The Sixth Karmapa Tongwa Donden was born near Karma Gon Monastery in Ngomto Shakyam.  At one month old, Karmapa Tongwa Donden met Ngompa Chadral, Dezhin Shegpa’s disciple, and immediately declared, “I am the Karmapa.” 

Tongwa Donden was then brought to Karma Gon Monastery. Tongwa Donden was transmitted the complete lineage from Ratnabhadra at three years old.  Karmapa was already composing rituals at six years old.  The ritual texts composed, printed and organized by the 6th Karmapa provided major advancements within the lineage. Throughout his life, the 6th Karmapa received visions of deities.  The 3rd Shamar Rinpoche enthroned Tongwa Donden and likewise taught His Holiness.

The 6th Karmapa received ordination from Khenchen Sonam Zangpo at Wolkar Tashi Tang Monastery.  Tongwa Donden blended together the Chod practices of cutting through the ego and the Shangpa Kagyu practices with the mainstream Kagyu lineage.  The Gyalwa Karmapa traveled widely in Tibet spreading and preserving the dharma. 

The Gyalwa Karmapa gave Karma Gon Monastery to the 2nd Tai Situ Rinpoche Tashi Namgyal.  Karma Gon became famous for its collection of Sanskrit texts, artwork and scholarship. The Tai Situpa diligently oversaw the monastery and brought numerous disciples to fruition.

The Karmapa’s successors were Bengar Jampal Zangpo and the 1st Gyaltsab Rinpoche Paljor Dondrub.  The Karmapa left instructions to find his next incarnation to Gyaltsab Rinpoche.

Bengar Jampal Zangpo took birth in Damshang, eastern Tibet.  He studied Buddhism since childhood, and through his perfection of the Bodhisattva Tara meditation practice, Jampal Zangpo had a direct vision of the deity.  He received ordination at twenty years old and studied the complete Buddhist path under Lama Rongton.  Jampal Zangpo was then transmitted the Six Yogas of Naropa and the Kagyu lineage from the 6th Gyalwa Karmapa.  He subsequently realized complete enlightenment.

The First Gyaltsabpa Paljor Dondrub incarnated in Nyemo Yakteng.  He was cared for since childhood by the Karmapa. At fourteen years old he was appointed as the Karmapa’s secretary and regent.  He received the complete transmission of the lineage from the 6th Gyalwa Karmapa, Bengar Jampal Zangpo and the 3rd Shamar Rinpoche.

The Gyaltsab Rinpoches became important figures in the Kagyu tradition and always remained as the caretakers of the religion and monasteries after the Karmapa's passing. The Karmapa bestowed a Red Vajra Crown upon the Gyaltsab Rinpoche and this remains up until today, indicating his enlightened qualities.