Mindrolling Lineage
Padmasambhava and the Nyingma School
Due to the efforts and teachings of the great Mahaguru Padmasambhava, Buddhism flourished in Tibet beginning in the 8th century. Of the four main schools that developed, the oldest is the Nyingma or the Old Translation School. The Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug lineages comprise the Sarma or New Translation School.
The Dzogchen Teachings
The essence of the Nyingma lineage is the precious Dzogchen teachings, the most ancient, powerful and direct teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. For today's troubled world, these teachings are the clearest and most effective way to realize one's full potential as a human being.
Mindrolling in Tibet and the Exile to India
The Nyingmapa or Nyingma School has six main monasteries of learning and practice. Of the six, Mindrolling was one of the largest and most important practice and study centers in Central Tibet.
Established in 1676 in the Drachi Valley by the great Dharma king Chögyal Terdag Lingpa, Mindrolling attracted monks from the length and breadth of Tibet. Mindrolling was, and is today, considered by all the great masters of Tibetan Buddhism, and especially by all the teachers of the Nyingma lineage, as an inspiring example of the practice of the pure and profound Dharma of Vajrayana Buddhism. An unbroken lineage of great masters continues up to this day. With the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, many Tibetan masters were urged to flee in an attempt to protect their lives and thus the precious teachings.
Terdag Lingpa and the Family Lineage of Mindrolling
The great Mindrolling lineage is also known as Palden Nyörig. Popular Tibetan legend says that this lineage descended from the celestial devas. It is thus one of the Lha-rig (deva-family) lineages of Tibet. Many great masters of Tibet such as Khedrub Don-Nga Tenzin and Sangdak Thrinley Lhundrub were born in this lineage which later became renowned as Mindrolling when Chögyal Terdag Lingpa established the Og Min Ogyen Mindrolling monastery in 1646. He set up a family lineage for the continuation of his lineage.
Traditionally there are three types of lineages in Tibetan Buddhism-
- sKu rGyud - reincarnation lineage such as that of tulkus
- sLob rGyud - disciple lineage such as that of Tilpoa, Naropa, Marpa and Milarepa.
- gDung rGyud - family lineage
The family or the blood lineage is one in which the next head of a lineage is the child of the lineage holder. In Tibetan Buddhism, there are two lineages that follow this system - the Sakya lineage of the Sakya Trizins and the Mindrolling lineage. Thus, the Mindrolling lineage continues to this day through the direct descendants of Terdag Lingpa to the 11th Mindrolling Trichen.
Terdag Lingpa's Descendants Further His Vision
The Mindrolling lineage continued as Terdag Lingpa's descendants furthered his vision. His sons, Pema Jurme Gyatso and Gyalsay Drinchen Rinchen Namgyal, and his daughter, Jetsun Mingyur Paldron, maintained and expanded Mindrolling, spreading the teachings widely. All members of the Mindrolling lineage have been known for their contributions in establishing and propagating the Dharma. Some of the most exceptional individuals amongst them were Gyalsay Drinchen Rinchen Namgyal, Trichen Pema Wangyal, Trichen Sangye Kunga, Do-Nga Tenzin Norbu, Jampal Dewei Nyima, Jetsun Thrinley Chödron, Minling Khenchen Rinpoche and Minling Chung Rinpoche.
The Tri Rab and the Khen Rab
Although each person of Mindrolling contributed in many ways, the lineage has passed down through two main branches: the Trichen lineage known as Tri Rab, or throne holder, and the Khen Rab, or vinaya holder. The eldest son assumes the title of Trichen (throne holder) and a younger brother becomes the Khenchen and holds the vinaya line.
Terdag Lingpa : Biographical account
Lochen Dharmashri : Biographical account
Kyabje Mindrolling Trichen : Biographical account
