The Lineage Traditions Of Nalandabodhi
by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
Buddhadharma or Buddhism, as it is
widely known today, was founded more than 2,500 years ago in
ancient India by the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. Over the
following centuries, the teachings spread to the other countries of
Asia, including Tibet. Nalandabodhi is connected with the Nyingma
and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism, two of the great schools of
Buddhism, which were established in Tibet during the first
millennium.
The Nyingma Lineage in particular is known for preserving and
continuing the teaching lineage of Padmasambhava, also known as
Guru Rinpoche, who came from India to Tibet in the 8th
century, C.E.
The Kagyu Lineage puts special emphasis on the oral teaching
transmission, and traces the lineage back specifically to the
teachings of Tilopa who lived in India in the 11th century,
C.E.
The director of Nalandabodhi, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, was
trained as an abbot of the Dzogchen lineage of the Nyingma school
as well as in the Karma Kagyu school. Rinpoche is a lineage holder
of both the Nyingma school and the Karma Kagyu school. He was a
heart son of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa.
Transmission from India to Tibet
Fulfilling an ancient vow and aspiration to bring the teachings of
the Shakyamuni Buddha to Tibet, three great masters established the
Buddhadharma in Tibet:
• Padmasambhava, the Guru of Uddiyana
• Shantarakshita, the Abbot of Nalanda
University
• Trisong Detsen, the second Dharma King
These masters are the renowned forefathers of Tibetan Buddhism.
Indeed, without their kind hearts, compassion, and wisdom, Buddhism
may never haven taken root in Tibet.
Tibetan Buddhist teachings were established in four major
lineage streams, known as the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Geluk.
For more information about the major transmission from India to
Tibet, see History Of Buddhism In
Tibet.
To Learn More . . .
You'll find more information on the Nyingma lineage at the Dzogchen Monastery
website.
Kagyu lineage holders are famous for composing spontaneous songs
expressing spiritual understanding, some of which are collected in
The Rain Of Wisdom by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and The
Nalanda Translation Committee.
You'll find detailed general information about the Nyingma
lineage, including various references to the Dzogchen Ponlop
Rinpoches in
Masters of Meditation and Miracles by Tulku
Thondup.
You can learn more about the history of the Nyingma school in
The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism by Dudjom
Rinpoche.