Kunzig Sharmar Rinpoche is the second highest teacher of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The line of his incarnations has always been very close to the incarnations of the Karmapas. This gave him the name "red- hat Karmapa". In 1959 Shamar Rinpoche together with the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa had to leave his home in Tibet due to the Chinese invasion

Born in Derge, Tibet and at the age of four he was recognized by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpei Dorje as the 14th Shamarpa reincarnation. Kunzig Shamar Rimpoche remained with the 16th Karmapa until his death in 1981. He received the entire transmission of Kagyu teachings from H. H. the 16th Karmapa.

Since the 16th Karmapa's death in 1981, Kunzig Shamar Rimpoche has devoted his efforts to the many projects initiated by the late 16th Karmapa. He has completed the reprinting of the "Tengyur" a body of twohundred and fourteen volumes in which prominent Indian and Tibetan masters elucidate the teachings given by the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. Shamar Rimpoche also supports and offers guidance to Rumtek Monastery, the seat of H. H. the sixteenth Karmapa. He co-founded and brought into being the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute, New Delhi, India. The Institute currently offers courses in Buddhist studies for both monastic and lay students.

Shamar Rimpoche frequently travels abroad where he teaches at the many Kagyu centers world-wide