Gyalwa Chöyang

Gyalwa Chöyang lived during the first half of the 8th century northern of Lhasa. Born into the Nganlam clan in the Phen Valley, Gyalwa Chöyang took ordination from Shantarakshita in the first group of seven Tibetan monks. It is said that he kept his vows with utmost purity.

He was a close disciple of Guru Rinpoche, from whom he received the transmission of Hayagriva. By practicing this in solitude he attained accomplishment and reached the level of Diamond Holder.

Gyalwa Chöyang was later incarnated as the Karmapas.