The 5th Karmapa predicted: In the order of succession of the Karmapas, between the latter part of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th, an incarnation with forsaken vows will arise in the King of Seats (main seat) as a Lama known as nephew. At this time, the Karmapa’s lineage will nearly fall into the power of this one who wishes to do evil. At that time, one who possess previous blessings, a heart emanation from the West: Ogyen --with a necklace of moles, fierce mind, mouth by which He wrathfully speaks, blackened maroon color and two protruding eyes-- shall conquer the incarnation with broken vows.

The king seat of the Karmapas, during the latter part of the 16th Karmapa's life, would refer to Rumtek Monastery. As traditionally said "When there is much dharma, and Buddha activity, many obstacles will arise." In fact, the presence of obstacles indicate the high qualities a dharma master embodies.

At this time in 1992, the General Secretary who controlled the economic affairs at Rumtek (who happened to be the nephew of the 16th Karmapa) attempted to stall the enthronement of the 17th Karmapa.  His attempts failed, and the International Kagyu Assembly stripped him of power. 

In addition, His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, one of the heartsons of the 16th Karmapa, died in a tragic car accident only a few days before he was supposed to arrive in Tibet to escort the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa to Tsurphu Monastery. For forty-nine days, prayers were continuously recited at Rumtek by all the high lamas and monks in honor of the late Rinpoche.

These obstacles strengthened the unity and perseverance of the Kagyu tradition. These obstacles only demonstrate the need for the Karmapa's disciples to accumulate proper merit and devotion. In the long-run such obstacles are limited and insignificant compared to the limitless and enlightened activity of the Gyalwa Karmapa.

Just as the Fifth Karmapa commented towards the end of his prediction, At that time the Secret Dharma Lineage will have more power and bring swift blessings.