Dharmapala Thangka CentreSchool of Thangka Painting

The influential order of the Kagyupas was founded by Marpa [1012 - 1097]. One of the of the three principal suborders that stemmed from the Kagyupas are the Karmapas, the oldest reincarnation lineage in Tibet.

In the Tibetan iconography he Karmapa Lamas are distinguished generally by their black hats.

Mikyö Dorje [Tib.: mi bskyod rdo rje - མི་བསྐྱོད་རྡོ་རྗེ - * 1507 in Kham; † 1554] was the 8^th Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Central Figure

• Karmapa is depicted wearing the Black Vajra Crown, an iconographic element unique to the Karmapa.
• He sits in a full lotus posture [vajrasana] on a lotus throne with a moon disk, surrounded by a circular rainbow mandala.
• His hands are held in vajra mudra, holding a vajra and bell, symbols of method [compassion] and wisdom.
• His serene face and youthful appearance emphasize purity, clarity, and realization.

8^th Karmapa - Mikyö Dorje [1507–1554]

The eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje Mikyö Dorje was a renowned spiritual master, scholar, and recognized artist who created a special style of thangka painting during the 16^th century, in which landscape elements play an essential role.

This painting style is called »Karma Gadri« because of its close connection to the Karmapas, who traditionally had a great deal of influence in eastern Tibet. The models for this school were Chinese paintings from a much earlier period. Written sources describe the »Karma Gadri« style as one of the most important styles in Tibetan art.

Recognized as the reincarnation of the 7^th Karmapa, he became one of the most influential Karmapas in history. He was known for his profound realization of Mahamudra, his scientific writings, and his non-sectarian worldview. Mikyö Dorje wrote numerous texts on philosophy, ethics, and meditation and composed beautiful aspiration prayers that are still widely used today.

As a leader, he restored discipline and revitalized monastic education in all Kagyu institutions. His name, Mikyö Dorje, means »Unshakable Vajra« and reflects his deep inner strength and enlightened qualities. He passed away in 1554 at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, compassion, and artistic brilliance.