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HH5 Karmapa - Deshin Shegpa
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Life of HH5 Karmapa - Deshin Shegpa Deshin Shegpa, the 5th Karmapa, (1384-1415), was, like his preceeding incarnations, also heard to recite mantras whilst still in his mothers womb, as well as reciting the Sanskrit alphabet. He was born to yogic parents in the Nyang Dam region of Southern Tibet, immediately sitting up, wiping his face, and declaring "I am the Karmapa - Om Mani Peme Hung Shri". Rinchen Pal, the secretary to the third Karmapa, who identified and became secretary to the fourth Karmapa, also located this child, and in due course served him as secretary for the third time. Deshin Shegpa was brought to Tsawa Phu in Kongpo where a significant number of the fourth Karmapa's disciples were living. Shamar Kacho Wangpo immediately recognised the child as the incarnation of Rolpei Dorje, and presented him with the possessions of the fourth Karmapa. He went on to give the Karmapa the full cycle of Kagyu teachings. Deshin Shegpa was 22 when he received an invitation from the Emperor of China, Yung Lo, to come to the imperial palace in China. The Emperor, who was also known as Ch'eng-Tsu, had seen the 5th Karmapa in a vision as Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara). The journey to the palace took over three years to make. On arriving, Deshin Shegpa was greeted by thousands of monks who accorded him a display of great honour and respect. It is said that as a result of the combination of the Karmapa's attainments, and the devotion of the Emperor, an amazing series of miracles happened for the next 100 days. These miraculous events were recorded in a series of silk paintings, which have an added commentary in 5 languages which describe the happenings. Following the miracles, Deshin Shegpa, like his two predecessors, made a pilgrimage to the holy mountains of Wu-Tai Shan, in order to visit and teach at his monasteries there. Once again, the 5th Karmapa had a huge effect politically, and is said to have saved Tibet from war on several occasions. The Emperor wished to impose a single religious system on Tibet, but the Karmapa dissuaded him, arguing in the usefulness of a multitude of systems, each of which was suited to persons of different mentalities and aptitudes. It was the 5th Karmapa - Deshin Shegpa (1384-1415), who first wore the physical Vajra Crown, which has belonged to all succeeding Karmapas. The Emperor had became Karmapa's devoted disciple and himself developed greatly in meditative ability, and is even said to have attained to Bodhisattva status. One day during a ceremony the Emperor saw the invisible celestial vajra crown hovering above Karmapa's head. Reasoning that he was able to see it only because of his own spiritual attainments, he decided to have a physical replica made that could be seen by everyone. The Emperor believed that seeing this reflection of the transcendental aspect of the Karmapa would be of benefit to all who saw it. When the physical replica was made, he gave it to Deshin Shegpa, and implored him to wear it on special occasions. Thus came to be the sacred Black Crown Ceremony of the Karmapas. This crown, last in the possession of the 16th Karmapa, and now locked away at Rumtek monastery, is said to have the power of transmitting enlightenment on sight. Towards the end of his short life, in 1408, Deshin Shegpa made the difficult journey back to Tibet. Finding the monastery of Tsurphu in a poor state, having been badly damaged by an earthquake, he set about it's reconstruction, and he taught the Buddha Dharma widely. The 6th Karmapa knew that he would die young, and left indications as to his next rebirth. Having spent 3 more years in comtemplation, he died aged 31. It is said that the ashes of his funeral pyre contained many spontaneously formed images of the Buddhas. Deshin Shegpa was long remembered in China and had an enduring influence on its culture and spirituality.
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