Pomdrakpa

Pomdrakpa Sönam Dorje is the first in the lineage to find the letter with the instructions for Karmapa’s next rebirth and to confirm that the child was Karmapa. Pomdrakpa also established the tradition of giving all teachings and transmissions to the child, even if he (the child) had already attained enlightenment in his previous life, so as not to interrupt the transmission stream of the lineage.

Pomdrakpa, who, like his teacher before him, began his meditation practice as a young child, had many visions. When he was a teenager, he recognized his teacher Drogön Rechen through a vision of the Red Dakini. It is also said that Pomdrakpa had a special connection to wisdom buddha aspects, which often appeared to him during his meditation practice. He later became the next lineage holder when he saw his teacher, Drogön Rechen, as Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by countless buddhas, which was an auspicious sign that he would be able to hold the lineage.