Thongwa Dönden

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Thongwa Dönden (1416-1453) also Tongwa Donden, was the sixth Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Thongwa Dönden was born in Ngomto Shakyam near Karma Gon in Kham. He was recognized during his first visit at the Karma Gon monastery and joined the monastery to be taught by the Shamarpa.

Upto then the Kagyu lineage had mainly given emphasis on meditation and considered rituals and prayers of lesser importance and therefore it had been neglected. Thongwa Dönden therefore set out to write many prayers and form many rituals. He was also very active with the printing and copying of Buddhist texts and the founding of a Buddhist university. Thongwa strengthened the lineage by having the Shangpa and Shijay lineage join their lineage and making sure that the different teachings were compatible with each other.

Preceded by: Deshin Shekpa

Reincarnation of the Karmapa

Succeeded by: Chödrak Gyatso