The 8th Karmapa Mikyod Dorje 1507: he was born near the Ngumchu River (present day Chamdo, Riwoche Dzong District). His father’s name was Jampa Shenyen and his mother’s name was Dhara Seldron. 1513: at the age of six he was enthroned and ordained. From an early age, he received teachings on major treatises of sutra and tantra, empowerments, transmissions, and religious instruction, studied the five major and five minor sciences, and was able to integrate them all and put them into his practice. Having realized that there is no essence in gain and status, though he received invitations from the Emperor of China, he did not go. He dedicated his whole life solely to the three dharma activities – teaching, debating and composition (chad-tsoe-tsom). 1554: he died at the age of forty seven, having written the letter predicting his next incarnation twenty years before he died.