THE GOLDEN KAGYU GARLAND

Excerpts from The Garland of Moon Water Crystal by Situ Chokyi Jungnay and Belo Tsewang Kunkhyab

Drogon Rechen (1148-1218) was born in the region of Tsang in Central Tibet. He was inclined toward the Dharma already at a very young age and felt that a worldly way of life had no true meaning.

He started practising the Dharma with the Kagyu Lama Sangri Repa when he was nine years old. Unfortunately the Lama fell ill before he had passed on all the teachings. Knowing he would die, he advised Drogon Rechen to seek out the disciples of Milarepa, since studying with them would result in his becoming an accomplished master. Drogon Rechen received the complete teachings of Milarepa as well as the Nyingma teachings originating with the Indian master Vimalamitra. He put these teachings into practice and attained high levels of realisation.

Hearing about the first Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa, Drogon Rechen decided to go and see him. His decision was made merely because the Karmapa was an older and more experienced teacher. In fact, Drogon Rechen perceived him as an equal.
At their meeting the Karmapa displayed miraculous powers that broke through Drogon Rechen's proud attitude. He became his principal disciple, received the entire cycle of the Kagyu teachings and became a lineage holder.

Pomdragpa Sonam Dorje (1170-1249)