1st Tai Situpa, Chökyi Gyaltsen

The 1st Tai Situpa, Chökyi Gyaltsen (1377-1448) was born into the family line of the 2nd
Karmapa, Karma Pakshi near Karma Gön, the seat of the Karma Kagyü tradition in Kham.

He became a student of the 5th Karmapa, who gave him teachings and empowerments of
Mahamudra, he also accompanied Dezhin Shegpa on his journey to Beijing – the seat of the
Yongle Emperor. The latter might have bestowed the imperial title of “Tai Situ” on him (the
full title means “far reaching, unshakable, great master, holder of the command”), although
evidence suggests that it was a Ming envoy.

Later in 1413 Chökyi Gyaltsen used this as a high religious title. It came to be associated with the later incarnation line.

The 1st Situpa spent much of his later life meditating in caves.