Situ Chokyi Jungne (1700-1774)
the eighth Tai Situpa
The eighth Tai Situpa, Chokyi Jungne, was born in the province of A-Lu Shekar at Ataru.
His father was Ngawang Tsering and his mother Tranguma. At the age of eight years
he was recognized according to predictions left by Karmapa Mikyo Dorje, by Terton
Sangye Lingpa, Takshampa Mingyur Dorje and by the eighth Shamar Chokyi Dondrup.
He was taken to Tsurphu monastery for his enthronement and he received all the teachings and empowerments and studied philosophy and medicine from Karmapa Jangchub Dorje, Shamar Rinpoche, and Rigzin Tsewang Norbu.
On the seventh day of the third month
In the female fire sheep year (1727), he founded the great Palpung monastery near Derge
in Eastern Tibet. He also built and restored countless other monasteries throughout his
life.
He visited Nepal on pilgrimage and was highly honoured there. Once, after a debate with Pandita Jaya Mangola of Kashmir, it was proclaimed that he must have been blessed by the Lord Shiva, since that was the only way he could have achieved such insight and learning.
The Tai Situpa returned to Tibet and
taught throughout the land. He translated many texts from Sanskrit, including prayers to
Tara. All the precious teachings he passed onto his many disciples. He also visited China
at the invitation of the Emperor Chi'en Lung (1735-1796) and was highly honoured.
He found and recognized the 13th Karmapa Dudul Dorje and new Shamarpa, and imparted the complete linage to them.
It is said that his limitless activities were equal to those of Nagajuna's in India. It was also a common saying at the time; that if all of the other Kagyu monasteries came together, their activity wouldn't be equal to that of Situ Chokyi Jungne.
While meditating in the lotus posture of a Buddha he passed away and it was observed that his heart-region retained heat for seven days and there was a strong smell of incense everywhere.
His foremost disciples were the thirteenth Karmapa, the tenth Shamar Tulku, Drukchen Trinley Shingta, Drigung Chokyi Gyalwa, Pawo Tsuklak Gyalwa, Drubtop Choje Gyal, Khamtrul Chokyi Nyima, and Lotsawa Tsewang Kunchab.
