One of the present lineage holders of the Karma Kagyü School of Tibetan Buddhism is the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche Pema Donyo Nyinje who, like his predecessors is considered to be a emanation of the bodhisattva Maitreya. Among the Tai Situpas - whose seat is in the Palpung Monastery in Derge - the 8th, 9th and 11th Tai Situpas served as interim "lineage holders" of the essential Karma Kagyü transmissions and thus represent an important reincarnation lineage within the Karma Kagyü school.