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Mikyö Dorje (1507–1554), also Mikyo Dorje, was the eighth Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.<br/><br/> 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.<br/><br/> Mikyö Dorje left numerous Buddhist writings on Madhyamaka, Abidharma, Tantric and Mahamudra texts, poetry (verses of profound wisdom) and even linguistics. He introduced special Guru yoga in four sessions, which is very basic for Karma Kagyu today. He was also a skillful painter and metal craftsman producing many famous thangkas and statues.
Trinley Thaye Dorje is the son of the 3rd Mipham Rinpoche of Junyung Monastery, one of several persons believed to be a reincarnation of Ju Mipham, an important lama of the Nyingmapa school, and Dechen Wangmo, the daughter of a noble family descended from King Gesar of Ling. At the age of six months the boy is reported to have started telling people that he was the Karmapa.<br/><br/> In 1988 Shamar Rinpoche went on a secret visit to Lhasa to investigate whether Thaye Dorje was the reincarnation of the Karmapa, because, he said, the boy appeared to him in a dream. In March 1994, Thaye Dorje and his family escaped from Tibet to Nepal and then to India, where Shamar Rinpoche formally recognized him as the 17th Karmapa.
Deshin Shekpa (1384–1415), also Deshin Shegpa, was the fifth Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.<br/><br/> Deshin Shekpa was born in Nyang Dam in the south of Tibet. According to the legend he said after being born: 'I am the Karmapa. Om mani padme hum shri.' Deshin Shekpa was taken to Tsawa Phu who recognized him as the reincarnation of the Karmapa. Deshin traveled extensively through Tibet and Mongolia and taught people about non-violence. After having finished his education, he was invited in 1403 by the emperor of China, because Emperor Zhu Di, the Yongle Emperor, (1402-1424) had a vision of Avalokitesvara. He also required religious ceremonies to be held for his deceased parents.<br/><br/> The Karmapa was very well received in China and a number of miraculous occurrences are reported. He also performed ceremonies for the emperor's family. The emperor presented him with 700 measures of silver objects and bestowed the title of 'Precious Religious King, Great Loving One of the West, Mighty Buddha of Peace'. He also gave him a material representation of the famous and ethereal 'Vajra Crown' which was said to be invisible to all except those of most pure spirit.