10th Situpa, Pema Künzang

The 10th Situpa, Pema Künzang (around 1854-1885) was recognized and enthroned by the 14th Karmapa and the 1st Jamgön Kongtrul. He started from an early age on to show many miracles.

Situpta was well-known and often criticized for his wild character, wearing masks and costumes, drinking alcohol, competing in horse races and so on. But in the same time he was a holder of pure monastic discipline and put a lot of effort in perfecting the Kagyü teachings he got from his teachers.

However, he passed away in the young age of 32.

One event made Situpa ‘famous’ – he, probably the first time of a high ranking lama in the Karma Kagyü lineage – went against his root lama Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye because he didn’t allow him and his group of students to do a retreat at his Monastery in Palpung. Thus, Situpa commited a breach of his Diamond Way promises (Vajrayana samayas). In Tibetan this is called a dam log.