K
a r m a . K a g y u . T r a d i t i o n
The 7th Karmapa, Chodrak Gyamtso
Excerpts from The Garland of Moon Water Crystal by Situ Chokyi Jungnay and Belo Tsewang Kunkhyab
The 7th Karmapa, Chodrak Gyamtso came from Kyilha in Northern Tibet. As soon as he was born he wiped his face and said 'Ah' (a sanskrit syllable that symbolises the true nature of reality).
Cho Paljor, a disciple of the sixth Karmapa and the head of one of the Karmapa's smaller monasteries, Nyewo Ngarteng Monastery in the vicinity of Kyilha, had dreamt that his guru was reborn at Kyilha.He sought out the young infant, who was then just seven days old. To ensure that the child was the authentic reincarnation, he had brought with him the possessions of the sixth Karmapa in order to see if the child would be able to recognise those possessions. The infant was able to do so without hesitation, and he also placed his hands on the head of Cho Paljor to bless him.
When only two months old, the Karmapa was brought to Arik Thang, a place where his predecessor had taught and a throne-like seat made out of stone slabs had been kept. There he gave blessings to over ten thousand people who had gathered for the occasion.
At the age of four he received a series of empowerments from Goshir Paljor Dondrub. When eight years old he went to stay at Karma Gon where he received the Karma Kagyu teachings from both Benkar Jampal Zangpo and Goshir Paljor Dondrub.
As Karmapa was invited to many places, he began travelling. He gave teachings and empowerments to thousands of people as well as authoring many texts and treatises. Chodrag Gyamtso spent his life travelling from place to place with a large gathering of disciples. Many thousand people lived a nomadic life in tents following their guru and receiving teachings. All the members of the group had to adhere to the rigorous schedule of study and meditation practice set up by the Karmapa.At Nyriro Dong Tse he met the fourth Shamarpa, Chokyi Tragpa, to whom he imparted the teachings of the lineage.
Among his disciples, Denma Drubchen Tashi Paljor became the next lineage holder. Karmapa Chodrak Gyamtso passed away in his fifty-second year.
