The Fourth Karmapa Rolpe Dorje incarnated in the Kongpo region of central Tibet.  He recited Chenrezig’s mantra Om Mani Padme Hung while in his mother’s womb and exclaimed the mantra as his first words upon birth.  The Shamarpa, a master of the Kagyu lineage, together with Rinchen Pal (who had the instructions from the previous Karmapa) recognized Rolpe Dorje.  By six years old, the 4th Karmapa received the refuge vows from Togden Gon Gyalwa.

Rolpe Dorje fully remembered his previous life.  In his childhood, the Karmapa displayed numerous miracles and could read and write instantly.  In dreams, he received teachings from deities.  At twelve years old, he met Yungtonpa. 

Rolpe Dorje relayed the events of his past life so clearly that Yungtonpa was convinced beyond any doubt about Rolpe Dorje’s special abilities.  Yungtonpa bestowed the entire transmission onto the 4th Gyalwa Karmapa.

The Gyalwa Karmapa, at nineteen years old, visited the Imperial Court of Emperor Toghon Temur, his disciple.  There he established monasteries and gave teachings.  Later on his life, when Rolpe Dorje wasn't able to travel, he sent envoys to China, Mongolia and Korea. 

Upon returning to Tibet, Rolpe Dorje gave lay ordination to Tsongkhapa. The Karmapa predicted that Tsongkhapa would be of great importance to the dharma. Tsongkhapa founded the Gelugpa Lineage of Tibet, to which the Dalai Lamas belong to.

The Gyalwa Karmapa was renowned for his spontaneous songs of realization and poetry.  He was also an artist, his most famous piece being a thangka that measured over one hundred meters of the Buddha Shakyamuni, Maitreya and Manjushri.  Rolpe Dorje outlined the image on horseback and it took hundreds of workers to complete it.

The 4th Karmapa passed away at forty-three years old.  He left a letter of prediction with his disciple Nyagpuwa.  As he informed Nyagpuwa: “I shall will pass away in the year of the Pig (1383).  I shall reincarnate in the year of the Mouse (1384) in Nyangdam, and fulfill my role to benefit all in the year of the Dragon (1388).”

The Second Shamarpa Kacho Wangpo was born in northern Tibet.  By seven months old, the 4th Karmapa had already appeared to him in a vision and with the snap of his fingers, Shamarpa could remember all the details of his past life. Shamarpa began to tell people that he was the incarnation of Drakpa Senge, the 1st Shamarpa. He became a renowned master of the Kagyu lineage. He was also bestowed a Red Vajra Crown by the Karmapa (indicating his enlightened qualities) which remained up until his 10th incarnation.

By the age of fourteen months he was teaching the Dharma. Shamarpa's fame spread quickly, reaching the assistants and disciples of the previous Shamar Tulku. They came to visit him and immediately recognized him as the new incarnation. Then he was taken to Kampo Nenang monastery, where he was enthroned. At the age of seven years he met Karmapa Rolpe Dorje, who gave him the complete transmission.  The Shamarpa became a lineage holder and passed on the teachings to the next Karmapa.