The Ninth Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje incarnated in Tresho province of eastern Tibet.  While in the womb, he recited mantras. Upon birth, Wangchuk Dorje declared that he was the Karmapa and sat cross legged in meditation.  The news of his birth spread like wild fire. Nangso Chokyong Tashi, a disciple of Mikyo Dorje, received the child with joy and brought him to Kyamo Lhundrubtse Monastery

Wangchuk Dorje was quickly recognized by the 4th Tai Situ Rinpoche Chokyi Gocha as the Karmapa, and this was confirmed by the prediction letter in Shamarpa's possession.  The Tai Situ Rinpoche continued to head Karma Gon Monastery and made it into a center of great learning.

Tai Situ Rinpoche bestowed the Amitayus Long Life Empowerment on Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje. The 5th Shamarpa Konchog Yenlak enthroned Wangchuk Dorje at six years old.  Shamarpa taught the Karmapa and transmitted the entire Kagyu lineage to him. 

Gyalwa Karmapa traveled throughout Tibet, often living in tent encampments.  In his travels, the Karmapa mediated conflicts, helped those who lived in poverty, restored monasteries and bestowed teachings. 

The Karmapa sent envoys to China and later on to Sikkim. In Sikkim, three monasteries were established including Rumtek Monastery.  He also visited Mongolia and Bhutan to transmit the Dharma.  Wangchuk Dorje’s texts on Mahamudra such as Ocean of Certainty and Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance became very influential and are studied even today.

The Karmapa bestowed upon the head of the 5th Tai Situ Rinpoche Chokyi Gyaltsen a Red Vajra Crown of Radiant Gold, which mirrored his own Black Vajra Crown and symbolized their inseparability.  Through seeing the Red Crown, which is presented in a ceremony even today by the Situ Rinpoche, one is instantly and irreversibly set onto the path of enlightenment, and receives the blessing of the Bodhisattva Maitreya.  The 5th Situ Rinpoche constructed Yermoche Kagyu Monastery which housed hundreds of monks. The Tai Situpa also restored numerous other temples.

The 9th Karmapa passed in parinirvana at forty-seven years old, but left no prediction letter. This was because instead, as the 9th Karmapa clearly indicated, his next incarnation would be self-declared.

The 6th Shamarpa Chokyi Wangchuk became proficient in meditation by twelve and soon after even mastered the Sanskrit language.  He was taught by the Karmapa and other masters. Shamarpa became a famous debater, defeating the Bonpo scholars wherever he went. He memorized thirty-two volumes of scriptures by seventeen years old.  Shamar Rinpoche taught the 10th Gyalwa Karmapa, the Desi Tsangpa King who ruled much of Tibet and the King of Nepal Naran Singh.  In Nepal, the Brahmins were stunned by Shamarpa’s wisdom and Rinpoche blessed the great Swayambhu Stupa by building four golden altars.  

Shamar became a mediator in numerous political and social conflicts, and a renowned peace-maker.  Rinpoche often had visions of Sakya Pandita.  Rinpoche passed into parinirvana in Helampur, Nepal, near caves where Milarepa meditated in.