H.H. Karmapa Thrinley Thaye Dorje was born in Tibet in 1983. His father was a lama and also a doctor. Having himself as a young child declared that he was the rebirth of Karmapa, he was formally recognised by Shamar Rinpoche, the senior disciple of the previous Karmapa, as the incarnation of Gyalwa Karmapa according to the authentic Kagyu system.

The 17th Karmapa then came to India in 1994, and, over the next decade, was educated by Shamar Rinpoche and various other masters such as Chogay Trichen and Luding Khen Rinpoche. His main residence is in Kalimpong, North Eastern India, although his duties as leader of the Karma Kagyu school have taken him around the world.

His Holiness' gentle compassion and unforced brilliance, aided by his fluent English, make him an extraordinary teacher.

His Holiness made his first visit to Kagyu Ling, Manchester in July 2009, during which time he bestowed initiations and gave teachings.