Our Lineage: Drikung Kagyu

Lord Jigten Sumgon

The Drikung Kagyu lineage was established more than 850 years ago by the great spiritual master Kyoba Jigten Sumgon (pictured at left). The lineage descends directly from Buddha Shakyamuni and the primordial Buddha, Vajradhara. It was then passed in succession to Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa, and Gampopa, who also received profound teachings, secret oral transmissions, blessings, and so forth from two additional lineages. Gampopa passed all these teachings to Phagmodrupa, who in turn gave them completely to his heart-son, Jigten Sumgon.

These enlightened teachings, energies and blessings have since been handed down in an unbroken succession of great spiritual masters to the present 36th and 37th Drikung Kagyu lineage holders—His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chungtsang Rinpoche, an emanation of Manjushri, the wisdom deity, and His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, an emanation of Chenrezig, the compassion deity.

Our lineage emphasizes a direct realization of the nature of reality through practice. It is known for the Great Phowa Practice (the transference of consciousness at the time of death) and its great meditation masters and yogis. There are many stories about those who have attained enlightenment in one lifetime, even today.

Visit www.drikung.org to learn more about the Drikung Kagyu lineage.