The fifth Karmapa was born in the Nyang Dam region of southern Tibertto yogin parents.

When the child was brought to Tsawa Phu in Kongpo, Khacho Wangpo recognized him immediately as the incarnation of Rolpe Dorje and presented him with the Black Crown and other possessions of the fourth Karmapa

Khacho Wangpo went on to give Karmapa the full cycle of Kagyu teachings and soon the Karmapa completed his traditional training.

At the age of twenty-three, he start on a three-year journey to the imperial palace of China by the invitation of the emperor.

In 1410, Dezhin Shekpa returned to Tsurphu to oversee its reconstruction of the monastery that was damaged by an earthquake.

Realizing that he would die at a young age, he left indication of his future rebirth and passed away into parinirvana at age of 31.