The Karmapa’s are the spiritual heads of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The first Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa,  was born in Tibet in 1110.  

The Eighth Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje, born in 1507. He was renowned from a young age as an exceptional teacher with great insight, compassion and miraculous powers.

The current, Seventeenth Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, was born in 1983. He has visited and bestowed teachings at Dechen centres on a number of occasions.