|
Drukpa Kagyu is the official lineage of Buddhism in Bhutan. Drukpa Kagyu was established by Tsangpa Gyarey Yeshe Dorji at Ralung Monastery in Tibet. It is one of the 8 major sub-schools of the Kagyu lineage. This school originated from the Phagdru school (one of the 4 Great Schools of the Kagyu lineage) which was founded by Phagmodrupa Dorji Gyalpo. Phagomodrupa was one of Gampopa’s (a revered Kagyu Buddhist saint) senior disciples.
The Drukpa Kagyu lineage was brought by Phajo Drukgom Shigpo to Bhutan in the 1100s. In the 17 th century, the Drukpa Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, established the school of Drukpa Kagyu as the de facto state religion. It is the predominant lineage in Bhutan although Nyingma is also found in Bhutan and has great respect. There is also a very small representation of the Gelug and Sakya lineages in Bhutan.
Like the other schools in the Kagyu tradition, the Drukpa school also follows the Six Yogas or Doctrines of Naropa and the Mahamudra or the Great Seal teachings of Mahasiddha Maitripa as the main meditations. In addition to these teachings, the school also has distinct meditative teachings known as the “Ronyom Kordrug” (the Six Equal Taste). These are six teachings on experiencing the single taste of all phenomena. The teachings are considered the most sacred and were originally taught by Naropa to Tibu and then to Je Rechunpa. They were brought from India to Tibet and were concealed as a treasure to be revealed at a time in the future that was appropriate for one person to share with future generations. Tsangpa Gyarey, the one who founded the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, meditated on these teachings for 3 years and revealed the esoteric teachings. The other teaching of the Drukpa Kagyu is the “Tendrel Rabdun” or 7 Auspicious Teachings. Tsangpa Gyarey had these instructions revealed to him by seven Buddhas that appeared before him. |
