Gyalwang Karmapas

This page is for research, translations and posts about the 1st to the 17th Gyalwang Karmapas.

Midnight-Blue Crown of the Karmapas

Texts, Translations and Transcriptions

General Research

THE KARMAPAS AND CHOD: An overview of the Karmapas’ important role and influence in the Chod lineages, preservation and practice

‘IMMUTABLE, GREAT BLISS’: GURU PADMASAMBHAVA AND THE KARMAPAS

Indestructible Mind Maṇḍala of the Karmapas, Tsurphu Monastery: Origin, history, rebuilding and ‘Praises to Tsurphu’ by 3rd and 16th Karmapas

The Chinese and the Karmapas: Historical survey from the 2nd to 19th Karmapas

The Kangyur and the Karmapas’ role in their publication and preservation

A ‘Kagyu Treasure’ Tradition? Marpa’s Fifteen ‘Hidden Scrolls’ from Sekhar

Karmapas on Buddha Nature

Vajrayogini and the Karmapas

The Karmapas, Chogyur Lingpa and Vajrakīlaya

Tibetan script of Guru Padmasambhava’s prophecy on 15th to 21st Karmapas, as revealed by Chogyur Lingpa

Supplication to the Garland of Karmapas by Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro

Individual Pages for the Karmapas

As there is a significant amount of work done for each, below are the links to the sections of research and translations on most of the individual Karmapas.

First Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa (1110-1193)
Second Karmapa, Karma Pakshi (1204-1283)
Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (1284–1339) 
Fifth Karmapa, Dezhin Shegpa (1384–1415)

Seventh Karmapa, Chodrag Gyatso (1454–1506)

Eighth Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje (1507-1554)
Tenth Karmapa, Choying Dorje (1604-1674)
Thirteenth Karmapa, Dudul Dorje (1733-1797) 
Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje (1871-1922)
Sixteenth Karmapa, Rigpe Dorje (1924 – 1981)
Seventeenth Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje (1985 –
8th Karmapa with previous Karmapas and Kagyu lineage forefathers. Thangka at Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim.