Kunzig Mipham Chokyi Nangwa, the 8th Gyalwang Drukpa was an enlightened pandit who received numerous revelations from dakinis and tutelary deities. He was entrusted with many different esoteric instructions from his gurus Pawo Tsuklag Trengwa, Karmapa Dudul Dorje, and Dzigar Choktrul Rinpoche. He wrote many volumes about the oral teachings and rituals. During his lifetime, he was made the chief official priest of the Tibetan Government, and was responsible for all the Kagyud schools. He also performed the consecration rites after the Tibetan Government restored Samye monastery. During these rites many auspicious omens prevailed.

He was famous for his power of prediction, and for recognizing and finding tulkus, or incarnate lamas. It was Kunzig Mipham Chokyi Nangwa who officially recognized the 9th Dalai Lama, Luntok Gyatso and the Karmapa incarnation of his time. He also served as a special counselor to the Tibetan Government.