A Song (appx. 1940)
In approximately 1940, at the age of 17, His Holiness Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the Sixteenth Karmapa, composed a song entitled simply A Song.

Background: Songs of the 16th Karmapa

The Melodious Hum of the Bee (1944)
In 1944, the 16th Karmapa published another song foreseeing the flight from Tibet, expressing his sadness at being forced to leave the glorious seat of the Kagyu at Tsurphu Monastery.
Background: Songs of the 16th Karmapa

Blissful Roar Of Melodius Experience (1961-62)
In 1961-62, upon his arrival in India, the 16th praised Tsurphu Monastery and spoke of returning to that “pure realm,” but evidenced no intention to return during his lifetime. After his passing, it gradually became clear that the 16th Karmapa’s reference to his return to Tsurphu was a prediction about the 17th Karmapa.
Background: Songs of the 16th Karmapa
Reference: The Kindness of the Dalai Lama

Vision of Chogyur Dechen Lingpa (mid-19th century)
Details of the Seventeenth Karmapa’s life were foretold with startling prescience in the vision of Chogyur Dechen Lingpa (1829-1870), a great nonsectarian master and one of the most renowned discoverers (“tertöns”) of sacred hidden texts of the last few centuries.

Background: Vision of Chogyur Dechen Lingpa

A Prophecy of the Fifth Karmapa (early 15th century)
Some of the details of the Seventeenth Karmapa’s life were foretold in the prophecy of the Fifth Karmapa, who predicted that the 17th Karmapa would triumph over obstacles which would threaten the continuity of the Kagyu lineage.

Background: Prophecy of the Fifth Karmapa

The Sacred Letter of Prediction (1981)
In January of 1981, the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, gave to his heart son, the Xllth Tai Situpa, a sealed protection amulet with a brocade cover, and said, “This is your protection amulet. In the future, it will confer great benefit.” Many years later, the amulet was discovered to contain the prediction letter for the rebirth of His Holiness.

Background: Sacred Letter of Prediction