Rechung Dorje Drakpa
Rechung Dorje Drakpa (Wylie: Ras-chung Rdo-rje Grags-pa) [1083/4-1161], known as Rechungpa, was one of the two most important students of the 11th century Kagyu yogi and poet Milarepa (the other being Gampopa). Rechungpa founded the Rechung Kagyu lineage and was particularly important in the transmission of the cycle of esoteric teachings of Cakrasaṃvara known as the Demchog Nyengyü (bde mchog snyan brgyud), Demchog-Khandro Nyengyü or Rechung Nyengyü (ras chung snyan brgyud)
Rechungpa passed his lineage to Geshe Khyung Tsangpa (1115-1172) who in turn passed it on to the yogini Machik Onjo. Traces of Rechungpa's lineage continue within the existing Kagyu schools to the present time. Rechungpa's teaching focused more on the Tantric methods of Mahamudra; especially the dynamic path of raising what today is commonly known as Kundalini (the Buddhist term is Candali) and the mysticism of male-female Union. While Gampopa was a monk and therefore developed the monastic aspect of the Kagyu tradition, Rechungpa continued the tradition of the white-robed Yogins. Rechungpa's line of instruction, with time, became infused and blended with the Shamarpa's lineage in the Kagyu school, and is maintained to the present time.
Tibetan Buddhists believe Rechungpa compiled the The Six Equal Tastes from Indian sources. The text was hidden by Rechungpa, later to be recovered by the terton Tsangpa Gyare, founder of the Drukpa lineage in Tibet.
Rechungpa's student Gyalwa Kyang Tsangpa transmitted the lineage originating from Rechungpa to the Yogini Machik Ongyo (12th century). This lineage existed without interruption and still exists. Changling Tulku Rinpoche XVI who is also teaching in the west and transmitting the northern treasures of the Nyingma is holding Rechungpa's lineage.
