June 27, 1992 remains a historic date for Tibetan Buddhism and for Tibet itself. It was on this day that China officially recognized Orgyen Trinley Dorje as the 17th Karmapa, one of the most important spiritual leaders of the Kagyu lineage. This recognition came only 20 days after the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, also recognized Orgyen Trinley Dorje as the Karmapa.
The title of Karmapa is highly revered in the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The Karmapa is considered a reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion and is recognized for his wisdom and spiritual awakening. The recognition of the Karmapa by the Dalai Lama and by the Chinese authorities is therefore of paramount importance to the Tibetan Buddhist community.
However, the history of the recognition of the 17th Karmapa has been marred by political controversies and intrigues. Traditionally, the recognition of the Karmapa is performed by important lamas of the Kagyu lineage, but due to the delicate political situation of occupied Tibet, the recognition of the Karmapa has been at the center of a power struggle between the Chinese government and the Tibetan government in exile.
In 1992, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, who was 7 years old at the time, fled occupied Tibet and arrived in India, where the seat of the Tibetan government in exile is located. Shortly after his arrival, the Dalai Lama officially recognized Orgyen Trinley Dorje as the 17th Karmapa. This recognition was met with joy by many Tibetan Buddhists around the world.
However, the Dalai Lama's recognition was contested by the Chinese authorities, who chose to support another reincarnation of the Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje. This created a division within the Tibetan Buddhist community, with some supporting Orgyen Trinley Dorje and others supporting Trinley Thaye Dorje.
Eventually, on June 27, 1992, China surprised many by officially recognizing Orgyen Trinley Dorje as the 17th Karmapa. This recognition by the Chinese government was seen by some as an attempt to control the process of Karmapa recognition and weaken the influence of the Dalai Lama.
The simultaneous recognition of the Karmapa by the Dalai Lama and China had significant political and religious implications. It strengthened Orgyen Trinley Dorje's position as the 17th Karmapa and solidified his role as a spiritual leader. However, the controversy surrounding the recognition continues to be a topic of debate within the Tibetan Buddhist community.
FMSky, CC0, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orgyen_Trinley_Dorje#/media/Fichier:Orgyen_Trinley_Dorje,_2017_(cropped).jpg
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