"You completed the teachings and practices of Sutra and Tantra, like a full moon, Illuminating the three worlds with the nectar of your wisdom. You are the sovereign of the practice lineage of a million stars. We honor the incomparable Dawo Shonu, the Youthful Moonlight." — 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee On the 6th month and 15th day of the Tibetan calendar, many followers of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism observe the anniversary of Gampopa, or Dakpo Lhaje, a founding figure of the school. Gampopa Sonam Rinchen was born in 1079 in the Nyel valley of the Dakpo region. He is commonly known as Dakpo Lhaje, or the “Doctor from Dakpo,” due to his reputation as a great medical practitioner. After the tragic loss of his wife and child, he renounced secular life, was ordained, and received the name Sonam Rinchen. He studied with various Kadampa masters, including the famous Potowa Rinchen Sel and as well as the renowned Kagyu master Milarepa, who gave him his entire teachings, i...