Mahamudra

The Karmapas for many centuries have held the position of supreme head of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The Kagyu lineage is known as that of “the oral transmission.” In this lineage, besides the core instructions of the Great Seal (Skt. Mahamudra) and the Six Teachings of the Indian master Naropa (Skt. naro saddharma), a variety of categories of Buddhist transmissions are passed down from teacher to student through successive generations. So far, 17 incarnations of the Karmapa have been officially recognized. They have often simultaneously performed various functions as scholars, practitioners, artists, healers, visionaries, peacemakers and leaders of the Karma Kagyu lineage. From the twelfth century to the present time, the Karmapas have performed the selfless activity of enlightened teachers, exemplifying the highest level of wisdom and loving kindness that manifests as the result of Buddhist practice.