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{{short description|Buddhist lama}}
{{Short description|Tibetan Buddhist lama (1924–2019)}}
{{multiple issues|
{{primary sources|date=March 2022}}
{{more footnotes|date=March 2022}}
}}
{{Infobox religious biography
{{Infobox religious biography
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|background = #FFD068
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|alias = The Venerable Khenpo Karma Tharchin Rinpoche
|alias = The Venerable Khenpo Karma Tharchin Rinpoche
|dharma name =
|dharma name =
|birth_date = 3 February 1924 <br> [[Kham]], [[Tibet]]
|birth_date = 3 April 1924 <br /> [[Kham]], [[Tibet]]
|birth_place =
|birth_place =
|death_date = 6 October 2019 (aged 95)
|death_date = 6 October 2019 (aged 95)
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}}
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'''Khenpo Karma Tharchin Rinpoche''' (3 February 1924<ref>Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, [https://books.google.com/books?id=OksX-pfDF4wC&pg=PR25 Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma, Volume 2], p. 25</ref> &ndash; 6 October 2019), widely known by his abbreviated name '''Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche''', was a senior [[lama]] of the [[Karma Kagyu]] school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. Before his death he served as [[abbot]] of [[Karma Triyana Dharmachakra]] (KTD) Monastery in [[Woodstock, New York]].
'''Khenpo Karma Tharchin Rinpoche''' (3 April 1924{{sfnp|Karthar Rinpoche|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=OksX-pfDF4wC&pg=PR25 25]}} &ndash; 6 October 2019), widely known by his abbreviated name '''Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche''', was a senior [[lama]] of the [[Karma Kagyu]] school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. Before his death he served as [[abbot]] of [[Karma Triyana Dharmachakra]] (KTD) Monastery in [[Woodstock, New York]].


[[Khenpo]] Karthar [[Rinpoche]] practiced and taught [[Mahamudra]] and [[Dzogchen]] and served as Retreat Master for several three-year retreats. He taught Buddhist [[history]] and [[philosophy]] at every level, wrote several books on philosophy and the practice of [[meditation]], and conferred [[initiation]] at every level of [[Vajrayana]] practice, including [[Anuttarayogatantra]]. He hosted visits and teachings by the lamas of the [[Karma Kagyu]] and other lineages, including a visit to KTD by the 14th [[Dalai Lama]] in September 2006,<ref>[http://www.dalailama.com/news.88.htm The Dalai Lama, in Woodstock, Calls for Peace and Compassion<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and in late May 2008 presided over the enthronement of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa [[Ogyen Trinley Dorje]] in his principal seat in the West at KTD.<ref name="YouTube">{{YouTube|uVcje0t3-nE|His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa at KTD}}</ref>
[[Khenpo]] Karthar [[Rinpoche]] practiced and taught [[Mahamudra]] and [[Dzogchen]] and served as Retreat Master for several three-year retreats. He taught Buddhist [[history]] and [[philosophy]] at every level, wrote several books on philosophy and the practice of [[meditation]], and conferred [[initiation]] at every level of [[Vajrayana]] practice, including [[Anuttarayogatantra]]. He hosted visits and teachings by the lamas of the Karma Kagyu and other lineages, including a visit to KTD by the 14th [[Dalai Lama]] in September 2006,{{sfnp|Schweitzer|2006}}<ref>https://rememberingrinpoche.org/about/</ref> and in late May 2008 presided over the enthronement of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa [[Ogyen Trinley Dorje]] in his principal seat in the West at KTD.<ref>https://kagyuoffice.org/karmapa-departs-new-york-for-ktd/</ref>


== Biography ==
== Biography ==
Born in [[Kham]], [[Tibet]] to a [[nomad]]ic family, Khenpo Rinpoche was not (in contrast to most Rinpoches) a [[tulku]] or reincarnate lama, but achieved his realization in his lifetime. He began his religious training under his parents, who were both devout practitioners, and at the age of 12 entered [[Thrangu Monastery]] to continue his education. At age 20, he received the [[Gelong]] [[ordination]] from the 11th [[Tai Situ Rinpoche]] at [[Palpung Monastery]]. Following a series of [[Retreat (spiritual)|retreats]] including the traditional 3-year retreat, he was sent by his [[guru]] the 8th [[Traleg Rinpoche]] to Thrangu Monastery for advanced education in [[Buddhist]] studies. After five years of study, at age 30, he was awarded the [[Khenpo]] degree and began teaching.
Born in [[Kham]], [[Tibet]] to a [[nomad]]ic family, Khenpo Rinpoche was not (in contrast to most Rinpoches) a [[tulku]] or reincarnate lama, but achieved his realization in his lifetime. He began his religious training under his parents, who were both devout practitioners, and at the age of 12 entered [[Thrangu Monastery]] to continue his education. At age 20, he received the [[Gelong]] [[ordination]] from the 11th [[Tai Situ Rinpoche]] at [[Palpung Monastery]]. Following a series of [[Retreat (spiritual)|retreats]] including the traditional 3-year retreat, he was sent by his [[guru]] the 8th [[Traleg Rinpoche]] to Thrangu Monastery for advanced education in [[Buddhist]] studies. After five years of study, at age 30, he was awarded the [[Khenpo]] degree and began teaching.<ref>https://rememberingrinpoche.org/about/</ref><ref>
Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
By: Lama Karma Drodul, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso</ref>


In 1958, in the company of the 9th [[Thrangu Rinpoche]], the 9th [[Traleg Rinpoche]] and others, he fled the [[Chinese Communist]] destruction of Thrangu Monastery by undertaking an arduous several-month-long trek to [[Tsurphu Monastery]]. After a month's rest, the [[16th Gyalwa Karmapa]] sent them on to take refuge in [[Bhutan]], where Khenpo Rinpoche remained for eight years. In 1967 Rinpoche was called to [[Rumtek Monastery]] in [[Sikkim]], [[India]] to teach the monks and engage in pastoral ministry for the local community. For the next several years he was sent from place to place to teach and minister, and in 1975 the 16th Karmapa bestowed upon him the title of '''Chöje Lama''' (Superior [[Dharma]] Master).
In 1958, in the company of the 9th [[Thrangu Rinpoche]], the 9th [[Traleg Rinpoche]] and others, he fled the [[Chinese Communist]] destruction of Thrangu Monastery by undertaking an arduous several-month-long trek to [[Tsurphu Monastery]]. After a month's rest, the [[16th Gyalwa Karmapa]] sent them on to take refuge in [[Bhutan]], where Khenpo Rinpoche remained for eight years. In 1967 Rinpoche was called to [[Rumtek Monastery]] in [[Sikkim]], [[India]] to teach the monks and engage in pastoral ministry for the local community. For the next several years he was sent from place to place to teach and minister, and in 1975 the 16th Karmapa bestowed upon him the title of "Chöje Lama" (Superior [[Dharma]] Master).<ref>https://rememberingrinpoche.org/about/</ref>


In 1976 the Gyalwa Karmapa sent Khenpo Rinpoche to establish a seat for the Karmapas in [[North America]] and to serve as abbot for a new monastery there. Rinpoche traveled to [[New York City]] and then on to Woodstock, NY, where he founded Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) Monastery and a series of local teaching centers across the [[United States]]. He was joined by the 3rd [[Bardor Tulku Rinpoche]] and, together with lay representative Tenzin Chonyi and local practitioners, they progressed from teaching in an old hotel to building both a traditional Tibetan monastery complex and a nearby retreat center with (separate) facilities for both men and women.
In 1976 the Gyalwa Karmapa sent Khenpo Rinpoche to establish a seat for the Karmapas in [[North America]] and to serve as abbot for a new monastery there. Rinpoche traveled to [[New York City]] and then on to Woodstock, NY, where he founded Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) Monastery and a series of local teaching centers across the [[United States]]. He was joined by the 3rd [[Bardor Tulku Rinpoche]] and, together with lay representative Tenzin Chonyi and local practitioners, they progressed from teaching in an old hotel to building both a traditional Tibetan monastery complex and a nearby retreat center with (separate) facilities for both men and women.<ref>
Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
By: Lama Karma Drodul, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso</ref>


[[File:Khenpo Karthar teaching 2013.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche teaching at [[Karma Triyana Dharmachakra]] in May, 2013.]]
[[File:Khenpo Karthar teaching 2013.jpg|left|thumb|Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche teaching at [[Karma Triyana Dharmachakra]] in May, 2013.]]


In August 1990, Rinpoche assisted the 3rd [[Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche]] in transmitting the [[Kalachakra]] initiation in [[Toronto|Toronto, Ontario]], Canada. Through the late 90s, he organized and led several pilgrimages to Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet to meet the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa and hosted the 12th [[Tai Situ Rinpoche]] (the 17th Karmapa's guru) at KTD for a series of residential teachings. After leaving Tibet in January, 2000, Khenpo led several pilgrimages to visit him in India.
In August 1990, Rinpoche assisted the 3rd [[Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche]] in transmitting the [[Kalachakra]] initiation in [[Toronto|Toronto, Ontario]], Canada. Through the late 90s, he organized and led several pilgrimages to Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet to meet the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa and hosted the 12th [[Tai Situ Rinpoche]] (the 17th Karmapa's guru) at KTD for a series of residential teachings. After leaving Tibet in January, 2000, Khenpo led several pilgrimages to visit him in India.<ref>
Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
By: Lama Karma Drodul, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso</ref>


In September, 2006, the 14th Dalai Lama accepted Khenpo Rinpoche's invitation to visit and teach at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, and in May 2008 and July 2011, Khenpo Rinpoche hosted the 17th Karmapa [[Orgyen Trinley Dorje]] in residence at KTD. In July 2010, he organized and presided over the first Kagyu [[Monlam]] (assembly) to be held in the [[Americas]].
In September, 2006, the 14th Dalai Lama accepted Khenpo Rinpoche's invitation to visit and teach at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, and in May 2008 and July 2011, Khenpo Rinpoche hosted the 17th Karmapa [[Orgyen Trinley Dorje]] in residence at KTD. In July 2010, he organized and presided over the first Kagyu [[Monlam]] (assembly) to be held in the [[Americas]].<ref>https://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/khenpo-karthar-rinpoche-the-shrine-builder/</ref>


In addition to establishing 28 teaching centers in the USA, three in Canada and four in [[South America]], Khenpo Rinpoche had many students in [[Taiwan]] and [[Central America]] and is known in Tibetan communities across Tibet, Bhutan, [[Nepal]] and India.
In addition to establishing 28 teaching centers in the USA, three in Canada and four in [[South America]], Khenpo Rinpoche had many students in [[Taiwan]] and [[Central America]] and is known in Tibetan communities across Tibet, Bhutan, [[Nepal]] and India.<ref>
Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
By: Lama Karma Drodul, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso</ref>


Khenpo Rinpoche lived until he was 95 years old (96 by Tibetan reckoning, which counts age from conception) and continued active teaching and his ministerial schedule to the end. For example, over May 17–19, 2013 he transmitted the [[Khenpo Gangshar]] mind teachings ("Naturally Liberating Whatever You Meet," which he had received directly from Khenpo Gangshar)<ref>[http://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/it-was-like-a-weekend-in-dewachen/]</ref> and from July 13–21, 2013, he delivered the first-ever Spanish-language retreat and simultaneous webcast, attended in person by 60 Spanish-speaking pilgrims and across the internet by 1900 people from 39 countries.<ref>[http://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/25/www-facebuda-org-ktds-dharma-gateway-to-the-spanish-speaking-world]</ref> From 22–31 August 2014, he conducted the first public transmission in English of the ''Pointing Out Instructions for Mahamudra'' from ''Torch of Certainty'' by the 1st [[Jamgon Kongtrul]] Rinpoche.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kagyu.org/ktd/schedule/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108191303/http://www.kagyu.org/ktd/schedule/ |archive-date=2014-01-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In April 2015, he welcomed the 17th Karmapa back to KTD Monastery for an 11-day visit, his third visit to the United States and to KTD Monastery.<ref>[http://www.karmapaamerica2015.org/?page_id=15]</ref> Over 17–23 July 2016, Rinpoche led the first-ever Spanish-language [[Chöd]] retreat.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kagyu.org/ktd/schedule/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108191303/http://www.kagyu.org/ktd/schedule/ |archive-date=2014-01-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> From 2015 until his passing, Khenpo delivered oral transmission and commentary on several seminal teachings by [[Karma Chagme]].
Khenpo Rinpoche lived until he was 95 years old (96 by Tibetan reckoning, which counts age from conception) and continued active teaching and his ministerial schedule to the end.<ref>https://tricycle.org/article/khenpo-karthar-rinpoche/</ref> For example, over May 17–19, 2013 he transmitted the [[Khenpo Gangshar]] mind teachings ("Naturally Liberating Whatever You Meet," which he had received directly from Khenpo Gangshar){{sfnp|KTD|2013a}} and from July 13–21, 2013, he delivered the first-ever Spanish-language retreat and simultaneous webcast, attended in person by 60 Spanish-speaking pilgrims and across the internet by 1900 people from 39 countries.<ref>https://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/22/spanish-language-chod-retreat-at-ktd-a-remarkable-international-gathering/</ref>


From 22–31 August 2014, he conducted, in English, the transmission of the ''Pointing Out Instructions for Mahamudra'' from ''Torch of Certainty'' by the 1st [[Jamgon Kongtrul]] Rinpoche.<ref>https://kagyu.org/teachers/resident_KhenpoKartharRinpoche</ref> In April 2015, he welcomed the 17th Karmapa back to KTD Monastery for an 11-day visit, his third visit to the United States and to KTD Monastery.<ref>https://www.karmapaamerica2015.org</ref> Over 17–23 July 2016, Rinpoche led the first-ever Spanish-language [[Chöd]] retreat.<ref>https://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/22/spanish-language-chod-retreat-at-ktd-a-remarkable-international-gathering/</ref> From 2015 until his death, Khenpo delivered oral transmission and commentary on several seminal teachings by [[Karma Chagme]].<ref>https://buddhanature.tsadra.org/index.php/People/Karthar,_Khenpo</ref>
⚫
Rinpoche died in his home at Karme Ling Retreat Center on 6 October 2019 at the age of 95.<ref>[https://hudsonvalleyone.com/2019/10/17/ktd-abbot-khenpo-karthar-rinpoche-passes-on/ KTD Abbot Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche passes on]</ref> His body remained in state in his room for several days, then in the main shrine room of Karme Ling until 20 October, when he was given the full 4-way cremation ceremony of a high Lama of the [[Karma Kagyu]].<ref>[https://kagyu.org/khenpo-karthar-rinpoche-parinirvana-photos/]</ref>


⚫
Rinpoche died in his home at Karme Ling Retreat Center on 6 October 2019 at the age of 95.{{sfnp|Snow|2019}}<ref>https://hudsonvalleyone.com/2019/10/17/ktd-abbot-khenpo-karthar-rinpoche-passes-on/</ref> His body remained in state in his room for several days, then in the main shrine room of Karme Ling until 20 October, when he was given the full 4-way cremation ceremony of a high Lama of the Karma Kagyu.{{sfnp|Anon|2019}}
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[[File:Khenpo_Karthar_resting_in_state.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Khenpo Karthar resting in state in the main shrine room at Karme Ling]]

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[[File:Khenpo_Karthar_cremation.jpg|thumb|300px|center|The cremation ceremony of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche]]
{{Gallery|width=240|align=center
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|Khenpo_Karthar_resting_in_state.jpg|Khenpo Karthar resting in state in the main shrine room at Karme Ling
⚫
|Khenpo_Karthar_cremation.jpg|The cremation ceremony of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
}}


==Partial bibliography==
==Partial bibliography==
*{{cite book |title=Dharma Paths |first=Khenpo |last=Karthar Rinpoche |editor-first=Laura |editor-last=Roth |publisher=Snow Lion Publications |year=1992 |isbn=1-55939-002-6}}
⚫
*''Bardo: Interval of Possibility, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche's Teaching on Aspiration for Liberation in the Bardo'', by Chokyi Wangchuk with Commentary by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso, KTD Publications (2007) {{ISBN|0-9741092-2-3}}
*''Dharma Paths'', by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, edited by Laura Roth, Snow Lion Publications (1992/2006) {{ISBN|1-55939-002-6}}
*{{cite book |title=The Instructions of Gampopa, A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path |first=Khenpo |last=Karthar Rinpoche |publisher=Snow Lion Publications |year=1996 |isbn=1-55939-046-8}}
*''The Instructions of Gampopa, A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path'', by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Snow Lion Publications (1996) {{ISBN|1-55939-046-8}}
*{{cite book |title=Taking Refuge |first=Khenpo |last=Karthar Rinpoche |publisher=Rinchen Publications |year=2002 |isbn=0-9714554-1-4}}
*''Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma'', in four volumes, by Karma Chagme with commentary by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso, KTD Publications (Vol.1, 2004) {{ISBN|0-9741092-0-7}}, (Vol.2, 2006) {{ISBN|0-9741092-1-5}}, (Vol.3, 2008) {{ISBN|978-1-934608-01-2}}, (Vol.4, 2010) {{ISBN|978-1-934608-07-4}}
*{{cite book |title=Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma |volume=1 |first1=Karma |last1=Chagme |first2=Khenpo |last2=Karthar Rinpoche |translator=Yeshe Gyamtso |publisher=KTD Publications |year=2004 |isbn=0-9741092-0-7}}
*''The Quintessence of the Union of Mahamudra and Dzokchen'' by Karma Chagme with commentary by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso, KTD Publications (2008) {{ISBN|978-1-934608-02-9}}
*{{cite book |title=Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma |volume=2 |first1=Karma |last1=Chagme |first2=Khenpo |last2=Karthar Rinpoche |translator=Yeshe Gyamtso |publisher=KTD Publications |year=2006 |isbn=0-9741092-1-5}}
⚫
*{{cite book |title=Bardo: Interval of Possibility, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche's Teaching on Aspiration for Liberation in the Bardo |first1=Chokyi |last1=Wangchuk |first2=Khenpo |last2=Karthar Rinpoche |translator=Yeshe Gyamtso |publisher=KTD Publications |year=2007 |isbn=0-9741092-2-3}}
*''Taking Refuge'' by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Rinchen Publications (2002) {{ISBN|0-9714554-1-4}}
*''The Wish-Fulfilling Wheel: The Practice of White Tara'' by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Rinchen Publications (2009) {{ISBN|0-9714554-2-2}}
*{{cite book |title=Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma |volume=3 |first1=Karma |last1=Chagme |first2=Khenpo |last2=Karthar Rinpoche |translator=Yeshe Gyamtso |publisher=KTD Publications |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-934608-01-2}}
*''Siddhas of Ga: Remembered by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche'', recorded by Lama Karma Drodhul, translated by Lama Yeshe Gyamtso, KTD Publications (2013) {{ISBN|978-1-934608-37-1}}
*{{cite book |title=The Quintessence of the Union of Mahamudra and Dzokchen |first1=Karma |last1=Chagme |first2=Khenpo |last2=Karthar Rinpoche |translator=Yeshe Gyamtso |publisher=KTD Publications |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-934608-02-9}}
*{{cite book |title=The Wish-Fulfilling Wheel: The Practice of White Tara |first=Khenpo |last=Karthar Rinpoche |publisher=Rinchen Publications |year=2009 |isbn=0-9714554-2-2}}

*{{cite book |title=Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma |volume=4 |first1=Karma |last1=Chagme |first2=Khenpo |last2=Karthar Rinpoche |translator=Yeshe Gyamtso |publisher=KTD Publications |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-934608-07-4}}
==See also==
*{{cite book |title=Siddhas of Ga: Remembered by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche |first=Khenpo |last=Karthar Rinpoche |translator=Yeshe Gyamtso |publisher=KTD Publications |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-934608-37-1}}
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* [[Karma Kagyu]]
*{{cite book |title=Excellent at the Beginning: Discovering the Buddhist Way |first=Khenpo |last=Karthar Rinpoche |publisher=Rinchen Publications |year=2015 |isbn=978-0971455443}}
* [[Karma Triyana Dharmachakra]]
* [[Mahamudra]]
* [[Vajrayana Buddhism]]


==References==
==References==
===Citations===
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070926231041/http://www.kagyu.org/kagyulineage/teachers/tea15.php KTD web site: Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche]
{{reflist|25em}}
*[http://www.snowlionpub.com/pages/karthar.php/ Snow Lion Publications: Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche]

⚫
* Drodul, Lama Karma, ''Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche'', KTD Publications 2009, Woodstock, NY, USA. {{ISBN|978-1-934608-05-0}}
===Works cited===
;Primary sources
*{{cite web |author=Anon |year=2015 |title=His Holiness the 17th Karmapa in the U.S.A. Public Events Schedule for 2015 |url=http://www.karmapaamerica2015.org/karmapa-america-2015-public-events-schedule/ |website=KarmapaAmerica2015.org |access-date=2022-03-15}}
*{{cite web |author=Anon |year=2019 |title=In Memoriam: Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche Parinirvana, Ceremonies, and Offerings |url=https://kagyu.org/khenpo-karthar-rinpoche-parinirvana-photos/ |website=Kagyu.org |publisher=Karma Triyana Dharmachakra |access-date=2022-03-15}}
*{{cite book |last=Karthar Rinpoche |first=Khenpo |year=2006 |title=Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma |volume=2 |publisher=KTD Publications |isbn=978-0974109213}}
*{{cite web |author=KTD |date=May 26, 2013a |url=http://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/it-was-like-a-weekend-in-dewachen/ |title='It Was Like a Weekend in Dewachen' |website=KTD Mandala News |publisher=Karma Triyana Dharmachakra |access-date=2022-03-15}}
*{{cite web |author=KTD |date=July 25, 2013b |url=https://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/25/www-facebuda-org-ktds-dharma-gateway-to-the-spanish-speaking-world/ |title=Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, KTD and Dharma expand their connection with the Spanish-speakers via Internet |website=KTD Mandala News |publisher=Karma Triyana Dharmachakra |access-date=2022-03-15}}

;Secondary sources
*{{cite web |url=http://www.dalailama.com/news.88.htm |title=The Dalai Lama, in Woodstock, Calls for Peace and Compassion |place=Woodstock, NY |date=September 22, 2006 |first=Blaise |last=Schweitzer |work=Daily Freeman |via=DalaiLama.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020022456/http://www.dalailama.com/news.88.htm |archive-date=2006-10-20 |url-status=dead}}
*{{cite news |first=Violet |last=Snow |date=October 17, 2019 |title=KTD Abbot Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche passes on |website=Hudson Valley One |publisher=Ulster Publishing |url=https://hudsonvalleyone.com/2019/10/17/ktd-abbot-khenpo-karthar-rinpoche-passes-on/ |access-date=2022-03-15}}


==Notes==
==Further reading==
* {{cite web |author=Anon |year=2020 |title=A Brief Biography of Khyabje Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche |url=https://kagyu.org/khenpo-karthar-rinpoche/ |website=Kagyu.org |publisher=Karma Triyana Dharmachakra |access-date=2022-03-15}}
<references/>
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* {{cite book |last=Drodul |first=Lama Karma |title=Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche |publisher=KTD Publications |year=2009 |place=Woodstock, NY |isbn=978-1-934608-05-0}}


{{Buddhism topics}}
{{Buddhism topics}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche}}
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[[Category:Karma Kagyu Lamas]]
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[[Category:Rinpoches]]
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[[Category:Tibetan Buddhist teachers]]
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[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:1924 births]]
[[Category:1924 births]]
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[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:Expatriates in Bhutan]]
[[Category:Chinese expatriates in India]]
[[Category:Chinese expatriates in the United States]]
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[[Category:Dzogchen lamas]]
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[[Category:Karma Kagyu lamas]]
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[[Category:Rinpoches]]
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[[Category:Tibetan emigrants to India]]
[[Category:Tibetan Buddhists from India]]
[[Category:Tibetan emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:Scholars from Sikkim]]

Latest revision as of 17:20, 28 October 2024

Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
TitleVenerable (ecclesiastic) or Khenpo (academic) or Rinpoche (devotional) (or any combination)
Personal life
Born3 April 1924
Kham, Tibet
Died6 October 2019 (aged 95)
Other namesThe Venerable Khenpo Karma Tharchin Rinpoche
Religious life
ReligionTibetan Buddhism
SchoolKarma Kagyu
Senior posting
Based inWoodstock, NY, USA

Khenpo Karma Tharchin Rinpoche (3 April 1924[1] – 6 October 2019), widely known by his abbreviated name Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, was a senior lama of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Before his death he served as abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) Monastery in Woodstock, New York.

Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche practiced and taught Mahamudra and Dzogchen and served as Retreat Master for several three-year retreats. He taught Buddhist history and philosophy at every level, wrote several books on philosophy and the practice of meditation, and conferred initiation at every level of Vajrayana practice, including Anuttarayogatantra. He hosted visits and teachings by the lamas of the Karma Kagyu and other lineages, including a visit to KTD by the 14th Dalai Lama in September 2006,[2][3] and in late May 2008 presided over the enthronement of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje in his principal seat in the West at KTD.[4]

Biography

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Born in Kham, Tibet to a nomadic family, Khenpo Rinpoche was not (in contrast to most Rinpoches) a tulku or reincarnate lama, but achieved his realization in his lifetime. He began his religious training under his parents, who were both devout practitioners, and at the age of 12 entered Thrangu Monastery to continue his education. At age 20, he received the Gelong ordination from the 11th Tai Situ Rinpoche at Palpung Monastery. Following a series of retreats including the traditional 3-year retreat, he was sent by his guru the 8th Traleg Rinpoche to Thrangu Monastery for advanced education in Buddhist studies. After five years of study, at age 30, he was awarded the Khenpo degree and began teaching.[5][6]

In 1958, in the company of the 9th Thrangu Rinpoche, the 9th Traleg Rinpoche and others, he fled the Chinese Communist destruction of Thrangu Monastery by undertaking an arduous several-month-long trek to Tsurphu Monastery. After a month's rest, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa sent them on to take refuge in Bhutan, where Khenpo Rinpoche remained for eight years. In 1967 Rinpoche was called to Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, India to teach the monks and engage in pastoral ministry for the local community. For the next several years he was sent from place to place to teach and minister, and in 1975 the 16th Karmapa bestowed upon him the title of "Chöje Lama" (Superior Dharma Master).[7]

In 1976 the Gyalwa Karmapa sent Khenpo Rinpoche to establish a seat for the Karmapas in North America and to serve as abbot for a new monastery there. Rinpoche traveled to New York City and then on to Woodstock, NY, where he founded Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) Monastery and a series of local teaching centers across the United States. He was joined by the 3rd Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and, together with lay representative Tenzin Chonyi and local practitioners, they progressed from teaching in an old hotel to building both a traditional Tibetan monastery complex and a nearby retreat center with (separate) facilities for both men and women.[8]

Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche teaching at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra in May, 2013.

In August 1990, Rinpoche assisted the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche in transmitting the Kalachakra initiation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Through the late 90s, he organized and led several pilgrimages to Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet to meet the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa and hosted the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche (the 17th Karmapa's guru) at KTD for a series of residential teachings. After leaving Tibet in January, 2000, Khenpo led several pilgrimages to visit him in India.[9]

In September, 2006, the 14th Dalai Lama accepted Khenpo Rinpoche's invitation to visit and teach at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, and in May 2008 and July 2011, Khenpo Rinpoche hosted the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje in residence at KTD. In July 2010, he organized and presided over the first Kagyu Monlam (assembly) to be held in the Americas.[10]

In addition to establishing 28 teaching centers in the USA, three in Canada and four in South America, Khenpo Rinpoche had many students in Taiwan and Central America and is known in Tibetan communities across Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and India.[11]

Khenpo Rinpoche lived until he was 95 years old (96 by Tibetan reckoning, which counts age from conception) and continued active teaching and his ministerial schedule to the end.[12] For example, over May 17–19, 2013 he transmitted the Khenpo Gangshar mind teachings ("Naturally Liberating Whatever You Meet," which he had received directly from Khenpo Gangshar)[13] and from July 13–21, 2013, he delivered the first-ever Spanish-language retreat and simultaneous webcast, attended in person by 60 Spanish-speaking pilgrims and across the internet by 1900 people from 39 countries.[14]

From 22–31 August 2014, he conducted, in English, the transmission of the Pointing Out Instructions for Mahamudra from Torch of Certainty by the 1st Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche.[15] In April 2015, he welcomed the 17th Karmapa back to KTD Monastery for an 11-day visit, his third visit to the United States and to KTD Monastery.[16] Over 17–23 July 2016, Rinpoche led the first-ever Spanish-language Chöd retreat.[17] From 2015 until his death, Khenpo delivered oral transmission and commentary on several seminal teachings by Karma Chagme.[18]

Rinpoche died in his home at Karme Ling Retreat Center on 6 October 2019 at the age of 95.[19][20] His body remained in state in his room for several days, then in the main shrine room of Karme Ling until 20 October, when he was given the full 4-way cremation ceremony of a high Lama of the Karma Kagyu.[21]

  • Khenpo Karthar resting in state in the main shrine room at Karme Ling
    Khenpo Karthar resting in state in the main shrine room at Karme Ling
  • The cremation ceremony of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche
    The cremation ceremony of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche

Partial bibliography

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  • Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (1992). Roth, Laura (ed.). Dharma Paths. Snow Lion Publications. ISBN 1-55939-002-6.
  • Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (1996). The Instructions of Gampopa, A Precious Garland of the Supreme Path. Snow Lion Publications. ISBN 1-55939-046-8.
  • Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2002). Taking Refuge. Rinchen Publications. ISBN 0-9714554-1-4.
  • Chagme, Karma; Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2004). Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma. Vol. 1. Translated by Yeshe Gyamtso. KTD Publications. ISBN 0-9741092-0-7.
  • Chagme, Karma; Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2006). Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma. Vol. 2. Translated by Yeshe Gyamtso. KTD Publications. ISBN 0-9741092-1-5.
  • Wangchuk, Chokyi; Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2007). Bardo: Interval of Possibility, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche's Teaching on Aspiration for Liberation in the Bardo. Translated by Yeshe Gyamtso. KTD Publications. ISBN 0-9741092-2-3.
  • Chagme, Karma; Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2008). Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma. Vol. 3. Translated by Yeshe Gyamtso. KTD Publications. ISBN 978-1-934608-01-2.
  • Chagme, Karma; Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2008). The Quintessence of the Union of Mahamudra and Dzokchen. Translated by Yeshe Gyamtso. KTD Publications. ISBN 978-1-934608-02-9.
  • Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2009). The Wish-Fulfilling Wheel: The Practice of White Tara. Rinchen Publications. ISBN 0-9714554-2-2.
  • Chagme, Karma; Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2010). Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma. Vol. 4. Translated by Yeshe Gyamtso. KTD Publications. ISBN 978-1-934608-07-4.
  • Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2013). Siddhas of Ga: Remembered by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. Translated by Yeshe Gyamtso. KTD Publications. ISBN 978-1-934608-37-1.
  • Karthar Rinpoche, Khenpo (2015). Excellent at the Beginning: Discovering the Buddhist Way. Rinchen Publications. ISBN 978-0971455443.

References

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Citations

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  1. ^ Karthar Rinpoche (2006), p. 25.
  2. ^ Schweitzer (2006).
  3. ^ https://rememberingrinpoche.org/about/
  4. ^ https://kagyuoffice.org/karmapa-departs-new-york-for-ktd/
  5. ^ https://rememberingrinpoche.org/about/
  6. ^ Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche By: Lama Karma Drodul, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso
  7. ^ https://rememberingrinpoche.org/about/
  8. ^ Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche By: Lama Karma Drodul, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso
  9. ^ Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche By: Lama Karma Drodul, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso
  10. ^ https://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/khenpo-karthar-rinpoche-the-shrine-builder/
  11. ^ Amrita of Eloquence: A Biography of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche By: Lama Karma Drodul, translated by Yeshe Gyamtso
  12. ^ https://tricycle.org/article/khenpo-karthar-rinpoche/
  13. ^ KTD (2013a).
  14. ^ https://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/22/spanish-language-chod-retreat-at-ktd-a-remarkable-international-gathering/
  15. ^ https://kagyu.org/teachers/resident_KhenpoKartharRinpoche
  16. ^ https://www.karmapaamerica2015.org
  17. ^ https://ktdblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/22/spanish-language-chod-retreat-at-ktd-a-remarkable-international-gathering/
  18. ^ https://buddhanature.tsadra.org/index.php/People/Karthar,_Khenpo
  19. ^ Snow (2019).
  20. ^ https://hudsonvalleyone.com/2019/10/17/ktd-abbot-khenpo-karthar-rinpoche-passes-on/
  21. ^ Anon (2019).

Works cited

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Primary sources
Secondary sources

Further reading

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