Teachings and Empowerments

Lama Kunsang's teachings are rooted in the work of Buddha Shakyamuni and in the instructions of the great masters of Tibetan Buddhism. The tantric teachings of the Kagyu oral transmissions hold a special place among them.

The Kagyu tradition goes back to the Dharmakaya Buddha Vajradhara. He transmitted his entire knowledge to the Mahasiddha Tilopa, who passed it on to his student Naropa, the scholar from Nalanda. Naropa himself had many students, one of whom stood out in particular: the translator Marpa from Tibet. He travelled to India several times to study the tantric texts and translate them into the Tibetan language. Marpa's heart student was the yogi Milarepa. To him he transmitted his entire knowledge, which enabled Milarepa to attain complete enlightenment in one lifetime. From him, the transmission lineage continued to the scholar Dharma Lord Gampopa, then to Phagmodrupa and finally to Jigten Sumgön, the founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage.

Fivefold Path of Mahamudra

At the heart of Jigten Sumgön's teachings stands the Fivefold Path of Mahamudra as well as his commentary on the Six Yogas of Naropa. It is said of Jigten Sumgön that he only taught what he had experienced and realized himself. Two of his text collections are particularly famous: the «Gongchik» (The Single Intention) – in which the essence of the Buddha's teachings is brought to the point in clear form – and «The Essence of Mahayana».

Teachings by Lama Kunsang

Lama Kunsang's teachings are based on his deep understanding of the philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism, especially the Fivefold Path of Mahamudra. This practice is structured in five aspects: motivation and development of love, compassion and bodhicitta – practice of the deva (Tib.: yidam) – guru yoga of the four kayas – Mahamudra meditation – dedication.

A further foundation of Lama Kunsang's teachings is his long-standing practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa. Many of the contents taught by Lama Kunsang belong to the Vajrayana. This practice requires an empowerment, which is conveyed at the center by Lama Kunsang or by another authentic teacher.