The lives of four Karmapas The Karmapas who have a particular connection with Monlam are the Seventh to the Tenth Karmapa. They are, in order: Karmapa Choedrak Gyatso who was skilled in logic and Madhyamika; Karmapa Mikyod Dorje who composed an unparalleled commentary on both sutra and tantra;Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje for compiling the essential instructions for Mahamudra; Karmapa Choeying Dorje for unfolding the secret meaning of Arts, Crafts and Poetry. They had the experience of leading the Monlam assemblies at different times and have become the symbol of protection and support for the survival or demise of Kagyu Monlam.