The Karmapa Documentary Project

The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje -

the videos released so far:

The Return of the Karmapa

A Film About the 17th Incarnation of Tibet’s Great Master

This film shows the official welcoming of the 17th Karmapa in New Delhi in March 1994. In addition, it presents unique footage from the time prior to the welcoming ceremony as well as the first public “lung“ (reading transmission) the eleven year old Karmapa gave in this life.

Released: in 1994; Length: 30 minutes; (available in NTSC and PAL); Language: available in English and German

Price for VHS-tape or DVD: € 20,--

The Karmapa, Moments in a Reincarnate's Life

Produced in 1995, this video shows the day-to-day life of the young 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje. We accompany him during his meditations, his studies, and while he is playing as well as during official events, such as the New Year's ceremony and the presentation of diplomas to the first graduates of the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute. The film also provides an insight into life at this institute.

Released: 1995; Length: 30 minutes; (available in NTSC and PAL, also as VCD); Languages: available in English, German

Price for VHS-tape or DVD: € 20,--

The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Years of his Youth

A Film about the 17th Reincarnation of the Great Buddhist Master

The Karmapas, whose line of reincarnations dates back to the 12th century, were always among the most outstanding personalities in “Tibetan” Buddhism. The 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924-1981), left Tibet in 1959. It was at his instigation that the teachings of the Kagyu School have become accessible worldwide. His reincarnation, the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, left Chinese-occupied Tibet in 1994, to continue his training in India, where he can now prepare himself for his religious role free from political constraints.

After a short review of the years 1994 and 1995, the film affords an insight into Karmapa‘s life from 1996 – 1998: the camera accompanies Karmapa from Delhi to Bodh Gaya, Kalimpong and Bhutan. Scenes from his private life and of his parents are part of this film, as are official events such as the first empowerment Karmapa gave, his taking refuge, his participation at the wishing prayers in Bodh Gaya and his stay in Bhutan for the cremation ceremonies of Topga Rinpoche.

Released: 1998; Length: about 50 minutes; (available in NTSC and PAL); Language: available in English, German, French, Spanish, and English with Chinese subtitles

Price for VHS-tape or DVD: € 26,--

H.H. the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje – A Diary of his First Travels

Glimpses of the Karmapa’s first journey as a Buddhist teacher: In October and November 1999, Gyalwa Karmapa visited Buddhist centers in Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia. In January 2000, he was welcomed in Europe. During these journeys he met tens of thousands of devotees and gave empowerments and lectures.

Released: 2000; Length: 92 minutes; ; (available in NTSC and PAL); Language: English

Price for VHS-tape or DVD: € 20,--

NEW: All films about the life of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa on DVD now!

Special offer now:

Four DVD's for € 60,-- plus postage.

You save € 26,--.

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