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Karmapa – The Official Website of the 17th Karmapa Karmapa – The Official Website of the 17th Karmapa
  • The Karmapa
    • A Short Biography
    • The Lineage of Karmapas
    • Activities & Projects
  • Teachings
    • YouTube Archive
    • Video Library
    • Podcast
  • News
  • Schedule
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    • Shakyamuni Buddha
    • Buddhism in India
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Aug 08

The Gyalwang Karmapa Offers Condolences on the Passing of Mr Karma Topden

I was saddened to hear of the passing away on August 4th of Mr Karma Topden, following a lengthy illness. I had known him for many years, and he had been a constant source of support and advice during that time.

Karma Topden had a successful and distinguished career, first working for the Chögyal of Sikkim, and then in the Indian Administrative Service, where he rose to Secretary level. In 1988, he became the Member of Parliament for Sikkim, and after he retired, was appointed Indian ambassador to Mongolia.

Of particular relevance here, he also had a long-standing connection with the Karma Kagyu lineage. When he was young, his family were devoted to the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, who had established his base at Rumtek outside Gangtok after the upheavals in Tibet. Then, after I myself left Tibet, he gave considerable assistance and support to me personally and to my administration in an advisory capacity. A skilled statesman, he was able to draw on his years of experience to act as an intermediary on my behalf with the Government of India. I will always remember the great kindness he showed me, his gentleness and compassion, and his sincere concern for my welfare and well-being. I spoke to him the day before he died; his mind was very clear and looking back on his life, he had no regrets.

At this time of mourning, I offer my prayers and my heartfelt condolences to his wife, his three children, his grandchildren, and his many close friends.

17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje,
New York, U.S.A.

August 7th 2018

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About the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, is the head of the 900 year old Karma Kagyu Lineage and guide to millions of Buddhists around the world.

Born in 1985, the Karmapa resides in his temporary home at Gyuto Monastery in India after making a dramatic escape from Tibet in the year 2000.

Traveling the world, the Karmapa skillfully teaches traditional Tibetan Buddhist Dharma while also advocating topics such as environmental conservation, feminism, digitization of the Dharma, and much more.

Please use the icons below to find the Karmapa on social media maintained by his office of administration.

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