa pretends to enter into a solitary retreat, and instead, dons civilian
garb and slips out a window. Leaving Tsurphu Monastery with a handful of
attendants, he begins a daring escape by car, foot, horseback, helicopter, train
and taxi, a heroic journey which will become the stuff of headlines throughout the
world.
Jan 5, 2000
The Karmapa arrives, to the great surprise and overwhelming joy of the world, in
Dharamsala, India, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama meets him.
Feb 2, 2001
The Karmapa receives refugee status from the Indian government, and assumes
residence at Gyuto Monastery. He continues his monastic education under the
tutelage of the main teachers of the Kagyu lineage such as HE Situ Rinpoche,
HE Gyaltsab Rinpoche and Ven. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, as well as the
Dalai Lama and other pre-eminent Buddhist teachers.
2001-2006
The Karmapa continues his education in the Kagyu tradition of Buddhist
philosophy and meditation, and gradually increases his teaching schedule and
audiences with Buddhists, reaching tens of thousands of disciples from India and
visitors from countries across the globe.
Jun 26, 2006
The Karmapa turns 21 years old
Dec 2006
The Karmapa presides over the annual Kagyu Monlam gathering in India,
attended by 8,500 followers.