Friday, January 13, 2023
6:30–8:30pm ET
$20 | In-person at Tibet House US

Join author Charles Manson as he discusses his new research results in The Second Karmapa Karma Pakshi (November 29, 2022), the latest addition to Shambhala Publications’ Lives of the Masters series. The book is a first-ever comprehensive biography of Karma Pakshi in English, revealing new information about this pivotal historical figure in the development of Tibetan Buddhism. Suitable for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism and Buddhist history, this evening’s discussion will explore Karma Pakshi and his meditation teachings, Karma Pakshi’s interactions with Mongol emperors, the reincarnate lama tradition, and the Karmapa lineage.

Karma Pakshi is considered very influential in the development of Tibet’s reincarnate lama tradition. Born in East Tibet in the thirteenth century, Karma Pakshi himself was the first meditation master to be named Karmapa, a lineage of masters that continues to modern times and has millions of admirers worldwide. During his lifetime, Karma Pakshi was widely acknowledged as a mahāsiddha and was therefore invited to the Mongol imperial court, where he gave spiritual advice and meditation instructions to Mongke Khan, and he also persuaded the emperor of the virtues of vegetarianism. Later, Karma Pakshi was imprisoned by Kubilai Khan until an eventual reconciliation.

Karma Pakshi is a fascinating figure who established the Karmapa lineage, and Manson reveals fresh information on this important master through an entertaining and accessible biography. The book also includes several translated Karma Pakshi songs and excerpts from his various writings on reincarnation, meditation, dreams, visionary experiences, tantra, and consecration. Copies of The Second Karmapa Karma Pakshi will be available for purchase and signing at the event and there will be opportunities for Q&A discussion.