Shamar Rinpoche was the second-highest Karma Kagyu leader and one of the most important personalities in the Himalayas and for modern Buddhism worldwide, due to his widely recognized spiritual realization and broad range of academic and humanitarian activities.

"His students from all over the world now meditate together and make strong wishes for Shamarpa's swift rebirth that, according to Buddhist tradition, will be found and recognized by the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje," said Jigme Rinpoche, general secretary of Karmapa.

Shamar Rinpoche passed away in Germany on June 11. Karmapa Thaye Dorje had then flown to Germany and accompanied his body on to India. Last week, his mortal remains were taken to Bhutan's Royal Palace and, according to his wishes, now finally to Nepal. Everywhere, thousands of students paid their last respects during traditional ceremonies (Photos: http://shamarpa.org/photo-gallery/).

"We are deeply grateful for the decision of the Nepalese government to grant permission for Rinpoche´s body to be taken here," said Caty Hartung, spokeswoman for three Western Buddhist organizations representing 650 Buddhist groups in 45 countries. Some days before, the Buddhist world had been in deep turmoil as the already-issued permission letter had been revoked.