The Path of Compassion: A Biography of Hor shul Khenpo Gelek Palsang Rinpoche — Part One: An Introduction to the Lineage of the Nyingma Tradition — Lineage Masters

These Dharma teachings were first transmitted to the Nyé clan—Jñānakumāra—then to the Nub clan—Sangye Yeshe—and finally to the renowned Zur clan: Zurpoche Shakya Jungne, the physician, who caused the Dharma of the Nyingmapa to take root; Zurchung Sherab Drak, who caused the Dharma of the Nyingmapa to sprout; and Zur Shakya Sengge, the mantra practitioner, who caused the Dharma of the Nyingmapa to branch, flourish, blossom, and bear fruit. These three are therefore collectively called the “Three Zurs.” Through their propagation, the Dzogchen Dharma of the Nyingmapa spread widely throughout the Tibetan regions.

Thereafter came the three lines of the omniscient one—translator Rongzom Chökyi Zangpo—Longchen Rabjam Drimé Özer, and Yungtön Dorje Pal; the three lines of Dang—Ka Dampa Deshek—Tsang—Tsangtön Dorje Gyaltsen—and Jang—Jangpa Bum; the three lines of Lang—Langze Detrön Gawang Sherab Lingpa—Sok—Sogdogpa Lodrö Gyaltsen—and Gong—translator Gongra Xinben Dorje; as well as Paṇchen of Ngari, Motön Dorje Palzang, Tridé Sherab Özer, Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa, Dodrupchen Jigme Trinle Özer, Jigme Gyalwe Nyugu, the treasure revealer Mindrolling Gyurme Dorje, translator Dharmaśrī, Dorje Drak Pema Trinle, Kathok Tsewang Chokdrup, Palyul Kunsang Sherab, Dzogchen Pema Rigdzin, Shechen Rabjam Tenpe Gyaltsen, Gyalse Zhenpen Thaye, Patrul Orgyen Jigme Chökyi Wangpo, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Kongtrul Yönten Gyatso, Nyoshul Longdo Tenpe Nyima, Jamgön Mipham Jamyang Namgyal Gyatso, Shechen Gyeltsab, Kathok Situ, Khenpo Khenpa, Palyul Gyatrul, Khenpo Ngaga, and many other great beings devoted wholeheartedly to teaching the Dharma and benefiting beings. They propagated the Buddhadharma, especially the empowerments and lineage of the Sūtra Section. It is through their tireless effort that the lineage of this sacred Dharma was sustained. With the changes of modern times, many noble beings living abroad—including the accomplished masters Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche, Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche, Dodrup Tubten Rinpoche, Dzogchen Penor Rinpoche, Shadru Trulshik Rinpoche, and Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche—propagated the Buddhadharma as a whole and, in particular, the Dzogchen Dharma teachings of the Sūtra, Illusory, and Mind sections of the Nyingmapa, whose reach has now spread throughout the world. In Tibet, many great beings—including the Dzogchen yoga master Mingse Rinpoche, Changgen Ari Rinpoche, the elder Khenpo Gyaltsen Özer, Great Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, Great Khenpo Chöyang Qiada, Great Khenpo Pema Tsewang, Kharlek Tulku Kunsang Rangdröl, Anzong Drubpa Rinpoche, Acho Dordän Rinpoche, Songji Tsering Rinpoche, Khenpo Jamyang Gyaltsen, Jamkhang Thösam Rinpoche, Khenpo Pema Lodrö, and Khenpo Yeshe Özer—propagated the Buddhadharma and especially the Dzogchen teachings of the Sūtra, Illusory, and Mind sections. At a critical time, they rescued and sustained the Dharma lineage, restoring and developing all three aspects of teaching, practice, and activity. How fortunate indeed!