Karmapa

The Karmapa is the title given to the head of the Karma Kagyu (Bka' rgyud), one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

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The 1st Karmapa, D?sum Khyenpa (Dus gsum Mkhyen pa) (1110-1193), was a disciple of the Tibetan master Gampopa. A gifted child who studied dharma (Buddhist teachings) with his father from an early age, and who sought out great teachers in his twenties and thirties, he is said to have attained enlightenment at the age of 50 while practicing dream yoga. He was henceforth regarded as the Karmapa, a manifestation of Avalokitesvara, whose coming was predicted in the Samadhirajasutra and the Lankavatara Sutra.http://www.kagyu-asia.com/l_kar1.html

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The source of oral lineage is traditionally traced back to the Buddha Vajradhara, was transmitted to the Indian master of mahamudra and tantra Tilopa

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(989-1069), through Naropa (1016-1100) to Marpa and Milarepa. These forefathers of the Kagyu (Bka' Rgyud) lineage are collectively called the golden rosary.

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The 2nd Karmapa, Karma Pakshi (1204-1283), is often said to be the first person ever recognized and empowered as a tulku (sprul sku), a reincarnated lama (bla ma).

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Karma Kagyu: Karma Kagyu is the largest lineage of the Kagyu school, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism....

Tibetan Buddhism: Tibetan Buddhism - formerly (and incorrectly) also called Lamaism, after their religious gurus known as lamas - is the body of religious Buddhist doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and the Himalayan region. It is a multifaceted and integrated teaching, naturally implementing methods...

Gampopa: Gampopa or Dakpo Rinpoche (1016-1053) was the formost student of the Tibetan Buddhist teacher Milarepa....