The 11th Tai Situpa (1886-1952) was born in the male fire dog year in Lithang. There were many unusual and highly auspicious signs at that time. The predictions of the Gyalwa Karmapa concerning his rebirth were absolutely accurate.

At the age of four years, he was recognized by the Gyalwa Karmapa and taken to the great Palpung monastery. From the 15th Karmapa, Tai Situpa received ordination and teachings. The 2nd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche also taught and bestowed many empowerments on him.

Rinpoche expanded and renovated Palpung Monastery, and closely guided the various satellite monasteries of his in Tibet. He traveled to and taught at over one hundred and eighty monasteries, all which were guided by him. Tai Situpa was renown to be a strict disciplinarian, enforcing monastic rules and harshly punishing those who were hypocrites or damaging their practice.

Tai Situpa was held by all with great respect, awe, admiration and fear. After the 15th Karmapa’s passing, the Karmapa’s attendant Jampal Tsultrim hid for months believing that Tai Situpa would punish Him. However, the attendant finally revealed that he possessed the sacred letter of prediction, which matched exactly with the proceedings Tai Situ Rinpoche was already undertaking to find the 16th Karmapa Rigpe Dorje.

Tai Situpa transmitted the complete teachings to the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and bestowed all the initiations, explanations and empowerments. At about the age of fifty he visited the great Surmang monastery, and there performed many miracles.

Tai Situpa spent the rest of his life partly in meditation and partly giving teachings to his many disciples. At the age of sixty-seven, he passed away amidst many auspicious signs.

After the 11th Tai Situpa's passing, Karmapa Rigpe Dorje wrote in a poem praising the Tai Situpa, "May we meet again and again." The Karmapa's aspiration came true, as the 12th Tai Situpa was found and became the disciple of the 16th Karmapa. And again, later on, the 17th Karmapa was found and became the disciple of the 12th Tai Situpa.