Trinley Thaye Dorje is the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Karmapas are considered to be great bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) who manifest for the benefit of all sentient beings and retain and transmit the teachings. Trinley Thaye Dorje, was born in Lhasa (Tibet) in 1983. He lives in India but teaches all over the world. He is known for his great fondness of animals and his concern to protect them from all forms of cruelty.