The 6th Tai Situpa, Mipham Trinley Rabten (1658-1682), was born in Mesho, Derge in eastern Tibet. He was recognized and enthroned by the 10th Karmapa. From the Gyalwa Karmapa, Tai Situpa received the lineage transmission.

Tai Situpa studied at Tsurphu and Karma Gon monasteries. He impressed everyone with his great learning and insight. He also made many predictions about his future incarnations to Alu Paljor.

The 6th Tai Situpa was a scholar, astrologer, doctor and painter. Many beautiful thangkas (sacred paintings) were made by his hand. Tai Situpa also composed the Sung Bum, a massive work that is the compendium of all knowledge. He was learned in many languages including Sanskrit.

Tai Situpa performed many miracles, such as hanging robes and rosaries on a sunbeams. He also left his footprints on solid stones and rocks.

When war and conflict broke out in central Tibet due to the Mongol invasion, the Tai Situpa went with the Gyalwa Karmapa to Yunnan, in southern China. There, the Tai Situpa passed away. Many highly auspicious signs were seen by all at that time.