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History of 16 Karmapas

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The lives of the Karmapas, successive reincarnations of the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, are here told in an almost textbook-like fashion. This happened, then that happened. There are no dramatic flourishes, no author's interpretations, to pretty it up. Nor is there a need for such narrative artistry. The subject matter is exotic enough, and the lives are fascinating in simple outline. This is essentially a history book intended for readers who are already interested in the Tibetan tradition of tulkus and/or the Karma Kagyu school.

Though this book was written years ago, it remains a very reliable source for the histories of the previous 16 Karmapas. How they were discovered, who discovered them, their main disciples, and central contributions to Buddhism and to their lineage are all presented with clarity. Each Karmapa has a special gift: some were great scholars, others consummate artists, and some wrote beautiful practice texts. This book gives ready access to the wonderful and varied histories of the Karmapas, who were the first reincarnate lamas of Tibet.