12th anniversary of the parinirvana of Shamar Rinpoche

June 10, 2026

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following message on the twelfth anniversary of the parinirvana of His Holiness the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche.

A transcript of the message follows:

Dear Dharma friends,

Tomorrow marks the 12th anniversary of the Parinirvana of my beloved teacher, His Holiness the 14th Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, according to the Western calendar. On the eve of this special day, I would like to invite all of you to join me in remembering his extraordinary kindness, wisdom, and boundless activity through the practice of Guru Yoga.

Birth, living, and dying are natural aspects of cyclic existence. Although we may understand this intellectually, occasions such as this remind us that these truths are not merely abstract concepts, but direct teachings reflected within our own lives. The Parinirvana of a great master offers us a precious opportunity not only to express gratitude and respect, but also to reflect deeply on impermanence and the meaningful use of this human life.

Shamar Rinpoche continuously emphasized the importance of meeting each moment wholeheartedly, with freshness, openness, and without hesitation. In his presence, one could feel that every instant was completely alive and new — free from fixation on the past and free from expectation about the future. He naturally demonstrated how to remain fully present with whatever arose, responding with clarity, spontaneity, and ease.

Guru Yoga is especially meaningful on such an occasion. Through this practice, we are reminded that enlightenment is not something distant or unattainable. Just as the great masters of the lineage walked the path and manifested realization through their lives, we too possess the same Buddha nature and the same potential for awakening.

Guru Yoga can uplift us when we feel discouraged or insignificant. It can ground us when we feel overwhelmed by impermanence, and inspire us when confidence or motivation begin to fade. Above all, it reconnects us to the living stream of blessing and realization passed down through the lineage masters.

There is no need to concern ourselves excessively with notions of time, numbers, or control. What truly matters is to use the present moment well, with sincerity and awareness. Most importantly, there can be a genuine enjoyment in what we are doing. When that natural enjoyment is present, nothing further is needed.

I personally rejoice in having had the precious opportunity to receive teachings and transmissions from Shamar Rinpoche, and I will always treasure every moment spent in his presence. The most genuine offering we can make is to fulfil his wishes by practicing sincerely and benefiting others according to our ability.

No matter how far apart we may appear outwardly, through the shared practice of Buddha Dharma we remain inseparably connected, carrying Rinpoche’s blessing and activity like a living stream through our hearts, our practice, and our lives.

With prayers,
Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa