K
a r m a . K a g y u . T r a d i t i o n
The Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje (1871-1922)
Excerpts from Additional Records of the Golden Kagyu Lineage (gser-phreng-ka-skhong) by Topga Yulgyal
The Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje was born in Shelkor village in Tsang province in Central Tibet. As soon as he was born he uttered the mantra of Chenrezig, and at the age of five he was able to read the scriptures. The ninth Kyabgon Drukchen recognized and enthroned Khakyab Dorje.
The Karmapa received the entire cycle of Kagyu teachings from Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye. He also studied with Khenchen Tashi Özer and many others.
He travelled throughout Tibet giving teachings and empowerments.
He identified the reincarnations of Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye and the Situpa and performed the rituals at their respective enthronements. Khakyab Dorje was a married master and had three sons. The second Jamgon Kongtrul and the twelfth Shamarpa, Jamyang Rinpoche were his sons.
The Karmapa also reprinted many scriptures that had become rare and difficult to obtain. His closest disciples were Situ Pema Wangchog Gyalpo, Jamgon Palden Khyentse Özer and Beru Khyentse Lodro Mizay Jampa'i Gocha.
Khakyab Dorje passed away in his fifty-first year.
