Search on for next Buddhist sect leader

The 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje, leader of the oldest reincarnate lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, will identify the next incarnation of his fellow lineage holder Shamar Rinpoche (Shamarpa), a statement from his office said Monday.

"Today, on what would have been the Shamarpa's 62nd birthday, Karmapa Thaye Dorje announced that, in accordance with tradition, he has accepted requests from Jigme Rinpoche, Shamarpa's brother, as well as 700 Karma Kagyu Buddhist centres, monasteries and institutes to find the next rebirth," the statement said.

The Shamarpa and the Karmapa are spiritually inseparable and are fellow holders of the 900 years old Karma Kagyu lineage, a tradition that precedes the Dalai Lama's lineage by over 200 years.

The 14th Shamarpa, Mipham Chokyi Lodro, passed away aged 61 on June 11.

All previous Shamarpas have been confirmed in accordance with the principle of reciprocal recognition. The 14th Shamarpa, who was enthroned by the 16th Karmapa in 1963, enthroned the 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje, in 1994.

"It is my solemn duty and responsibility alone to find the authentic incarnation of His Holiness Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche," the statement quoted Karmapa Thaye Dorje as saying.

As part of his spiritual preparation to find the next Shamarpa, the Karmapa will spend up to six months on retreat, each year for the next three years.

He will also consult other great living masters; engage in intense dharma (Buddhist) activities, including meditations and recitations, said the statement.

Historically, Karmapas and Shamarpas have also left each other clues, in the form of letters or oral instructions, about where the next incarnation will be found.

The seat of the Kagyu sect or the Karmapa is the Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, set up by the 16th Karmapa.