Chokyi Gyaltsen (1377-1448)
the first Tai Situpa

The first Situ Tulku, Chokyi Gyaltsen, was born in the fire-hog year in the region of Karma Gon. He became a disciple of Deshin Shegpa, the fifth Karmapa, and from him he received the empowerments and teachings of the Mahamudra in the complete form. He perfected the teachings and traveled to China with the Karmapa. The Chinese Emperor Tai Ming Chen (Yung Lo) conferred the honorific title "Kenting Naya Tang Nyontse Geshetse Tai Situpa" on him as well as a crystal seal and other gifts.

He spent most of his life meditating in caves and was a great lama.