Lama Jigme Rinpoche was born into the family of H.H. 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, as the brother of Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche. He received extensive teachings from the 16th Karmapa, who during his first visit in the West left him there as his European representative. In appointing him he said: „In the person of Lama Jigme Rinpoche, I leave you my heart.“

Today Jigme Rinpoche acts as the representative of H.H. 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje in Europe and travels throughout various countries to give teachings and empowerments.

Lama Ole Nydahl is one of the few Westerners fully qualified as a Lama and meditation teacher in the Karma Kagyu tradition. In 1969, Ole Nydahl and his wife Hannah became the first Western students of H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. After completing three years of Buddhist philosophy studies and intensive meditation training Ole Nydahl began teaching Buddhism in Europe at the request of the 16th Karmapa. Lama Ole has since been travelling and teaching worldwide, transmitting the blessing of the lineage. His depth of knowledge and dynamic teachings inspire thousands of people at his lectures and meditation retreats.