Birmingham Karma Ling
The 11th Jamgon Taisitupa

History

The centre was founded in 1974 by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpai Dorje. It was originally known as The West Midlands Buddhist Centre and was then given the spiritual name Karma Do.ngag Kunchap Ling, (The Place of the All Pervading Sutra and Mantra of the Karma Lineage).


Many eminent lamas and meditation masters have visited the centre over the last 40 years and given instruction.



Following the death of the 16th Karmapa in 1981, the activities of the centre have been overseen by the 12th Jamgon Tai Situpa, the head of Palpung Monastery in East Tibet and of Palpung Sherabling in Northern India. As such, the centre is part of the International Palpung Congregation of Buddhist Institutions.

In 1979, the centre was joined by Lamas Thupten Namgyal and Lodro Ragjay. Since Lama Thupten's death in 1989, Lama Lodro has been the resident lama. Lama Lodro was born in East Tibet and has been a monk for over 80 years. Lama Lodro is assisted by Simon Romer.


The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa
The 12th Jamgon Taisitupa

The centre strives to pass on Buddhist teaching as taught by the lineage of transmission known as the Karma Kagyu. It offers a schedule of practices by which individuals may join with others to cultivate these teachings.

Meditation

Tranquility meditation methods have become renowned as offering many health benefits and the centre offers meditation instruction and guidance to all who wish.


Interfaith Dialogue and Education

Although the centre is a Tibetan Buddhist institution, it opens its doors to all those who wish to learn from this heritage. Members of many faith traditions use the centre as a resource: to study comparative religion or to integrate methods such as meditation into their own beliefs. The centre has active links to schools and further education colleges and regularly hosts visits from such groups. Members of the centre are often invited to speak at interfaith events as well as other educational establishments.

The centre actively strives to promote goodwill and understanding between those of all faiths and none.


The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa