Shamar Rinpoche, Mipham Chökyi Lodrö (1952-2014), was the 14th Shamarpa. The Shamarpa or "Red Hat Lama of Tibet" is Tibetan Buddhism's second oldest reincarnate lineage after the Karmapa's lineage. Born in Derge, Tibet, Shamar Rinpoche was recognized by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1957 and was enthroned as the 14th Shamarpa in 1963. He was also recognized by the 14th Dalai Lama. Following many years of study with Buddhist scholars, he began in 1980 to spread the Buddha Dharma, teaching at Karma Kagyu centers throughout the world. Shamar Rinpoche was an accomplished Buddhist master and teacher, respected and cherished the world over. In 1996, Shamar Rinpoche began organizing Bodhi Path Buddhist Centers, a network of centers covering many continents, in which a non-sectarian approach to meditation is practiced. In addition, he founded several nonprofit organizations throughout the world that are engaged in charitable activities, including projects to provide schooling for children born into poverty and to promote animal rights.

Moreover, in addition to his teaching activities, he also published a number of books on Buddhism.