K
a r m a . K a g y u . T r a d i t i o n
The Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339)
Excerpts from The Garland of Moon Water Crystal by Situ Chokyi Jungnay and Belo Tsewang Kunkhyab
The Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje was born in Dingri Langkor. At his birth he sat up and proclaimed that he was the Karmapa. At the age of three he made himself a black hat and again insisted he was the Karmapa.
When he was five years old he met Drubtob Urgyenpa, who saw that he was the reincarnation of Karma Pakshi and gave him the Black Crown and all the belongings of the second Karmapa. He transmitted all the Kagyu teachings to him.
Rangjung Dorje received instructions of all the Buddhist traditions existing at the time. He studied with masters such as Trophu Kunden Sherab, Nyenre Gendun Bum and many others. He became known as one of the greatest masters of his time and had innumerable disciples. He constructed many meditation-centers as well as bridges to aid people crossing rivers and mountain precipices. A great scholar, he authored numerous texts and treatises.
His foremost disciples were Gyalwa Yungton and the first Shamarpa, Dragpa Senge. Gyalwa Yungton, a Nyingmapa, became the next lineage holder.
Rangjung Dorje passed away at the age of fifty-six.
