CHAPTER 6

Thongwa Donden THE 6TH KARMAPA

### Early Life and Spiritual Formation of the Sixth Karmapa,

Thongwa Donden (1416–1453):

#### Recognition as the Karmapa and Formative Years:

Thongwa Donden was born in the Tsang area of Tibet in 1416. At

an astonishingly young age, he was recognized as the Sixth
Karmapa, a key figure in the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Thongwa Donden was acknowledged at an early age as the
Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara. This recognition
signaled the beginning of a life devoted to spiritual study and the
welfare of all sentient beings.

Thongwa Donden received formal schooling in a traditional

monastery context throughout his early years. His curriculum
encompassed a wide range of topics, such as meditation
methods, Buddhist philosophy, ceremonial activities, and a
thorough examination of holy texts. The Karmapa lineage,
renowned for its dedication to passing down knowledge through
the generations, made sure that Thongwa Donden received an
education that was specifically designed to prepare him for his
future duty as a spiritual advisor.
#### Immersive Training Across Buddhist Traditions:

One of the ways that the Karmapa lineage sets itself apart is its
dedication to combining teachings from other Buddhist traditions.
Thongwa Donden thoroughly studied all branches of Buddhism
and immersed himself in the profound teachings of the Kagyu
lineage. He pursued knowledge from other prominent schools of
Tibetan Buddhism, including as the Nyingma, Sakya, and Gelug
lineages, in addition to the Kagyu tradition.

Thongwa Donden was able to draw on a rich tapestry of spiritual

understanding that was widespread in Tibet during his age
because of his inclusive and open-minded attitude to researching
many aspects of Buddhism. This eclecticism demonstrated a
harmonic blending of teachings and not only deepened his
comprehension but also promoted a sense of oneness among the
many Buddhist traditions.

#### Attainment of Profound Spiritual Insight:

Thongwa Donden shown a remarkable ability for in-depth

reflection and meditation as his spiritual path advanced. His
intense training resulted in the development of a high level of
enlightenment and profound spiritual understanding. Thongwa
Donden's meditation experiences and realizations were not only
life-changing for him, but they also provided his students and
followers with direction and motivation.

The Sixth Karmapa's spiritual accomplishments were frequently

credited to his unwavering dedication to mindfulness,
compassionate action, and the reduction of suffering. His lessons
emphasized the value of firsthand experience and enlightenment
and exhorted practitioners to have a genuine relationship with the
teachings that goes beyond just academic understanding.

To sum up, Thongwa Donden, the Sixth Karmapa, is recognized

in Tibetan Buddhism as a beacon of spiritual insight and kind
guidance. His upbringing and varied education prepared the way
for an extensive spiritual journey marked by diversity, inclusivity,
and the development of transforming insight. His efforts had a
lasting effect on Tibetan Buddhism as a whole as well as within
the Kagyu lineage.
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### Significant Contributions of the Sixth Karmapa, Thongwa

Donden (1416–1453):

#### 1. **Founding Rumtek Monastery:**

The most notable accomplishment of Thongwa Donden was the

founding of the Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, India. In the middle
of the 15th century, he started work on Rumtek, realizing the
significance of a spiritual hub for the transmission and
preservation of Kagyu teachings. The monastery, which housed
priceless artifacts, books, and holy relics, developed into the exile
headquarters of the Karmapa lineage. As a reminder of Thongwa
Donden's mission, Rumtek Monastery continues to be an
important center for Buddhist research, meditation, and cultural
preservation.
 Rumtek was established by Thongwa Donden with the intention
to not only preserve the Kagyu heritage but also to serve as a
center for Tibetan Buddhism education and a haven for
practitioners.

#### 2. **Teachings on the Nature of Mind and Emptiness:**

The core of Thongwa Donden's teachings was an in-depth

investigation of the nature of emptiness and mind. His talks
explored the complexities of consciousness, the relationships
between ideas and feelings, and the way to see the underlying
emptiness of life. His teachings, which are well-known for their
lucidity, profundity, and usefulness, offered a theoretical
foundation for individuals to engage in transforming meditation
practices.

Thongwa Donden helped disciples comprehend the essence of

reality through written books, oral teachings, and hands-on
guidance. His focus on first-hand experiential realization enabled
practitioners to have a deeper comprehension of the mind and
how it relates to the idea of emptiness.

#### 3. **Interactions with Prominent Figures:**

Through his active engagement with prominent personalities of

his era, Thongwa Donden fostered intellectual and spiritual
interactions that contributed to the enrichment of Tibetan
Buddhism. His conversations included a wide range of traditions
and intellectual schools outside the purview of the Kagyu school,
which expanded our knowledge of Buddhist philosophy.

His friendship with Chodrag Gyatso, the Seventh Karmapa, is

noteworthy as it represents the cooperative nature of the
Karmapa lineage. These exchanges fostered harmony and the
sharing of wisdom across various Buddhist groups, which was
crucial in determining the direction of Tibetan Buddhism at the
time.

Beyond the spiritual sphere, Thongwa Donden's impact was

also felt by local authorities and kings who sought his advice. His
capacity to unite the spiritual and secular domains had a role in
the Tibetan people's realization of the socio-cultural importance of
the Karmapa lineage.

### Enduring Legacy:

Thongwa Donden left behind a lasting legacy that includes the

establishment of Rumtek Monastery, his teachings on emptiness
and the mind, and his powerful relationships. His achievements
had a lasting impact on the Kagyu lineage and beyond,
influencing Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual, cultural, and educational
landscapes. The Sixth Karmapa left behind institutions and
teachings that now serve as a source of inspiration for
practitioners, guaranteeing the continuation of his deep spiritual
vision and the enduring influence of his work.

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### Death and Succession of the Sixth Karmapa, Thongwa
Donden (1416–1453):

#### 1. **Circumstances of His Passing:**

With the death of Thongwa Donden in 1453, a unique period in

Tibetan Buddhism came to an end. There was a sense of
transcendence and tranquility around his death, which is in line
with the serene disposition that is sometimes attributed to
enlightened individuals. His pupils and followers, who were
greatly influenced by his teachings and spiritual direction,
lamented their respected spiritual leader's bodily passing.

In traditional Karmapa practice, the death of a Karmapa is

considered a significant occasion, as it is believed that the
Karmapa's enlightened activities continue in subsequent
incarnations. The Buddhist idea of the impermanence of
existence was reinforced by considering the circumstances
surrounding Thongwa Donden's passing through the prism of
impermanence.

#### 2. **Search for the Seventh Karmapa:*

The Seventh Karmapa, Thongwa Donden's reincarnation, was
sought after after his death. The "Karmapa Recognition
Ceremony" was started as a result of the realization that locating
the real reincarnation was crucial to maintaining the Karmapa
lineage.
 To find the kid that embodied the essence of the Sixth Karmapa,
a variety of indications, predictions, and spiritual visions were
used in the quest. Lama Shamarpa, one of Thongwa Donden's
main pupils, was instrumental in this process. The tulku doctrine,
which holds that enlightened beings voluntarily take reincarnation
to continue their loving mission, served as the foundation for the
quest.

#### 3. **Early Life and Teachings of the Seventh Karmapa:**

At the end of the quest, Chodrag Gyatso (1454–1506), the

Seventh Karmapa, was identified. Chodrag Gyatso was born in
eastern Tibet, and his remarkable talents confirmed early on that
he was the reincarnation of Thongwa Donden.

Chodrag Gyatso showed early signs of a natural interest for

philosophical study and spiritual activities. He was thoroughly
trained in the Kagyu tradition under the direction of
knowledgeable instructors, expanding on the groundwork
established by his predecessor. His teachings focused on the
deep realization of emptiness and the core of Mahamudra.

Through his leadership, Chodrag Gyatso fortified the Karmapa

lineage and played a pivotal role in the dissemination and
conservation of Kagyu teachings. His spiritual pursuits took him
outside the walls of the monastery, where he interacted with a
wide spectrum of followers and was instrumental in the
dissemination of Buddhist teachings in his time.
### Legacy and Continuity: The idea that enlightened beings
reincarnate cyclically was best shown by the smooth transfer from
Thongwa Donden to Chodrag Gyatso. By carrying on his
predecessor's great heritage, the Seventh Karmapa helped the
Kagyu lineage grow. The circumstances surrounding the death of
the Sixth Karmapa and the birth of the Seventh highlighted how
life, death, and reincarnation are all interwoven in the spiritual
fabric of Tibetan Buddhism.