Sangyumla Rinchen Yangzom

Sangyumla Rinchen Yangzom (*?), Karmapa Thaye Dorje’s wife, is highly respected and an influential figure within the Karma Kagyü school. She is also a source of support and guidance for her husband throughout their marriage. She is the mother of his son, Thugsey, and since 2018, accompanies Karmapa on his travels and engagements.

She is also a Dharma teacher herself and leads meditation sessions and retreats. Like her husband, she engages in various charitable and humanitarian projects, promoting compassion and
kindness in the world. Within the traditional Tibetan Buddhist community, she is a role model for women as she is highly educated and accomplished. Her presence and involvement in the public sphere also challenge traditional gender roles and demonstrate the importance of women in the spiritual and social fabric of Tibetan society.

Rinchen Yangzom and Trinley Thaye Dorje have known each other since childhood and their friendship has developed into a spiritual bond. Rinchen Yangzom was born in Thimphu, Bhutan, and is the daughter of Mr. Chencho and Mrs. Künzang.