K
a r m a . K a g y u . T r a d i t i o n
The Fourth Karmapa, Rolpai Dorje (1340-1383)
Excerpts from The Garland of Moon Water Crystal by Situ Chokyi Jungnay and Belo Tsewang Kunkhyab
The Fourth Karmapa, Rolpai Dorje was born in the Kongpo province of Central Tibet. As soon as he was born he sat up and recited, 'Om Mani Padme Hum Hri', the mantra of Chenrezig.
The secretary of the previous Karmapa, Rinchen Pal, had been given instructions that indicated the next reincarnation and, following these indications, he found the child.
At the age of six Rolpei Dorje received the refuge vows and the precepts of a lay-practitioner from Tokden Gon Gyalwa, with whom he studied and practised the Tantrayana.
At the age of twelve, on a journey to Central Tibet, he met with Gyalwa Yungton Dorje Pal. The young Karmapa told him of many events relating to Rangjung Dorje, the previous Karmapa. This convinced Gyalwa Yungton that the boy was the authentic reincarnation of his guru. Rolpei Dorje informed him that he would, in this life, be his teacher and requested him to transmit all the Kagyu teachings to him. Having finished his education, the Karmapa travelled throughout Tibet and China spreading the Kagyu doctrine.
His foremost disciple was the second Shamarpa, who became the next lineage holder.
Rolpei Dorje passed away at the age of forty-three.
