10th Shamarpa Mipham Chödrub Gyamtso

Mipham Chödrub Gyamtso, the 10th Shamarpa, was born into the family of the Panchen Lama, who is the most important spiritual teacher of the Gelugpa lineage next to the Dalai Lama and was recognized by the great Kagyü masters, the 8th Situpa and 13th Karmapa (who became his root lama).

However, his relationship to the Panchen Lama did not bring peace with the rival Gelugpa sect. On the contrary, he was eventually banished from Tibet and his influence was severely damaged from slander. In exile in Nepal, he was used as a negotiator between the Nepalese and Tibetans because Nepal’s king wanted to use Shamarpa’s high standing among the Tibetan people in his favor. When this did not work out and war broke out, Shamarpa was made a scapegoat by both sides.

None of this changed the important role of the 10th Shamarpa for the Karma Kagyü lineage. He received the lineage transmission, traveled extensively, taught tirelessly and was known for his unwavering patience and generosity even in the most difficult times.