This is the 12th article in a series by Lama Drimed depicting the lives of Dzogchen masters. Of all the ways to apply the teachings of the Buddha to our own experience, the path of Dzogchen is the simplest and swiftest.
Kumaradza, "youthful king," was born in Central Tibet during the fire male tiger year of 1266. From early childhood, his unbiased compassion, perfect faith, and profound mind were obvious to all who met him. He read and wrote without the slightest effort. At the age of nine he was ordained as a lay practitioner and at twelve as a novice monk . At that time he began to study the Vinaya, the moral and ethical teachings of the Buddha. During this period he also studied the six yogas of Naropa and trained as an artist. Once while reciting Om Mani Padme Hung, the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, he beheld the Compassionate One smiling at him from a seat within a crystal room.
When he met Melong Dorje, who was to become his root guru ,he requested teachings on Mahamudra, the Great Seal . Through this exchange, Kumaradza came to know the unconfused nature of his mind. He then went to live and serve Melong Dorje at Khadro Ling , which means "place where dakinis dwell." He was initiated into the practice cycle of Vajravarahi and while meditating upon her with one-pointed faith had a vision of Padmasambhava, who told him to practice the doctrine always. During this time he met the Karmapa Rangjung Dorje; at seven years old, the Karmapa had just been ordained as a novice monk .
Kumaradza began receiving instructions on the Great Perfection from many accomplished masters. Eventually, he returned to Melong Dorje, who gave him all the empowerments and teachings for the highest practices, the Great Perfection. Because he had nothing material to offer, he served his guru with faith and devotion by painting for him. Melong Dorje gave him barley, which he sold to buy butterlamps and paper so that he could copy sacred texts at night. Living austerely, he developed great inner strength and resolve to accomplish his spiritual purpose. Melong Dorje was pleased with him and counseled him to always act for the welfare of beings.
While Melong Dorje was giving an empowerment one day, Kumaradza saw Mahakala appear above his guru's head and then saw Ekadzati at the door of the shrine room. One winter as he practiced at a holy site of Padmasambhava, he had a vision of Vajravarahi and his awareness became unbounded.
After serving Melong Dorje for eight years, he built a hermitage, where he was living when Melong Dorje passed into parinirvana. He then traveled to Tsurpu and gave the Karmapa instructions on the highest levels of the Great Perfection. Kumaradza lived in places that reflected his realization of impermanence and the endless suffering of the world. He spent many months alone on the shore of Turquoise Lake. Mostly he lived in desolate valleys with only a windbreak for shelter or in mountain hermitages, and he never stayed for very long. His students moved with him, without ever becoming attached to places or objects.
Due to Kumaradza's realization all the local protective spirits served him, and the god of wealth, Jambhala, appeared and offered him a jewel. He conversed with Ekadzati, Rahula, and Dorje Legpa, the main guardians of the Great Perfection teachings, as one would talk with a dear friend. He averted disease and natural disasters as he traveled and taught, and he established many sanctuaries for animals. Due to his extraordinary perception, he knew the minds of others and taught skillfully, satisfying their wishes and blessing them. He presented the teachings of all categories of the Great Perfection flawlessly. Like Vimalamitra, of whom he was an emanation, the tip of his nose was marked with an Ah syllable. Besides Karmapa Rangjung Dorje, among the many fortunate ones who were his students was Longchen Rabjampa.
Having ceaselessly served the dharma and sentient beings, Kumaradza, at age 78, passed away beneath a rainbow canopy, amid rays and points of light, celestial sounds, and other wonderful signs. Because of the deep devotion of his students as they surrounded him, he arose again and, sitting cross-legged and smiling, said, "Don't be sad, I am not dead." He extended his life for another thirteen days to teach. His disciples asked what they should do after he was gone. He replied, "I have given you much advice; now don't indulge in ordinary mind and ordinary talk!" With that, he assumed the yogic posture of a seer, and setting his gaze appropriately, he blended his mind with the vast expanse of basic space. At his cremation, his entire skull was left unblemished. Inside it were the mandala groups of the five buddha families, as well as many relics and beautiful rainbow lights.
This is the 12th article in a series by Lama Drimed depicting the lives of Dzogchen masters. Of all the ways to apply the teachings of the Buddha to our own experience, the path of Dzogchen is the simplest and swiftest.
Kumaradza, "youthful king," was born in Central Tibet during the fire male tiger year of 1266. From early childhood, his unbiased compassion, perfect faith, and profound mind were obvious to all who met him. He read and wrote without the slightest effort. At the age of nine he was ordained as a lay practitioner and at twelve as a novice monk . At that time he began to study the Vinaya, the moral and ethical teachings of the Buddha. During this period he also studied the six yogas of Naropa and trained as an artist. Once while reciting Om Mani Padme Hung, the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, he beheld the Compassionate One smiling at him from a seat within a crystal room.
When he met Melong Dorje, who was to become his root guru ,he requested teachings on Mahamudra, the Great Seal . Through this exchange, Kumaradza came to know the unconfused nature of his mind. He then went to live and serve Melong Dorje at Khadro Ling , which means "place where dakinis dwell." He was initiated into the practice cycle of Vajravarahi and while meditating upon her with one-pointed faith had a vision of Padmasambhava, who told him to practice the doctrine always. During this time he met the Karmapa Rangjung Dorje; at seven years old, the Karmapa had just been ordained as a novice monk .
Kumaradza began receiving instructions on the Great Perfection from many accomplished masters. Eventually, he returned to Melong Dorje, who gave him all the empowerments and teachings for the highest practices, the Great Perfection. Because he had nothing material to offer, he served his guru with faith and devotion by painting for him. Melong Dorje gave him barley, which he sold to buy butterlamps and paper so that he could copy sacred texts at night. Living austerely, he developed great inner strength and resolve to accomplish his spiritual purpose. Melong Dorje was pleased with him and counseled him to always act for the welfare of beings.
While Melong Dorje was giving an empowerment one day, Kumaradza saw Mahakala appear above his guru's head and then saw Ekadzati at the door of the shrine room. One winter as he practiced at a holy site of Padmasambhava, he had a vision of Vajravarahi and his awareness became unbounded.
After serving Melong Dorje for eight years, he built a hermitage, where he was living when Melong Dorje passed into parinirvana. He then traveled to Tsurpu and gave the Karmapa instructions on the highest levels of the Great Perfection. Kumaradza lived in places that reflected his realization of impermanence and the endless suffering of the world. He spent many months alone on the shore of Turquoise Lake. Mostly he lived in desolate valleys with only a windbreak for shelter or in mountain hermitages, and he never stayed for very long. His students moved with him, without ever becoming attached to places or objects.
Due to Kumaradza's realization all the local protective spirits served him, and the god of wealth, Jambhala, appeared and offered him a jewel. He conversed with Ekadzati, Rahula, and Dorje Legpa, the main guardians of the Great Perfection teachings, as one would talk with a dear friend. He averted disease and natural disasters as he traveled and taught, and he established many sanctuaries for animals. Due to his extraordinary perception, he knew the minds of others and taught skillfully, satisfying their wishes and blessing them. He presented the teachings of all categories of the Great Perfection flawlessly. Like Vimalamitra, of whom he was an emanation, the tip of his nose was marked with an Ah syllable. Besides Karmapa Rangjung Dorje, among the many fortunate ones who were his students was Longchen Rabjampa.
Having ceaselessly served the dharma and sentient beings, Kumaradza, at age 78, passed away beneath a rainbow canopy, amid rays and points of light, celestial sounds, and other wonderful signs. Because of the deep devotion of his students as they surrounded him, he arose again and, sitting cross-legged and smiling, said, "Don't be sad, I am not dead." He extended his life for another thirteen days to teach. His disciples asked what they should do after he was gone. He replied, "I have given you much advice; now don't indulge in ordinary mind and ordinary talk!" With that, he assumed the yogic posture of a seer, and setting his gaze appropriately, he blended his mind with the vast expanse of basic space. At his cremation, his entire skull was left unblemished. Inside it were the mandala groups of the five buddha families, as well as many relics and beautiful rainbow lights.
This is the 12th article in a series by Lama Drimed depicting the lives of Dzogchen masters. Of all the ways to apply the teachings of the Buddha to our own experience, the path of Dzogchen is the simplest and swiftest.
Kumaradza, "youthful king," was born in Central Tibet during the fire male tiger year of 1266. From early childhood, his unbiased compassion, perfect faith, and profound mind were obvious to all who met him. He read and wrote without the slightest effort. At the age of nine he was ordained as a lay practitioner and at twelve as a novice monk . At that time he began to study the Vinaya, the moral and ethical teachings of the Buddha. During this period he also studied the six yogas of Naropa and trained as an artist. Once while reciting Om Mani Padme Hung, the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, he beheld the Compassionate One smiling at him from a seat within a crystal room.
When he met Melong Dorje, who was to become his root guru ,he requested teachings on Mahamudra, the Great Seal . Through this exchange, Kumaradza came to know the unconfused nature of his mind. He then went to live and serve Melong Dorje at Khadro Ling , which means "place where dakinis dwell." He was initiated into the practice cycle of Vajravarahi and while meditating upon her with one-pointed faith had a vision of Padmasambhava, who told him to practice the doctrine always. During this time he met the Karmapa Rangjung Dorje; at seven years old, the Karmapa had just been ordained as a novice monk .
Kumaradza began receiving instructions on the Great Perfection from many accomplished masters. Eventually, he returned to Melong Dorje, who gave him all the empowerments and teachings for the highest practices, the Great Perfection. Because he had nothing material to offer, he served his guru with faith and devotion by painting for him. Melong Dorje gave him barley, which he sold to buy butterlamps and paper so that he could copy sacred texts at night. Living austerely, he developed great inner strength and resolve to accomplish his spiritual purpose. Melong Dorje was pleased with him and counseled him to always act for the welfare of beings.
While Melong Dorje was giving an empowerment one day, Kumaradza saw Mahakala appear above his guru's head and then saw Ekadzati at the door of the shrine room. One winter as he practiced at a holy site of Padmasambhava, he had a vision of Vajravarahi and his awareness became unbounded.
After serving Melong Dorje for eight years, he built a hermitage, where he was living when Melong Dorje passed into parinirvana. He then traveled to Tsurpu and gave the Karmapa instructions on the highest levels of the Great Perfection. Kumaradza lived in places that reflected his realization of impermanence and the endless suffering of the world. He spent many months alone on the shore of Turquoise Lake. Mostly he lived in desolate valleys with only a windbreak for shelter or in mountain hermitages, and he never stayed for very long. His students moved with him, without ever becoming attached to places or objects.
Due to Kumaradza's realization all the local protective spirits served him, and the god of wealth, Jambhala, appeared and offered him a jewel. He conversed with Ekadzati, Rahula, and Dorje Legpa, the main guardians of the Great Perfection teachings, as one would talk with a dear friend. He averted disease and natural disasters as he traveled and taught, and he established many sanctuaries for animals. Due to his extraordinary perception, he knew the minds of others and taught skillfully, satisfying their wishes and blessing them. He presented the teachings of all categories of the Great Perfection flawlessly. Like Vimalamitra, of whom he was an emanation, the tip of his nose was marked with an Ah syllable. Besides Karmapa Rangjung Dorje, among the many fortunate ones who were his students was Longchen Rabjampa.
Having ceaselessly served the dharma and sentient beings, Kumaradza, at age 78, passed away beneath a rainbow canopy, amid rays and points of light, celestial sounds, and other wonderful signs. Because of the deep devotion of his students as they surrounded him, he arose again and, sitting cross-legged and smiling, said, "Don't be sad, I am not dead." He extended his life for another thirteen days to teach. His disciples asked what they should do after he was gone. He replied, "I have given you much advice; now don't indulge in ordinary mind and ordinary talk!" With that, he assumed the yogic posture of a seer, and setting his gaze appropriately, he blended his mind with the vast expanse of basic space. At his cremation, his entire skull was left unblemished. Inside it were the mandala groups of the five buddha families, as well as many relics and beautiful rainbow lights.
This is the 12th article in a series by Lama Drimed depicting the lives of Dzogchen masters. Of all the ways to apply the teachings of the Buddha to our own experience, the path of Dzogchen is the simplest and swiftest.
Kumaradza, "youthful king," was born in Central Tibet during the fire male tiger year of 1266. From early childhood, his unbiased compassion, perfect faith, and profound mind were obvious to all who met him. He read and wrote without the slightest effort. At the age of nine he was ordained as a lay practitioner and at twelve as a novice monk . At that time he began to study the Vinaya, the moral and ethical teachings of the Buddha. During this period he also studied the six yogas of Naropa and trained as an artist. Once while reciting Om Mani Padme Hung, the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, he beheld the Compassionate One smiling at him from a seat within a crystal room.
When he met Melong Dorje, who was to become his root guru ,he requested teachings on Mahamudra, the Great Seal . Through this exchange, Kumaradza came to know the unconfused nature of his mind. He then went to live and serve Melong Dorje at Khadro Ling , which means "place where dakinis dwell." He was initiated into the practice cycle of Vajravarahi and while meditating upon her with one-pointed faith had a vision of Padmasambhava, who told him to practice the doctrine always. During this time he met the Karmapa Rangjung Dorje; at seven years old, the Karmapa had just been ordained as a novice monk .
Kumaradza began receiving instructions on the Great Perfection from many accomplished masters. Eventually, he returned to Melong Dorje, who gave him all the empowerments and teachings for the highest practices, the Great Perfection. Because he had nothing material to offer, he served his guru with faith and devotion by painting for him. Melong Dorje gave him barley, which he sold to buy butterlamps and paper so that he could copy sacred texts at night. Living austerely, he developed great inner strength and resolve to accomplish his spiritual purpose. Melong Dorje was pleased with him and counseled him to always act for the welfare of beings.
While Melong Dorje was giving an empowerment one day, Kumaradza saw Mahakala appear above his guru's head and then saw Ekadzati at the door of the shrine room. One winter as he practiced at a holy site of Padmasambhava, he had a vision of Vajravarahi and his awareness became unbounded.
After serving Melong Dorje for eight years, he built a hermitage, where he was living when Melong Dorje passed into parinirvana. He then traveled to Tsurpu and gave the Karmapa instructions on the highest levels of the Great Perfection. Kumaradza lived in places that reflected his realization of impermanence and the endless suffering of the world. He spent many months alone on the shore of Turquoise Lake. Mostly he lived in desolate valleys with only a windbreak for shelter or in mountain hermitages, and he never stayed for very long. His students moved with him, without ever becoming attached to places or objects.
Due to Kumaradza's realization all the local protective spirits served him, and the god of wealth, Jambhala, appeared and offered him a jewel. He conversed with Ekadzati, Rahula, and Dorje Legpa, the main guardians of the Great Perfection teachings, as one would talk with a dear friend. He averted disease and natural disasters as he traveled and taught, and he established many sanctuaries for animals. Due to his extraordinary perception, he knew the minds of others and taught skillfully, satisfying their wishes and blessing them. He presented the teachings of all categories of the Great Perfection flawlessly. Like Vimalamitra, of whom he was an emanation, the tip of his nose was marked with an Ah syllable. Besides Karmapa Rangjung Dorje, among the many fortunate ones who were his students was Longchen Rabjampa.
Having ceaselessly served the dharma and sentient beings, Kumaradza, at age 78, passed away beneath a rainbow canopy, amid rays and points of light, celestial sounds, and other wonderful signs. Because of the deep devotion of his students as they surrounded him, he arose again and, sitting cross-legged and smiling, said, "Don't be sad, I am not dead." He extended his life for another thirteen days to teach. His disciples asked what they should do after he was gone. He replied, "I have given you much advice; now don't indulge in ordinary mind and ordinary talk!" With that, he assumed the yogic posture of a seer, and setting his gaze appropriately, he blended his mind with the vast expanse of basic space. At his cremation, his entire skull was left unblemished. Inside it were the mandala groups of the five buddha families, as well as many relics and beautiful rainbow lights.
This is the 12th article in a series by Lama Drimed depicting the lives of Dzogchen masters. Of all the ways to apply the teachings of the Buddha to our own experience, the path of Dzogchen is the simplest and swiftest.
Kumaradza, "youthful king," was born in Central Tibet during the fire male tiger year of 1266. From early childhood, his unbiased compassion, perfect faith, and profound mind were obvious to all who met him. He read and wrote without the slightest effort. At the age of nine he was ordained as a lay practitioner and at twelve as a novice monk . At that time he began to study the Vinaya, the moral and ethical teachings of the Buddha. During this period he also studied the six yogas of Naropa and trained as an artist. Once while reciting Om Mani Padme Hung, the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, he beheld the Compassionate One smiling at him from a seat within a crystal room.
When he met Melong Dorje, who was to become his root guru ,he requested teachings on Mahamudra, the Great Seal . Through this exchange, Kumaradza came to know the unconfused nature of his mind. He then went to live and serve Melong Dorje at Khadro Ling , which means "place where dakinis dwell." He was initiated into the practice cycle of Vajravarahi and while meditating upon her with one-pointed faith had a vision of Padmasambhava, who told him to practice the doctrine always. During this time he met the Karmapa Rangjung Dorje; at seven years old, the Karmapa had just been ordained as a novice monk .
Kumaradza began receiving instructions on the Great Perfection from many accomplished masters. Eventually, he returned to Melong Dorje, who gave him all the empowerments and teachings for the highest practices, the Great Perfection. Because he had nothing material to offer, he served his guru with faith and devotion by painting for him. Melong Dorje gave him barley, which he sold to buy butterlamps and paper so that he could copy sacred texts at night. Living austerely, he developed great inner strength and resolve to accomplish his spiritual purpose. Melong Dorje was pleased with him and counseled him to always act for the welfare of beings.
While Melong Dorje was giving an empowerment one day, Kumaradza saw Mahakala appear above his guru's head and then saw Ekadzati at the door of the shrine room. One winter as he practiced at a holy site of Padmasambhava, he had a vision of Vajravarahi and his awareness became unbounded.
After serving Melong Dorje for eight years, he built a hermitage, where he was living when Melong Dorje passed into parinirvana. He then traveled to Tsurpu and gave the Karmapa instructions on the highest levels of the Great Perfection. Kumaradza lived in places that reflected his realization of impermanence and the endless suffering of the world. He spent many months alone on the shore of Turquoise Lake. Mostly he lived in desolate valleys with only a windbreak for shelter or in mountain hermitages, and he never stayed for very long. His students moved with him, without ever becoming attached to places or objects.
Due to Kumaradza's realization all the local protective spirits served him, and the god of wealth, Jambhala, appeared and offered him a jewel. He conversed with Ekadzati, Rahula, and Dorje Legpa, the main guardians of the Great Perfection teachings, as one would talk with a dear friend. He averted disease and natural disasters as he traveled and taught, and he established many sanctuaries for animals. Due to his extraordinary perception, he knew the minds of others and taught skillfully, satisfying their wishes and blessing them. He presented the teachings of all categories of the Great Perfection flawlessly. Like Vimalamitra, of whom he was an emanation, the tip of his nose was marked with an Ah syllable. Besides Karmapa Rangjung Dorje, among the many fortunate ones who were his students was Longchen Rabjampa.
Having ceaselessly served the dharma and sentient beings, Kumaradza, at age 78, passed away beneath a rainbow canopy, amid rays and points of light, celestial sounds, and other wonderful signs. Because of the deep devotion of his students as they surrounded him, he arose again and, sitting cross-legged and smiling, said, "Don't be sad, I am not dead." He extended his life for another thirteen days to teach. His disciples asked what they should do after he was gone. He replied, "I have given you much advice; now don't indulge in ordinary mind and ordinary talk!" With that, he assumed the yogic posture of a seer, and setting his gaze appropriately, he blended his mind with the vast expanse of basic space. At his cremation, his entire skull was left unblemished. Inside it were the mandala groups of the five buddha families, as well as many relics and beautiful rainbow lights.
