15th Karmapa

Khakyab Dorje (mkha' khyab rdo rje), the 15th Karmapa (1871-1922). Born in the Tsang province in central Tibet. He was recognized and enthroned by the Kyabgon Drukchen Mingyur Wanggi Gyalpo along with Jamgon Kongtrul, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa, and Pawo Tsuklak Nyinchey. He received the transmissions of teachings from Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye and studied with many great masters, including Khenchen Tashi Ozer. He gave empowerments throughout Tibet, and preserved many rare texts by having them reprinted. Khakyab Dorje was the first in the line of Karmapas to get married, and had three sons, one of whom was recognized as the second Jamgon Kongtrul Palden Khyentse Öser. Among many disciples, his closest students were Tai Situ Pema Wangchok Gyalpo, Jamgon Kongtrul Palden Khyentse Öser alias Karsey Kongtrul, and Beru Khyentse Lodro Mizey Jampey Gocha. Some years before his passing into parinirvana, he entrusted a prediction letter to his closest attendant.

Khakyab Dorje was also one of the predicted lineage holders of Chokgyur Lingpa's termas. See 'The History of the Karmapas, Prajna Press.' Among his names is Khakyab Rangjung Dorje (mkha' khyab rang byung rdo rje).