Jigme Rinpoche

The Karmapa founded a monastery once he arrived in Rumtek, in order to preserve the precious teachings of the Kagyü lineage. Karmapa particularly looked after the most important tulkus of the lineage and those who would become their teachers. Jigme Rinpoche studied the entirety of the Buddhist teachings and the instructions of the Karma Kagyü lineage in particular under the guidance of various masters. Karmapa gave him and the tulkus special teachings and instructions for two to three hours every day. Jigme Rinpoche was Karmapa’s assistant from 1961 to 1970 for matters concerning the Karma Kagyü lineage and tended to matters concerning Rumtek monastery in Karmapa’s absence. In 1974 he accompanied Gyalwa Karmapa on his first tour through Europe and America. During this trip, Bernard Benson offered Karmapa property in Dordogne in France as a gift. Karmapa accepted the offer and decided to make his main European headquarters there at Dhagpo Kagyü Ling. He asked Jigme Rinpoche to care for the center and named him his spiritual representative in Europe. Besides the fact that Jigme Rinpoche received all the most important transmissions and teachings from Gyalwa Karmapa, he also had close connections with Gendün Rinpoche, Pawo Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and received many instructions and empowerments from them. He likewise received important transmissions from Düdjom Rinpoche, from the previous Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and the previous Khandro Rinpoche. When the 16th Karmapa named Jigme Rinpoche his representative in Europe, he said, “In the person of Jigme Rinpoche, I leave you my heart.” In this way Jigme Rinpoche today continues his activity in Europe, travels extensively, visiting centers and teaching and inspiring all who come in contact with him.

jigme rinpoche and lama ole in karma guen 2018

Interview with Lama Jigme Rinpoche on the Fiftieth Anniversary of Diamond Way Buddhism

Interview with Lama Jigme Rinpoche on the Fiftieth Anniversary of Diamond Way BuddhismBy /

In the fall of 1972 and at the behest of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Lama Ole and Hannah Nydahl started their activity in the West, establishing what is known today as the “Diamond Way Buddhist” organization. In 2022, Diamond Way Buddhism celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.

Right from the start, Lama Jigme Rinpoche was the official representative for the 16th Karmapa in Europe. He witnessed, as well as accompanied, this activity like no other Rinpoche. Jigme Rinpoche visited many of the Diamond Way centers and he also taught at many big courses with Lama Ole Nydahl.

This interview is reprinted from the German magazine Buddhismus Heute, and we thank Rinpoche very much for taking the time for this interview!

Questions by Claudia Knoll & Detlev Göbel, editors of Buddhismus Heute magazine, with support from Sabine Teuber, Audrey Desserrieres and Kenn Maly.

This interview was conducted on March 31, 2022, in Germany.

Interview with Lama Jigme Rinpoche on the Fiftieth Anniversary of Diamond Way Buddhism Read More »

16th karmapa with jigme rinpoche

Our Transmission

Our TransmissionBy /

There are various lineages and transmissions that come together in the Karma Kagyü lineage, all of which have been held and passed on by the Karmapas. The topic of transmission encompasses many aspects: one can speak about the initiations, about

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My Experiences with the 16th Karmapa, Part 2 (When Your Mind is One-pointed, Then You Get Results)

My Experiences with the 16th Karmapa, Part 2 (When Your Mind is One-pointed, Then You Get Results)By /

In late December 2011 Jigme Rinpoche gave a talk at the Diamond Way Buddhist Center in Hamburg, Germany. He spoke about his experiences of being near the 16th Karmapa for many years. The following is the final segment of a text that emerged from this talk. Part 1, “The Karmapa’s Clarity and Awareness,” appeared in the previous issue of Buddhism Today.

My Experiences with the 16th Karmapa, Part 2 (When Your Mind is One-pointed, Then You Get Results) Read More »

16th karmapa with jigme rinpoche

My Experiences with the 16th Karmapa, Part 1 (The Karmapa’s Clarity and Awareness)

My Experiences with the 16th Karmapa, Part 1 (The Karmapa’s Clarity and Awareness)By /

In late December 2011 Jigme Rinpoche gave a talk at the Diamond Way Buddhist Center in Hamburg, Germany. He spoke about his experiences of being near the 16th Karmapa for many years. The following is a text that emerged from this talk. Many thanks to Detlev Göbel for his immense help in creating this text. Part II (“When Your Mind is One-pointed, Then You Get Results”) will appear in the next issue of Buddhism Today.

My Experiences with the 16th Karmapa, Part 1 (The Karmapa’s Clarity and Awareness) Read More »