K
a r m a . K a g y u . T r a d i t i o n
The Ninth Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje (1556-1603)
Excerpts from The Garland of Moon Water Crystal by Situ Chokyi Jungnay and Belo Tsewang Kunkhyab
Wangchuk Dorje was born in the region of Treshod in Eastern Tibet. As soon as he was born the child sat up, wiped his face and declared, 'I am the Karmapa!' Very soon people from the area started talking about this unusual child.
Kyamo Nangso Chokyong Tashi, a follower of the previous Karmapa, had been told by him that he would serve the next Karmapa. He thus went to see the child in Treshod and brought him to the Kyamo Lhundrub Tse Monastery.
The fame of the child spread far and wide, reaching Shamar Konchog Yenlag and Situ Chokyi Gocha. Both determined that the child was the Karmapa reincarnation. Situpa went to see him and offered the long-life empowerment of Amitayus, the Buddha of Boundless Light.
Shamarpa met with the new Karmapa at a place called Lhundrub Tse. He gave the young boy the refuge vows and taught him extensively.
Wangchuk Dorje received the entire cycle of Kagyu teachings from Shamar Konchog Yenlag. The Karmapa travelled far and wide in Tibet. He taught the Dharma and frequently acted as a mediator in different parts of the country where there was unrest. He also improved the living conditions of many. Hence he was regarded as Tibet's contemporary head.
He found the sixth Shamar reincarnation, Chokyi Wangchuk, who became his principal disciple and the next lineage holder. Wangchuk Dorje passed away in his forty-seventh year.
