SOAS Research Online

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Abstract

One of the primary movers in the Tibetan development of the sprul sku tradition of ecclesiastical succession through reincarnation has been the Karmapa hierophant lineage, whose protagonists have been religious advisers to khans, emperors and kings of Asia. In addition to the lineal succession, several of the Karmapas have self-identified previous lifetimes, concurrent manifestations (both male and female), and future lives. Indeed, the First Karmapa is titled ‘Knower of the Three Times’ (Dus gsum mkhyen pa, 1110-1193 CE). Several later authors have produced moderately differing accounts identifying pre-incarnations, co-incarnations and post-incarnations for a particular holder of the Karmapa title. This chapter considers the data that depicts the Karmapas’ incarnations in various eras and locations. Such data is derived from autobiographical and biographical textual sources written from the 12th to the 20th centuries, including a recently available copy (2010) of a 14th-century record of Karma Pakshi’s self-claimed previous and concurrent lives. Focusing on the people, places and times of Karmapa incarnations this chapter analyzes the data provided by the hagiological literature. The congruences and variations are noted in order to tease out themes of agenda and strategy, especially with regard to authenticity, authority and the maintenance of continuity through the management of change and mortality