K
a r m a . K a g y u . T r a d i t i o n
The Second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi (1204-1283)
Excerpts from The Garland of Moon Water Crystal by Situ Chokyi Jungnay and Belo Tsewang Kunkhyab
The Second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi was born at Chilay Tsakto in Eastern Tibet. By the age of six he was fully proficient in reading and writing, even though he had had no teacher. At ten he just needed to read a text once to understand and remember the contents.
At this time the young Karmapa set out on a journey to Central Tibet in order to make further studies there. On the way he met with Pomdragpa Sonam Dorje who told him to remain with him as he had had a vision of Dusum Khyenpa who told him that the young boy would become a lineage holder.
Karma Pakshi received the entire cycle of the Kagyu teachings from him. He became a famous siddha with extraordinary powers and accomplishments. He had disciples throughout Tibet, Mongolia and China. Among his foremost students were Drubtop Urgyenpa, who became the next lineage holder. Karma Pakshi passed away in his eightieth year.
