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China / Tibet: Miyo Dorje, the 8th Karmapa Lama (1507-1554), 20th century thangka painting

Mikyö Dorje (1507–1554), also Mikyo Dorje, was the eighth Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.

Mikyö Dorje was born in Satam, Kham. According to the legend, he said after being born: 'I am Karmapa', and was recognized by Tai Situpa. In this case there was another child from Amdo who also claimed to be Karmapa. Gyaltsab Rinpoche, the regent of the region, thought of a test to decide who was the real Karmapa. This was the first time that a test was used to determine a reincarnation. Later this became the standard method for all major lamas.

Mikyö Dorje left numerous Buddhist writings on Madhyamaka, Abidharma, Tantric and Mahamudra texts, poetry (verses of profound wisdom) and even linguistics. He introduced special Guru yoga in four sessions, which is very basic for Karma Kagyu today. He was also a skillful painter and metal craftsman producing many famous thangkas and statues.