"A senior Tibetan Lama, who has been at the center of a controversial dispute over one of the most important monastic offices in Tibetan Buddhism, has officially announced his decision to disrobe. A notice dated 29 March on the website of Trinley Thaye Dorje, 33, one of two claimants to the title of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, announced that the lama had married a childhood friend in a private ceremony in India. The Gyalwang Karmapa is the head of the Karma Kagyu, the largest lineage of the Kagyu, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism—the others being Gelug, Nyingma, and Sakya. The Karmapa is considered the third most important figure within Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. The majority of Tibetan Buddhists recognize Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the reincarnation of Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the 16th Karmapa, while an influential minority holds that Trinley Thaye Dorje is the 17th Karmapa." Läs hela artikeln här: https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/senior-tibetan-lama-announces-decision-to-disrobe-marry-childhood-friend