The Karmapa Reincarnation lineage is the first recognized reincarnation (tulku) lineage of the tibetan Vajrayāna Tradition. The Karmapas (considered to be emanations of the boddhisattva Avalokiteśvara) are the head of the Karma Kagyu Order which traditionally had it's main monastery in Tsurpu (northwest of Lhasa). Numerous Karma Kagyu masters travel and teach in the west have established teaching and mediatation centers around the world.