Tibetan Shangpa Luminaries: Taranatha, Kyentsé, Kongtrül

Up to the 19th Century

Over the centuries many illustrious names became associated with this Lineage. To mention a few…

14th Century: Tangtong Gyalpo was a renown yogi and engineer whose iron-link bridges still populate Tibet. He composed the practice of Great Compassion (Chenrezi) which is currently used by most lineages around the world.

16th Century: Taranatha was one of the most important Buddhist philosophers of his time, renown for further refining the understanding of emptiness. He also personally rewrote many of the Shangpa practice texts and commentaries.

19th Century: Kyentsé Wangpo, and Jamgon Kongtrül Lodro Tayé significant religious figures from different lineages were both deeply involved in the non-sectarian movement. Close friends they were also both concerned with avoiding the disappearance of this especially profound Shangpa Lineage. Tai Situpa had just established for the first time the system of a group three-year retreat with its contemplative curriculum, and  Kongtrul swiftly established at his own personal hermitage another such center following the Shangpa practice traditions.