5th Shamarpa Könchok Yenlag

The 5th Shamarpa chose for his rebirth one of the wildest areas within Tibet, Kyen Zhölmo Ché in the upper part of Kongpo. There was very little education in the region, but it had a stupa with precious relics (the teeth of Gampopa). When he met his root teacher, the 8th Karmapa, at the age of two he was immediately enraptured and stayed with him.

With his radiant and devoted character, he continued his teacher’s activity, held the Karma Kagyü lineage between the 8th and 9th reincarnations of the Karmapa and was also instrumental in the identification of his later disciple, the 9th Karmapa.

In addition to a number of notable treatises, he composed “A Song of Calling the Guru from Afar.” (see Quotes & Stories)