Chöying Dorje, 10th Karmapa

Choying Dorje (Tibetan: chos rje rdo dbyings; * 1604 in Golog, † 1674) was the 10th Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Biography

In accordance with the prediction of its predecessor Wangchuk Dorje was Choying Dorje in Golog, born of a region in northeastern Tibet. He was recognized by Shamar Chokyi Wangchuk 6 ( 1584-1630 ) and trained in the tradition of the Karma Kagyu.

At the age of six years Choying Dorje is said to have shown an extraordinary talent for painting and forms of sculptures. Particularly well known is the series of images of the 10th Karmapa to the life story of the Buddha Shakyamuni.

Choying Dorje saw the wars and political strife that would come to the country ahead. He was aware that the Gelugpa would enforce their former political interests with the help of the Mongolian army. Because he knew that he would be forced to leave Central Tibet, he distributed most of his possessions to the poor and appointed the fifth Goshri Gyeltshab Rinpoche dragpa Chöyang ( 1618-1658 ) as his regent. Gushri Khan's armies attacked Shikatse and continued to inflict substantial damage in Tibet. The probability was high that they would reach the seat of the Karmapa. Choying Dorje fled together with servants and lived more than three years in the wilderness of Bhutan. They went on to Northern Yunnan, Burma and Nepal. Wherever he stayed, used Choying Dorje the Dharma. He was also able to set up on his way a few monasteries. Only after more than 20 years of the 10th Karmapa returned to his homeland. He recognized Yeshe Nyingpo (1631-1694) as the 7th Shamar, who became his spiritual heritage. In addition, he recognized Norbu Zangpo (1660-1698) as the 6 th Goshri Gyeltshab Rinpoche and he also recognized the 5th Nenang pawo Rinpoche Tsuglag Thrinle Gyatsho. Choying Dorje died at the age of 71 years. Norbu Zangpo was Regent of Tshurphu, main lineage holder of the Karma Kagyu was Yeshe Nyingpo.

The political landscape had changed after the fall of the last king of Tsang and Ngawang Lobsang Gyatsho, the 5th Dalai Lama was officially ruler of Tibet.