Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche came to the United States in 1976 at the request of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa to establish the North American seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage. Under Rinpoche's guidance over twenty-five affiliated centers have formed, and the magnificent Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery in Woodstock, New York was constructed.

In his first book, Dharma Paths (Snow Lion, 1992), Rinpoche demonstrated his lucid teaching style, which delivers profound insights in language that is direct and inspiring.