Pema Kunzang Chogyal (1854-1885)
the tenth Tai Situpa

In the year of the wood-tiger,
In Tang-Lha's land,
My emanation Samantabhadra,
Guide of beings, will appear.

The tenth Tai Situpa, Pema Kunzang Chogyal, was born in Namtso in Chang, near to a lake, in the male wood-tiger year. His formal enthronement was performed by the fourteenth Karmapa, Tegchog Dorje and the first Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Lodro Thaye.

From an early age he displayed many spontaneous displays of miracles and higher perception. Through the activity of his accomplishment he crossed the Dri (Yangtse) river in flood season on horseback, descended the Heaven's Ladder at the retreat centre on horseback, and rode an untamed horse from Derge to Palpung in two hours. Many persons found flowers in the horses hoof-prints; it is said that Khyentse Rinpoche has some of these in his possession.

In Denkok one person leading a wild bull met Tai Situpa on the road. He remarked, "Don't keep that bull of yours!" The man ignored him thinking, "What won't such a wild monk say." Later that bull killed the man.

Once when traveling to central Tibet, the party came to a river swollen by the monsoon rains. Everyone said that it would be impossible to cross and began to pitch their tents. Tai Situpa gave everyone a fierce scolding and all of the persons entered the torrent and reached the far side without incurring any harm whatsoever.

Such stories about Pema Kunzang were common, but still he was criticized as being "the wild Situ". In response to this one of his spiritual masters, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo praised him saying, "He is really the precious master from Oddiyana [Guru Rinpoche] in the flesh." Although he was generally given to wild behavior, such as wearing masks & costumes, drinking alcohol, competing in horse races and shooting rifles, he scrupulously avoided sexual relations because all of the Tai Situpas have appeared only as holders of pure monastic discipline.

He spent the whole of his life perfecting the Kagyu teachings and became a Siddha. He left many of his footprints on rocks and was able to walk up sheer mountain faces. At the age of 32 in the year of the wood-bird he passed away. There were numerous highly auspicious signs.