First Karmapa (1st Karmapa): Düsum Khyenpa (1110–1193)
Full name: Düsum Khyenpa Chökyi Drakpa
Childhood name: Gephel
Birthplace
Traditional: Tresho (Teshö / Rha thrag / Ratay), Kham (Eastern Tibet)
Modern location:
Sangkang Township, Ganzi County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China
(Also spelled: Moqiong Village / Rendadi Village 莫穷村 / 然达底村)
Brief biography
Born 1110 to a family of Buddhist practitioners.
Founder of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
First recognized tulku (reincarnate lama) lineage in Tibet.
Known as Düsum Khyenpa = “Knower of the three times” (past, present, future).
