Within Tibetan Buddhism, Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje is regarded as the 17th Karmapa, the reincarnate lama who serves as the head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist traditions. As the present holder of this ancient tulku lineage, he is understood to embody the spiritual responsibilities accumulated over centuries, reaching back to the first Karmapa. This position places him as the primary spiritual authority for Karma Kagyu practitioners, entrusted with preserving the integrity of its teachings, meditation methods, and monastic discipline. His role is not merely administrative; it is deeply symbolic, representing continuity of realization and compassion within the lineage.

As lineage holder, he is responsible for maintaining and transmitting the specific practices and doctrinal heritage of the Karma Kagyu tradition. This includes giving teachings and empowerments, offering refuge, and presiding over important ceremonies that sustain the living transmission of the dharma. Through guiding practitioners, authorizing teachers, and overseeing monasteries and retreat centers, he safeguards the training of monks and lay disciples alike. In this way, his leadership functions as a bridge between the historical lineage and contemporary practitioners, ensuring that the core insights of the tradition remain accessible and authentic.

His responsibilities also extend to the broader cultural and communal dimensions of Tibetan Buddhism. By working to preserve Tibetan Buddhist culture, language, and ritual life, he supports a spiritual heritage that has faced significant challenges. At the same time, he serves as a global teacher and representative of his school, engaging with diverse audiences and participating in dialogues with other Buddhist leaders. Through such activity, he helps articulate the ethical and contemplative values of Tibetan Buddhism in a wider arena, offering guidance that speaks both to devoted followers of the Karma Kagyu lineage and to those encountering these teachings for the first time.