Recognized quietly during the ban era. Helped maintain the lineage.

Focused on meditation and established numerous retreat centers.

A great scholar who unified the teachings of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions.

A master of Gelug philosophy. His incarnation was instrumental in establishing the lineage retrospectively.

One of the Three Pure Ones, manifests the Dao through scriptures and Upper Purity.

Worked to preserve the lineage during the ban era.

A master of the traditional sciences and arts.

Recognized and enthroned the 9th Karmapa. Continued to develop the Karma Kagyu tradition.

A direct disciple of Je Tsongkhapa. The title was conferred posthumously by the 5th Dalai Lama.

Highly respected monastic figure whose life bridged the early masters and the rise of the Panchen institution.

One of the Three Pure Ones, identified with deified Laozi, teaches the Dao and Virtue.

A gentle and scholarly leader. Built the Norbulingka, the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas.

Ascended master associated with wisdom, compassion, and spiritual teaching.

Restored monastic discipline after the 6th Dalai Lama and brought stability to Tibet after a period of conflict.

The first to be formally recognized as a Tulku (reincarnation) and the first to wear the Black Crown.

A significant master and poet who traveled to Nepal and Bhutan, expanding the lineage's reach.

Received the full Karma Kagyu transmission. He recognized the 4th Karmapa.

Known as a brilliant scholar and teacher. Recognized the 12th Karmapa.

Known for his prophetic and educational dreams while sleeping, which guided his mission to help poor youth.

Interdimensional master, guiding souls through personal and planetary transformation.

Renowned Pleiadian contact, teacher of cosmic law and spiritual evolution.

A prolific builder of monasteries and a prominent ritual master.

His long life provided stability and continuity for the Gelug lineage during a turbulent era.

Established the Karma Kagyu school and Tsurphu Monastery. Regarded as the founder of the lineage.