Karmapa’s message for Lama Ole’s 85th birthday

March 19, 2026

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, shares the following message on the occasion of the 85th birthday of Lama Ole Nydahl.

A transcript of the message follows.

Dear Dharma friends,

Today marks the 85th birthday of our dear Lama Ole.

For more than fifty years, Lama Ole has dedicated his life to practicing and sharing the Buddha Dharma. Over the course of these many years, he has inspired countless individuals through his example and offered them access to the Dharma, the Buddha’s teaching.

This precious activity has accumulated immense joy and merit, and I deeply rejoice in the vast benefit for both our Karma Kagyu lineage and innumerable sentient beings.

On the auspicious occasion of his 85th birthday, I offer my prayers to the Karma Kagyu lineage masters, as well as to the longevity aspect of White Tara, to bless and protect Lama Ole, and I invite all of my students to join me in these prayers.

Thaye Dorje, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa