Khakyab Dorjé
Khakyab Dorjé ('The vajra that pervades space') (1870/1-1921/2) was the fifteenth Karmapa.
He was a student of both Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo and Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé. He revealed both sater (earth terma) and gongter (mind termas).
His two sons, both important for the Karma Kagyü lineage, were Karsé Kongtrül, an incarnation of Jamgön Kongtrül, and the Eleventh Shamarpa.
One of his consorts was the great dakini of Tsurphu, Khandro Urgyen Tsomo. Contrary to the previous Karmapas, the fifteenth Karmapa travelled little and dedicated himself to long retreats at Tsurphu monastery. Nonetheless, even then, he continued receiving visitors. He also saw the reprinting of a number of works from masters of different lineages, so that their heritage would survive over time. Throughout his life, Khakyab Dorjé was often called upon to recognize trülkus; he recognized around a thousand.
Since the early 8th century, Tibetans and Himalayan people have treasured "Namtars" as written or spoken narratives that demonstrate the realization of the Buddhist path by exceptional practitioners. These namtars, or spiritual biographies, serve as inspirational guides on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Namtars Foundation aims to record, preserve, and freely offer the world a written and electronic treasury of the oral wisdom of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
