The Vision
Commemorate His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa at the place of his Parinirvāṇa
Karmapa Center 16 is a sacred site dedicated to cultivating kindness, peace, and joy, inspired by the life of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. The center offers a space for reflection, practice, and connection for people of all backgrounds. In 1981, the Karmapa passed away in Zion, Illinois—an event known in the Buddhist tradition as Parinirvāṇa, marking the site as sacred and a source of inspiration for generations. To honor this legacy, a traditional stupa will be enshrined in a great hall built in Wadsworth, Illinois, serving as a spiritual home for teachings, study, meditation, and prayer.
The Latest News
Stories, Reports, Annoucements
program
Regular Studies and Practices
At Karmapa Center 16, we gather to study and practice the Buddha's teachings as transmitted through the lineage of the Karmapas, honoring His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. You are warmly invited to practice with us, online or onsite, regardless of background or experience, as we support each other on the path to freedom and compassion for the benefit of all beings.
16th Karmapa’s Guru Yoga Practice
First Saturday of the Month • 10:00 AM
online & onsiteRegardless of whether you are familiar with the practice and who you consider to be your personal teacher, this practice allows us to connect with the enlightened qualities of the Buddha and, in a way, truly become the activity of the Karmapa, embodying the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion.
Sunday Meditation for All: Shamatha and Vipashyana
Weekly • Every Sunday • 10:30 AM
onlineMeditation can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, and will benefit ourselves and others in the short and the long term. So, whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, familiar with the Dharma or simply curious, you are more than welcome to join us for our weekly Meditation for All session.
Tibetan Language Class: Basic Dharma Discourses
Weekly • Every Sunday • 7:00 PM
onlineWould you like to get closer to the heart of the Buddha’s teachings through learning the Tibetan language? Do you wish to deepen your understanding and practice of the Dharma by learning basic conversations and reading in Tibetan? We practice reading and discussing basic Dharma conversations in Tibetan.
Green Tara practice
Daily • 8:00 AM
onsite onlyTara is an important practice in the Kagyü lineage and one of the main practices of the 16th Karmapa. In general, we practice Tara for three main reasons: She is powerful, her blessings are fast, and she is immeasurably kind. Green Tara, in particular, symbolizes the fearless and compassionate energy of our mind’s true nature and the resolve to dispel suffering and fear.
Mahakala practice
Daily • 4:00 PM
onsite onlyThe practice of Mahakala was taught by the Buddha and the transmission passed to the Second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi (1206-1283), down the Kagyü lineage up to the present day. We practice Mahakala mainly to clear away obstacles and for the Dharma — teachings on wisdom and compassion – to flourish and benefit all living beings.
Timeline of all the activities
Calendar View
Anniversaries of the 16th Karmapa Parinirvāṇa
Karmapa Center 16 commemorates His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje’s parinirvāṇa every year on November 5th, the day of his passing in 1981 at the clinic which is now called City of Hope Cancer Treatment Center, in Zion, Illinois. Since 2015, His Holiness’ passing is officially commemorated in this sacred area at KC16 itself which is located approximately five miles west of the exact parinirvāṇa site (in neighboring Wadsworth, Illinois).
Learn more
Karmapa Stories
We collect and publish stories about the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa from people around the world. If you met His Holiness the 16th Karmapa in America on one of his three visits or at the time of his Parinirvana, or at any other occasion, and would like to share your story of the encounter, please contact us.
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