The Origin of the Dzogchen Lineage

The original Dzogchen lineage can be traced back to the time of Buddha Shakyamuni. It was transmitted from Dharmakaya Buddha Samantabhadra to Sambhogakaya Buddha Vajrasattva and finally to Nirmanakaya Buddha Shakyamuni.

Buddha Shakyamuni and the Dzogchen Khandro Nyingthig Lineage

In 626 B.C.E., Buddha Shakyamuni was born in what is now southern Nepal. At the age of thirty-five, he attained enlightenment and began teaching the dharma. His teachings spread far and wide, leading many beings to attain enlightenment. At the age of eighty-two, Buddha Shakyamuni passed away but manifested in two wisdom emanations.

In 90 A.B.B., eight years after Buddha’s Parinirvana, the first emanation, Padmasambhava, came into the world. He received teachings from enlightened masters and introduced and spread Buddhism, particularly the Dzogchen Khandro Nyingthig, in India and China. His main disciple, Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal, also taught this lineage to many practitioners.

Dzogchen Longchen Nyingthig Lineage and Shri Singha

Twenty-eight years after Buddha’s Parinirvana, the second emanation, Prahevajra (Garab Dorje), appeared. He received teachings directly from Sambhogakaya Buddha Vajrasattva. Prahevajra taught the Dzogchen Nyingthig and had disciples such as Manjushrimitra, who in turn had a disciple named Shri Singha.

Shri Singha, born approximately 2,300 years ago, practiced diligently and received teachings from Manjushrimitra. After many years of study and practice, Shri Singha became the sixth holder of the Dzogchen Nyingthig Lineage. He transmitted these teachings to Jnanasutra and Vimalamitra, who further propagated them in Tibet.

The Holy Dzogchen Area and Its Significance

The Holy Dzogchen Area, with its Siltrom Snow Mountains and Rudam Canyon, is considered a natural sacred land. It is said that Shri Singha, Padmasambhava, and Vimalamitra lived there for many years, leaving behind Dharma Treasures and blessings. Many practitioners have achieved the Rainbow Body enlightenment in this sacred place.

Blessings of the Dzogchen Lineage

Throughout the centuries, practitioners in the Dzogchen lineage have received teachings and blessings directly from enlightened masters such as Shri Singha, Padmasambhava, Vimalamitra, and the dakinis. Even in modern times, practitioners have had encounters and received blessings from these masters, leading to high levels of realization.

Our Master, Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, has also received powerful blessings from Guru Padmasambhava and Shri Singha, continuing the lineage and passing on their teachings.

The Dzogchen lineage is a profound and sacred tradition that carries the wisdom and blessings of enlightened masters throughout history.