Mikyö Dorje

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Mikyö Dorje (1507–1554), also Mikyo Dorje, was the eighth Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.

Mikyö Dorje was born in Satam, Kham. According to the legend, he said after being born: "I am Karmapa." and was recognized by Tai Situpa. In this case there was another child from Amdo who also claimed to be Karmapa. Gyaltsab Rinpoche, the regent of the region, thought of a test to decide who was the real Karmapa. This was the first time that a test was used to determine a reincarnation. Later this became the standard method for all major lamas.

Mikyö Dorje left many Buddhist writings and introduced guru-yoga. He was also a skillful painter and metal craftsman. He was invited by the emperor of China, however he said that the emperor would die before he could get to him; and according to the legend it happened as well.

Preceded by Chödrak Gyatso

Reincarnation of the Karmapa

Succeeded by Wangchuk Dorje