Gampopa Sönam Rinchen

Gampopa, Sönam Richen (Wyl. sgam po pa bsod nams rin chen), 1079-1153. Born in Nyal, Eastern Tibet, he first trained as a physician, hence his name Dakpo Lharje (Tib. dwags po lha rje), the Physician of Dakpo (the name of the province in which he was to spend many years), became ordained at the age of 26 after his two children and wife died in an epidemic. After studying and practising the Kadampa teachings, at the age of 32 he met Jetsün Milarepa, of whom he was to become the foremost disciple. His disciples included the first Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa (1110-1170) and Pakmodrupa (1110-1170).