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,
