The Fifteenth Karmapa Khachab Dorje incarnated in Shelkor village, central Tibet.  Upon his birth, the Karmapa recited Om Mani Padme Hum, and a swirl of hair between his brows (one of the thirty two marks of a Buddha) was noticed.  By five years old, he could contemplate the sutras.  The 9th Gyalwang Drukpa Mingyur Wangyal received a vision from Palden Lhamo concerning the appearance of the 15th Karmapa. The Protector Palden Lhamo held up her mirror, which displayed where the Karmapa would be born.  Karmapa was therefore recognized and enthroned by the 9th Gyalwang Drukpa.

From Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Khachab Dorje received the entire transmission of not only the Kagyu lineage, but also those of the other Tibetan traditions.  The Gyalwa Karmapa was trained in medicine, literature and art.  Kongtrul Rinpoche passed onto the 15th Karmapa his commentaries and works. 

Although unable to fulfill a request to bless a monastery in Lithang, Karmapa threw rice upon a sketch of the monastery.  At the same time, rice poured from the sky in Lithang.  While staying at Palpung Monastery, the Karmapa sketched in detail the location to find the 11th Tai Situ Rinpoche, who was found accordingly. 

At the sacred Tsari retreat, where a spontaneously arisen image of Chakrasamvara resided, the Gyalwa Karmapa passed through rocks and caves.  The 15th Karmapa also visited Bhutan, blessing the people and the King with transmissions. 

The 15th Karmapa was not a monk and had two consorts. He fathered three sons including the 2nd Jamgon Kongtrul and Jamyang Rinpoche.

Khachab Dorje left his prediction letter with His attendant.  His foremost disciples included Tai Situ Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and Beru Khyentse Rinpoche.

The prediction letter, given to his attendant, read: In the area where Pawo Denma Yuljal Todgu and Gesar, the King of Ling, previously resided, east of Tsurphu Monastery and close by a river on a hill known as Pal, is a house made of the earth.  It is adorned with the syllables A and Tup and belongs to a noble and pious family lineage.  On the fifteenth day of the sixth month, the birth of the 16th Karmapa will take place.

The 2nd Jamgon Kongtrul Khyentse Ozer incarnated as the son of the 15th Karmapa. Rinpoche received the lineage transmission from the 15th Karmapa and Surmang Trungpa Rinpoche.  Kongtrul Khyentse Ozer spent much time in meditation retreat and transmitted the lineage to the 16th Karmapa Rigpe Dorje.

The 11th Tai Situpa Pema Wangchok Gyalpo was born in the male fire dog year in Lithang. There were many unusual and highly auspicious signs at that time. The predictions of the Gyalwa Karmapa concerning his rebirth were found to be absolutely accurate.

At the age of four years, he was recognized by the Gyalwa Karmapa and taken to the great Palpung monastery. From the 15th Karmapa, Tai Situpa received ordination and teachings. The 2nd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche also taught and bestowed many empowerments on him.

Rinpoche expanded and renovated Palpung Monastery, and closely guided the various satellite
monasteries of his in Tibet. He traveled to and taught at over one hundred and eighty monasteries, all which were guided by him. Tai Situpa was renown to be a strict disciplinarian, enforcing monastic rules and harshly punishing those who were hypocrites or damaging their practice.

Tai Situpa was admired with great respect, awe, admiration and fear. So wrathful was the Situ Rinpoche that, after the 15th Karmapa’s passing, the Karmapa’s attendant Jampal Tsultrim hid for months believing that Tai Situpa would punish Him.

However, the attendant finally revealed that he possessed the sacred letter of prediction, which matched exactly with the proceedings Tai Situ Rinpoche was already undertaking to find the 16th Karmapa Rigpe Dorje.

Tai Situpa transmitted the complete teachings to the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and bestowed all the initiations, explanations and empowerments. At about the age of fifty he visited the great
Surmang monastery, and there performed many miracles. He passed the rest of his life partly in
meditation and partly giving teachings to his many disciples. At the age of sixty-seven he passed away amidst many auspicious signs.

After the 11th Tai Situpa's passing, Karmapa Rigpe Dorje wrote in a poem praising the Tai Situpa, "May we meet again and again." The Karmapa's aspiration came true, as the 12th Tai Situpa was found and became the disciple of the 16th Karmapa. And again, later on, the 17th Karmapa was found and became the disciple of the 12th Tai Situpa.