The Treasury of Lives

Gyakob Tulku Kunzang (rgya khob sprul sku kun bzang) was the son of Sangngak Lingpa (gsang sngags gling pa, d.u.). He was the youngest brother of the Third Katok Situ Chokyi Gyatso (kaH thog si tu 03 kun mkhyen chos kyi rgya mtsho, 1880-1925), and also a nephew of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo ('jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse' dbang po, 1820-1892).

Little is known about his life. He was admitted to Katok Monastery where he studied both sutra and tantra according to Katok’s traditional curriculum. He also practiced meditation, learned rituals and their related skills and became known as both an excellent scholar and experienced meditator.

Later in life he lived mostly as an itinerant monk, wandering mainly among the monasteries and retreat centers in Kham. He searched for and received transmissions of rare teachings in order to maintain their traditions. He collected several volumes of rare texts that were not easily available and offered them to Katok Situ, Dzatrul Dorjechang (dzaH sprul rdo rje 'chang), and Khenchen Tubten Gyeltsen (mkhan chen thub bstan rgyal mtshan 'od zer, b.1862). He also restored deteriorating statues and other objects of faith at many places.

In his later years he was also known as having clairvoyance and divine power, which was attributed to his realization and accomplishment.