The eleventh Tai Situpa

Péma Wanchuk Gyalpo (1886 – 1953)

The eleventh Tai Situpa, Pema Wangchuk Gyalpo, was born in the male fire dog year in Lithang. The predictions of the Gyalwa Karmapa concerning his rebirth were found to be absolutely accurate.

He was recognized as the eleventh incarnation of Situ Rinpoche and enthroned by the Fifteenth Karmapa. He studied with many great masters of the time including Jamgon Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye and Khenchen Shenga Rinpoche, and he became accomplished scholar of sutras and tantras. He received the extraordinary Kagyu lineage transmissions from the Fifteenth Karmapa and regarded him as the principal teacher.

Situ Pema Wangchok later found, enthroned, educated, and offered the full transmission of the Kagyu lineage to the Sixteenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Rangjung Rikpe Dorje.

At about the age of fifty he visited the great Surmang monastery, and there performed many miracles. He passed the rest of his life partly in meditation and partly giving teachings to his many disciples.

Situ Pema Wangchuk Gyalpo passed away in 1952, at the age of 67, amidst many auspicious signs.