The principal lineage of the Karma Kagyü is that of the Karmapa reincarnation lineage, which is the oldest recognized reincarnation lineage in tibetan Buddhism. To ensure that various spiritual lineages are transmitted from one generation of Karmapas to the next, "lineage holders" - outstanding pupils of the Karmapas - receive all the important empowerments of the tradition and thereupon hold the responsibility to empower the next Karmapa incarnation, thus ensuring an unbroken spiritual transmission. The table below shows the various Karmapas and lineage holders who ensured the continuity of the Karma Kagyü Order .