8th Karmapa, Mikyö Dorje

Gyaltsab Rinpoche, the regent of the region, thought of a test to decide who was the real Karmapa.

Mikyö Dorje left numerous Buddhist writings on Gongchik commentary Madhyamaka, Abhidharma, Tantric and Mahamudra texts, poetry (verses of profound wisdom) and even linguistics.

He introduced special guru yoga in four sessions, which is the basis for Karma Kagyu teachings.

[1] He was also a skillful painter and metal craftsman with many famous thangkas and statues.

[2] He compiled a biography of Bodong Chogle Namgyal (1376–1451), one of the main teachers of Dorje Pakmo, entitled Ocean of Miracles (ngo mtshar gyi rgya mtsho).

Mikyö Dorje, 8th Karmapa , 19th-century painting, Rubin Museum of Art
The 8th Karmapa, Mikyö Dorje (1507-1554) and his teacher the First Sangye Nyenpa