Lineage is the unbroken transmission of wisdom and skillful means that is passed down directly from teacher to student – from generation to generation.  From the time of the Buddha, there have been men and women who have worked with their fears and passions; overcome obstacles; obtained exceptional realization; and served as teachers and sources of inspiration for generations to follow. Many stories of these lineage figures are captured in namtar, or biography. The way the Vidyadhara taught Namtar in teaching about lineage holders is described succinctly by Judy Lief in the book “Milarepa”- a compilation of talks given by the Vidyadhara, “Trungpa Rinpoche pointed out his approach was not that of a historian, a biographer or an academic; he was focused on bringing the relevance of Milarepa’s life and teachings for modern-day dharma practitioners”.

The Vidyadhara approached lineage holders as human beings like ourselves with struggles, mistakes and being caught in the confusions of life. He used them as examples of no matter how difficult one’s circumstances are – it is possible to be on the dharmic path and attain liberation.

In his lifetime, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche gave many teachings on the early Kagyu lineage figures and Padmasambhava. The Vidyadhara expressed his devotion to the lineage in word, poem, and activity.

For many of us, witnessing how the teacher relates to their masters and to the larger lineage is a teaching in itself-– a source of devotion, humility, and deep gratitude for the wisdom that is passed down through time. The Vidyadhara led the sangha through such a journey throughout his life beginning with the first visit of the 16th Karmapa in 1974.

This course is intended for students interested in making a more personal connection to the life stories and legacy of the lineage figures within the tradition of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, particularly those students making their first connection to the lineage within their ngondro practice.

Schedule

Note: all texts can be purchased online. By copying the book titles listed below, any search engine will list several book vendor websites in which you can purchase your chosen text.

September 22, 2024: Class 1 –  The Indian Siddhas: Saraha, Maitripa, and Tilopa and the origins of the Mahamudra tradition

Texts used:

• Nalanda Translation Committee. (2019). The Rain of Wisdom: The Essence of the Ocean of True Meaning. Shambhala Publications.
• Nalanda Translation Committee. (2008). The Life of Tilopa
• Thrangu, K. (2002). The Life of Tilopa & The Ganges Mahamudra. Namo Buddha Publications & Zhysil Chokyi Ghatsal Publications

Teacher: Jon Barbieri

September 29, 2024: Class 2 – Naropa

October 6, 2024:  Class 3 – Naropa

Texts used:

• Trungpa, C. (1994). Illusion’s Game: The Life and Teaching of Naropa. Shambhala Publications.
• Thrangu, K. (2020). Naropa’s Wisdom: His Life and Teachings on Mahamudra. Shambhala Publications.

Teacher:  Adrienne Chang

October 13, 2024: Class 4 – Marpa

October 20, 2024: Class 5 – Marpa

Texts used:

• Heruka, T. (1995). The Life of Marpa the Translator: Seeing Accomplishes All. Shambhala Publications.
• Chogyam the Translator.

Teachers: Rhea Comar and Jean Marie Robbins

October 27, 2024: Class 6 – Milarepa

November 3, 2024: Class 7– Milarepa

Texts used:

• Trungpa, C. (2017). Milarepa: lessons from the life and songs of Tibet’s great yogi. Shambhala Publications.
• Heruka, Lobsang P. Lhalungpa -translator (1977 & 1992). The Life of Milarepa. Penguin Publications

Teacher: Jon Barbieri

November 10, 2024: Class 8 – The Mishap Lineage; obstacles and karma

Texts used:

• Trungpa, C. (2009). The Mishap Lineage: transforming confusion into wisdom. Shambhala Publications.

Viewing: “1975-12-27: Line of the Trungpas: Talk 7: The Eleventh Trungpa”

Teacher: Jon Barbieri, joined by all teachers