The Treasury of Lives

Kunzik Jigme Dorje (kun gzigs 'jigs med rdo rje) was likely born in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. Details surrounding his birth, parentage, and early life are unknown. He was identified as an incarnation in the Chamtrul (lcam sprul) line and brought to Katok Monastery (kaH thog rdo rje gdan) in Kham.

He was a principal student of the Second Katok Situ, Chokyi Lodro (kaH thog si tu 02 chos kyi blo gros, 1820-c.1879). For several years, he served as the regent of Katok, teaching the monastery's traditional curriculum and leading religious activities. He became the main teacher of the Third Katok Situ, Chokyi Gyatso (kaH thog si tu 03 chos kyi rgya mtsho, 1880-1923/25).

After his retirement from the abbacy, he dedicated his time to practice and continued to teach a large number of students until his death.

His prominent students included Ju Mipam Gyatso ('ju mi pham rnam rgyal rgya mtsho, 1846-1912); the Second Dzaka Choktrul, Kunzang Namgyel (dzaH ka mchog sprul 02 kun bzang rnam rgyal, d.u.); the Fourth Chonyi Gyatso, Jampel Dorje (chos nyid rgya mtsho 04 'jam dpal rdo rje, d.u.); Khasar Terton Drodul Tobden Lingpa (kha gsar gter ston 'gro 'dul stobs ldan gling pa, d.u.); the Second Katok Getse, Tsewang Rigdzin Gyatso (dge rtse 02 tshe dbang rig 'dzin rgya mtsho, 1830-c.1885), and Khengen Rigdzin Gyatso (mkhan rgan rig 'dzin rgya mtsho, d.u.).

Although Kunzik Jigme Dorje was identified in his time as an incarnation in the Chamtrul line, it now appears that he's considered to be the First Chamtrul, followed by the Second Chamtrul Pema Nangsel Dorje and the present Third Chamtrul Lobsang Gyatso.