Main Center for the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje

The 17th Karmapa will establish his main center in the United States on the Central Coast of California. Such a center is an extraordinary place where blessings of the Dharma are gathered and transmitted. It will provide a focal point for the cultivation of enlightened qualities through the teaching of genuine Dharma, proper meditation practice, and study of authentic Dharma texts. Focusing the energy of the Lineage accomplishes long-term preservation of the Dharma and ensures authentic transmission can take place for generations. From this center the Karmapa’s activity can manifest to swiftly develop the capacities of people for the benefit of all.  It is for such reasons that the Siddhartha Foundation International supports the activities of the Karmapa.

Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet was established by the 1st Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa in 1189. It served as the official seat of the Karmapas for 800 years until the 16th Karmapa was forced to flee in 1959 due to the impending Chinese invasion. The Karmapa took refuge in Sikkim, India and reestablished his seat at Rumtek Monastery. In the mid-1970s, the 16th Karmapa also established a European seat, Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in the Dordogne region of France where it flourishes today.