• Was born at Kyile Tsaktor in east Tibert.
  
  
• Was recognized by Chokyi Dondrub in accordance with the previous Karmapa's prediction and instructions.
  
  
• The young Karmapa studied under many illustrious masters and gave profound Kagyu teachings to Nyingma master of Kathok Monastery, who in turn shared his Nyingma teachings.
  
  
• Accompanied by Shamar, Situ, and Gyaltsap Rinpoches, he left troubled Tibet on a pilgrimage to India and Nepal.  He was particularly honored by the king of Nepal who credited him with stopping a raging epidemic and making rain to end a serious drought.
  
  
• After returning to Tibet, he accepted an invitation to China. However, foreseeing difficult political times and realizing the need to leave his body, the Karmapa sent the eighth Tai Situpa a letter with detail of his next incartion.
  
  

The Fourth Karmapa Rolpe Dorje
(1340-1383)

The Fifth Karmapa Dezhin Shekpa (1384-1415)

The Sixth Karmapa Thongwa Donden (1416-1453)

The Seventh Karmapa Chodrak Gyatso (1454-1506)

The Eighth Karmapa Mikyo Dorje (1507-1554)

The Ninth Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje (1556-1603)

The Tenth Karmapa Choying Dorje (1604-1674)

The Eleventh Karmapa Yeshe Dorje (1676-1702)

The Twelfth Karmapa Changchub Dorje (1703-1732)

The Thirteenth Karmapa Dudul Dorje (1733-1797)

The Fourteenth Karmapa Thekchok Dorje (1798-1868)

The Fifteenth Karmapa Khakhyab Dorje (1871-1922)

The Sixteenth Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924-1981)

The Seventeenth Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje (1985-Present)