Today there are two officially proclaimed 17th Karmapas
by Brooke Webb BUDDHISM TODAY, Vol.3, 1997

Within the ranks of Kagyu Buddhists who practice the methods passed down from Tilopa and the great Mahasiddhas, none would disagree to the key importance of the power held by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. His death in Chicago in 1981 deeply affected all who had a connection to him. more...