The Terton Chogyur Lingpa of the 19th Century predicted, alluding to Situ Rinpoche's rebirth:

In the year of the wood-tiger,
In Tang-Lha's land,
The emanation of Samantabhadra,
Guide of beings, will appear.

The 10th Tai Situpa, Pema Kunzang Chogyal (1854-1885), was born in Namtso in Chang, near a lake, in the male wood-tiger year. His formal enthronement was performed by the 14th Gyalwa Karmapa and Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche.

From an early age, Rinpoche displayed many spontaneous miracles and higher perception. Through the activity of his accomplishment, Tai Situpa crossed the Yangtse river in flood season on horseback. He also descended the Heaven's Ladder at the retreat center on horseback, and rode an untamed horse from Derge to Palpung in two hours. Many people found flowers in the horse's hoof-prints; it is said that Khyentse Rinpoche has some of these in his possession.

In Denkok, one person leading a wild bull met Tai Situpa on the road. Tai Situpa remarked, "Don't keep that bull of yours!" The man ignored Situ Rinpoche, thinking, "What won't such a wild monk say?" Later, that bull killed the man.

Once, when traveling to central Tibet, Tai Situpa's entourage came to a river swollen by the monsoon rains. Everyone said that it would be impossible to cross and began to pitch their tents. Tai Situpa gave everyone a fierce scolding and all of the persons entered the torrent at his command. They reached the other side without incurring any harm whatsoever.

Such stories about Pema Kunzang were common, and people would criticize the Tai Situpa as being wild. In response to this, one of Tai Situpa's spiritual masters, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, praised Tai Situpa saying, "He is really the precious master from Oddiyana, Guru Rinpoche, in the flesh."

Although the 10th Tai Situpa was generally given to wild behavior, such as wearing masks and costumes, drinking alcohol, competing in horse races and shooting rifles, he scrupulously avoided sexual relations because all of the Tai Situpas have appeared only as holders of pure monastic discipline.

He spent the whole of his life perfecting the Kagyu teachings and became a Siddha. He left many of his footprints on rocks and was able to walk up sheer mountain faces. At the age of thirty-two, in the year of the wood-bird, he passed away. There were numerous highly auspicious signs. Ongen Rinpoche helped Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye setup the memorial ceremonies and constructed a stupa in honor of the 10th Tai Situpa.