6th Karmapa, Thongwa Dönden

Samding Dorje Phagmo The 6th Karmapa, Thongwa Dönden (1416–1453) or Tongwa Donden (Wylie: kar ma pa 06 mthong ba don ldan), was the sixth Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.

Thongwa Dönden was born in Ngomto Shakyam near Karma Gon in Kham.

He was recognized during his first visit at the Karma Gon Monastery and joined the monastery to be taught by the 3rd Sharmapa.

Up to then, the Kagyu lineage had mainly given emphasis on meditation and considered rituals and prayers of lesser importance and therefore it had been neglected.

In response, the 6th Karmapa then composed many prayers and rituals.