The line originated when the Second Pakpa Lha, Pakpa Sanggye identified Sanggye Jungne as the reincarnation of his master, Pelden Chokdrub, who he posthumously recognized as a reincarnation of the Indian Pandita Śāntideva, author of the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra. The seat of the Zhiwa Lha is Chamdo Jampa Ling, a Geluk monastery, which is also the seat of the Pakpa Lha line.