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Rangjung Dorje, 3rd Karmapa Lama


Rangjung Dorje (Wylie: rang 'byung rdo rje) (1284–1339) was the third Karmapa, an important figure in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. He reportedly produced a spontaneous black crown (which would later be a symbol of the line) at the age of three and declared himself to be the mindstream reimbodiment of Karma Pakshi, 2nd Karmapa Lama. Born to a Nyingma family, he received the full transmission of the Nyingma tradition in addition to that of the Karma Kagyu.

Suchan (1998: unpaginated) links Rangjung Dorje to Rigdzin Kumaradza, Vimalamitra and Padmasambhava:

The third Karmapa Lama, Rangjung Dorje, was a disciple of Nyingma Kumaradza. The latter taught Rangjung Dorje the nying-thig, "heart-essence," teachings transmitted by Padmasambhava [the Khandro Nyingtik] and Vimalamitra [the Vima Nyingtik]. Therefore, Rangjung Dorje belongs to the nying-thig lineage of the Nyingma school. As a group, the Karmapa Lamas were among the earliest recognized Tulku, or lamas reincarnated as deities or lineage of deceased teachers. They were particularly influential at the Yuan and Ming courts of China.

Suchan (1998) traces the influence of the first several Karmapas upon the Yuan and Ming courts as well as the Tangut Western Xia Kingdom, and mentions the first Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa:

The first several Karmapas are distinguished by their important status at the Yuan and Ming courts of China where they served as the spiritual guides to princes and emperors. Their influence also extended to the court of the Tangut Xia Kingdom where a disciple of Dusum Khyenpa was given the title "Supreme Teacher" by a Tangut Xixia King..."


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