The Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa – Rangjung Rigpe Dorje
The Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa – Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, was born in Denkhog in the province of Derge, East Tibet. His father’s name was Tsewang Phuntsok, and his mother’s name was Kelzang Dolma. Having been told by a few masters in Derge that she would bear a great Bodhisattva, Kelzang Dolma went to stay in a sacred cave that was once used by Guru Rinpoche and there she awaited the birth of her son. She was accompanied by a Khenpo who instructed her on the cleansing ceremony. It is said that toward the end of her pregnancy, the future Karmapa disappeared from her womb for a whole day. He returned and Kelzang Dolma experienced normal pregnancy again. Those persons who were present on the auspicious day of his birth heard the new-born baby say to his mother that he would leave soon.
The circumstances of His Holiness’ birth coincided precisely with the prediction letter written by the Fifteenth Karmapa, which he had given to Jampal Tsultim, his attendant. Jampal Tsultrim gave the letter to the monastic authorities at Tsurphu Monastery, who then asked the Eleventh Tai Situpa, Pema Wangchug Gyalpo, and the Second Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Pälden Khyentse Öser, to clarify certain points. A search party was sent out. They found the child, brought him to His Eminence Tai Situpa, who recognized him as the reincarnation of the Fifteenth Gyalwa Karmapa. While still residing at Palpung Gon in Derge and at the age of 8, the boy took the Bodhisattva vows, was ordained, and received the Black Vajra Crown and robes of the previous Karmapa that were brought to Palpung from Tsurphu. Tai Situpa gave him the name Rangjung Khyabdak Rigpe Dorje. On the way to his enthronement at Palpung, the Karmapa stopped to visit and bless the Derge Monastic Publishing House, thus paving the way to later publish the Buddhist canon in India. Tai Situ Rinpoche then accompanied him on the long journey to Tsurphu, the seat of the Karmapas in Central Tibet, where the Sixteenth Karmapa was greeted by Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, and Nenang Pawo Rinpoche.
About this Sculpture
Expertly cast from Copper Alloy using Lost Wax Method with 24 Karat Gold Gilded and Hand Painted Face; this sculpture is a beautiful depiction of the The Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa – Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.
