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Line of Karmapas |
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The illustrious line of the Gyalwa Karmapas, the Black Hat Lamas of Tibet,
the Patron founder of reincarnation system in Tibet, the emanation of Cherenzig...
this is a list of formal and informal ways of addressing this line of great spiritual leaders
who are the Supreme Throne Holders of the Kagyu Order of Buddhism
who have been heading the Kagyu lineage since the 12th Century.
The Gyalwa Karmapa is the guiding light of the Kagyu tradition and embodies, represents and guides its accumulated
spiritual energy. He is a living inspiration to all sentient beings.
The Karmapas have one only wish: To benefit all sentient beings.
This is the quality of an enlightened being that is manifested into a physical body.
This physical form is known as the Nirmanakaya form.
The Nirmanakaya form emanates all the aspects of an enlightened being.
The Gyalwa Karmapas of Tibet are such manifestations of enlightened beings.
They are believed to be the emanation of Avalokitesvara and
hence reincarnate ceaselessly to benefit and liberate all mother sentient beings with their tireless work.
The incarnations of the Gyalwa Karmapas have been as follows:
 | 1st Gyalwa Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa 1110-1193 |
| 2nd Gyalwa Karmapa, Karma Pakshi 1204-1283 |
| 3rd Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje 1284-1339 |
| 4th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rolpei Dorje 1340-1383 |
| 5th Gyalwa Karmapa, Deshin Shegpa 1384-1415 |
| 6th Gyalwa Karmapa, Thongwa Donden 1416-1453 |
| 7th Gyalwa Karmapa, Chotrag Gyatso 1454-1506 |
| 8th Gyalwa Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje 1507-1554 |
| 9th Gyalwa Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje 1556-1603 |
| 10th Gyalwa Karmapa, Choying Dorje 1604-1674 |
| 11th Gyalwa Karmapa, Yeshe Dorje 1676-1702 |
| 12th Gyalwa Karmapa, Jangchub Dorje 1703-1732 |
| 13th Gyalwa Karmapa, Dudul Dorje 1733-1797 |
| 14th Gyalwa Karmapa, Thegchog Dorje 1798-1868 |
| 15th Gyalwa Karmapa, Khakhyab Dorje 1871-1922 |
| 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje 1924-1981 |
| 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje 1983 till present |
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