Historical Background

The Karma Kagyu Tradition

Jetsun Milarepa,

Tibets most famous Yogi

 His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje

is the head of the 900 year old Karma Kagyu Lineage and guide to millions of Buddhists around the world.

Currently 28 years old, the Karmapa resides in his temporary home at Gyuto Monastery in India

after making a dramatic escape from Tibet in the year 2000.

The Lineage

Tilopa (988 - 1069)

Naropa (1016 – 1100)

Marpa (1012 - 1097)

Milarepa (1052 - 1135)

Gampopa (1079 - 1153)

Dusum Khyenpa (1110 - 1193)

Drogon Rechen (1148 - 1218)

Pomdragpa (1170 - 1249)

Karma Pakshi (1204 - 1283)

Drubtob Urgyenpa (1230 - 1300)

Rangjung Dorje (1284 - 1339)

Gyalwa Jungtonpa (1296 - 1376)

Rolpe Dorje (1340 - 1383)

Kacho Wangpo (1350 - 1405)

Deshin Shegpa (1384 - 1415)

Ratnabhadra (Tib.: Rinchen Zangpo, 15th century)

Thongwa Donden (1416 – 1453)

Bengar Jampal Zangpo (15/16th century)

Goshir Paljor Dondrup (1427 – 1489)

Chodrag Gyamtso (1454 – 1506)

Tashi Paljor (1457 – 1525)

Mikyo Dorje (1507 – 1554)

Konchog Yenlag (1526 – 1583)

Wangchuk Dorje (1556 – 1603)

Chokyi Wangchuk (1584 – 1629)

Choying Dorje (1604 – 1674)

Yeshe Nyingpo (1631 – 1694)

Yeshe Dorje (1676 – 1702)

Chokyi Dondrub (1695 – 1732)

Changchub Dorje (1703 – 1732)

Chokyi Jungne (1700 – 1774)

Dudul Dorje (1733 – 1797)

Chodrub Gyamtso (1742 – 1793)

Pema Nyinche Wangpo (1774 – 1853)

Thegchog Dorje (1798 – 1868)

Lodro Thaye (1813 – 1899)

Khakyab Dorje (1871 – 1922)

Pema Wangchog Gyalpo (1886 – 1953)

Khyentse Oser (1904 – 1953)

Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924 – 1981)

Ogyen Trinley Dorje 06.1985

http://kagyuoffice.org/karmapa/