Karma Triyana Dharmachakra
Karma Triyana Dharmachakra is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Woodstock, New York, serving as the North American seat for the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu lineage. Founded in 1976 by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, it was established with Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche as its abbot, a role he held until his passing in 2019. The monastery's development was supported by Third Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and Mr. Tenzin Chonyi.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1976 by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa.
- ›Serves as the North American seat of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa.
- ›Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche served as abbot until 2019.
- ›Located in Woodstock, New York, United States.
- ›Associated with the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

- North American Seat of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa
- Center For the Karma Kagyu Lineage
17th Gyalwa Karmapa, 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Third Bardor Tulku Rinpoche, Tenzin Chonyi
Founding In 1976 By the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa
About Karma Triyana Dharmachakra
Karma Triyana Dharmachakra is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Woodstock, New York, United States. It holds the distinction of being the North American seat for the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu lineage. This prominent monastery was established in 1976 through the vision and efforts of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa.
Founding and Leadership
The monastery's establishment in 1976 was a key development for the Karma Kagyu lineage in North America. The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa initiated its founding, with Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche appointed as the abbot. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche served in this vital leadership role until his passing in 2019. Assisting in the establishment and ongoing development of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra were Third Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and Mr. Tenzin Chonyi.
Significance
As the North American seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra serves as a central hub for Buddhist practice, study, and community within the region. It represents a vital connection to the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the rich spiritual heritage of the Karma Kagyu school.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Karma Triyana Dharmachakra founded?
Karma Triyana Dharmachakra was founded in 1976 by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. This marked the establishment of the North American seat for the Karma Kagyu lineage.
Who is the spiritual leader associated with Karma Triyana Dharmachakra?
The monastery serves as the North American seat of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa was instrumental in its founding.
Who was the abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra?
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche served as the abbot of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra from its founding until his death in 2019. Third Bardor Tulku Rinpoche also assisted in its establishment and development.
Where is Karma Triyana Dharmachakra located?
Karma Triyana Dharmachakra is situated in Woodstock, New York, in the United States. It functions as the primary center for the Karma Kagyu lineage in North America.
Related Monasteries
Sravasti Abbey
Sravasti Abbey is the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery for Western nuns and monks in the United States, established in Washington State in 2003 by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron. Situated on 350 acres, it aims to train monastics to spread Buddhist teachings and emphasizes community life, social service, and traditional Buddhist values. The Abbey is notable for its mixed lineage ordination, with monastics ordaining in the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya while practicing within the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, a practice that has sparked some controversy.
Rongbuk
Rongbuk Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect located near the north side of Mount Everest. Founded in 1902, it served as an important pilgrimage site and was visited by early Everest expeditions. Despite being destroyed during China's Cultural Revolution, it has since been renovated and continues to host monks and nuns.
Samye Ling Monastery
Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist complex located in Eskdalemuir, Scotland, associated with the Karma Kagyu school. Established in 1967 by Tibetan lamas Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Akong Rinpoche, it evolved from a former hunting lodge into one of Europe's earliest and most significant Tibetan centers. The monastery is renowned for its preservation of Tibetan art and crafts, its architectural features including a temple and stupa, and its role in promoting Buddhist teachings and inter-religious dialogue through the ROKPA Trust.