The biography of the 15th Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje, recounts a vision in which he saw 25 simultaneous manifestations of the master Jamgön Kongtrül, related to the incarnation of the first Jamgön Kongtrül.
Among these, the most prominent was Karsé Kongtrül, who was born as the son of the 15th Karmapa.
The name “Karsé” means “son of the Karmapa.” His formal dharma name was Jamyang Khyentsé Özer, and he is often referred to as Khyentsé Özer in many texts. At the age of twelve, Karsé Kongtrül was recognized and enthroned by the 15th Karmapa at Samdrub Chöling in the Dowolung Tsurphu Monastery.
He resided at Tsadra Rinchen Drak, the seat and retreat center of his predecessor in eastern Tibet. His primary teacher was the Karmapa, from whom he received the complete transmission of the lineage. He also studied under other masters, including Surmang Trungpa Chökyi Nyinche, the 10th Trungpa tulku.
Throughout his life, Karsé Kongtrül became a fully realized master of the tradition, renowned as one of the greatest Mahamudra masters and part of the Golden Rosary of the Kagyu lineage. He passed on the innermost teachings to Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the 16th Karmapa. He frequently gave teachings, empowerments, and reading transmissions from both old and new traditions, such as the Treasury of Precious Termas (Rinchen Terdzö), and he restored the Tsadra Rinchen Drak retreat center. Karsé Kongtrül entered paranirvana on May 10, 1952.
Jamgon Kongtrul incarnations:
