All traditions of Buddhism practiced today trace their lineage directly to an Indian prince named Siddhartha who, over 2,600 years ago, abandoned his royal life and went on to achieve a state of pure and noble being that surpassed all worldly measure. This prince—by looking at his mind and realizing its true nature—became the Buddha, the Awakened One. Thus, he was liberated from all suffering and fear and spontaneously accessed such depths of wisdom and compassion that a stream of enlightened activity was set in motion that continues to benefit countless beings today.

This stream of enlightened wisdom has been passed down from teacher to student in an unbroken succession—the light of one candle igniting another—over and over again through the centuries. In our time, this transmission is being carried on by a number of remarkable teachers dedicated to preserving and propagating the very essence of the Buddha's wisdom, transplanting it fully worldwide. Pre-eminent among these are His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, and His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, supreme heads of the Gelug and Kagyu lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. While the Dalai Lama is widely known and beloved around the globe, the twenty-one-year-old Karmapa has yet to travel beyond the borders of India. He nevertheless is revered as a world spiritual leader and guide for millions of students East and West.

Ever since the appearance of the first Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa, in the 12th century, the line of the Karmapas has been known for their meditative realization, brilliant scholarship, and vast compassionate activity. Indeed, the name "Karmapa" means "embodiment of all the activities of the Buddhas." Thus, for sixteen previous lifetimes, His Holiness Karmapa has manifested his enlightened nature in ways that naturally and palpably arouse compassion and wakefulness in those around him. It is even said that just seeing the Karmapa plants the seeds of enlightenment in one's stream of being.

The first opportunities for most American Buddhists to see the legendary Karmapa came in the years 1974–1981, with the visits to America of the Sixteenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. Inspired by his evident dignity, compassion, and authentic spiritual presence, many of the first generation of American Buddhists formed an indelible link with this great master and a new understanding of and respect for the principle of lineage.

With the aspiration that His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa will visit America soon, this issue of Bodhi features several teachings by His Holiness and a biographical overview and historical timeline of his life's major events. Bodhi is also pleased to present an exceptional teaching by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, as well as teachings by several of the most prominent and respected Tibetan Buddhist masters actively teaching in America today. The wisdom they embody and articulate is the living expression of lineage—the original wisdom of the Buddha passed on as fresh insight—to be received and realized by the next student, and the next generation. In addition, this issue includes the contributions of Western scholars and translators who are also dedicated practitioners, and whose work is infused with the very essence of this ancient yet ever new transmission.

This issue of Bodhi is dedicated to the long life of the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, and to the increase and flourishing of his enlightened activities. By this virtue, may all living beings be freed of suffering and attain ultimate happiness, the precious jewel of full awakening.

The Kind Teacher We Rely On
by His Holiness the 17th Karmapa (trans. Tyler Dewar)