17 Karmapas' History:

• The First Karmapa
  Dusum Khyenpa (1100-1193)
• The Second Karmapa
  Karma Pakshi (1204-1283)
• The Third Karmapa
  Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339)
• The Fourth Karmapa
  Rolpe Dorje (1340-1383)
• The Fifth Karmapa
  Dezhin Shekpa (1384-1415)
• The Sixth Karmapa
  Thongwa Donden (1416-1453)
• The Seventh Karmapa
  Chodrak Gyatso (1454-1506)
• The Eighth Karmapa
  Mikyo Dorje (1507-1554)
• The Ninth Karmapa
  Wangchuk Dorje (1556-1603)
• The Tenth Karmapa
  Choying Dorje (1604-1674)
• The Eleventh Karmapa
  Yeshe Dorje (1676-1702)
• The Twelfth Karmapa
  Changchub Dorje (1703-1732)
• The Thirteenth Karmapa
  Dudul Dorje (1733-1797)
• The Fourteenth Karmapa
  Thekchok Dorje (1798-1868)
• The Fifteenth Karmapa
  Khakhyab Dorje (1871-1922)
• The Sixteenth Karmapa
  Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924-1981)
• The Seventeenth Gyalwa Karmapa
  Ogyen Trinley Dorje (1985-Present)

The Twelfth Karmapa Changchub Dorje (1703-1732)

• Was born at Kyile Tsaktor in east Tibert.
• Was recognized by Chokyi Dondrub in accordance with the previous Karmapa's prediction and instructions.
• The young Karmapa studied under many illustrious masters and gave profound Kagyu teachings to Nyingma master of Kathok Monastery, who in turn shared his Nyingma teachings.
• Accompanied by Shamar, Situ, and Gyaltsap Rinpoches, he left troubled Tibet on a pilgrimage to India and Nepal. He was particularly honored by the king of Nepal who credited him with stopping a raging epidemic and making rain to end a serious drought.
• After returning to Tibet, he accepted an invitation to China. However, foreseeing difficult political times and realizing the need to leave his body, the Karmapa sent the eighth Tai Situpa a letter with detail of his next incartion.