Shangpa Kagyu: Origins, Teachings & Living Lineage

The Shangpa Kagyu Lineage is also known as the 'secret lineage' since Niguma instructed Khyungpo Naljor to teach just one student for the first seven generations (starting with the Buddha Vajradhara and Niguma).

The Shangpa Kagyu (shangs pa bka' brgyud) tradition was initiated in the eleventh century by Khyungpo Naljor. He acquired Mahāmudrā teachings in India from Niguma, whose brother was Nāropa, the progenitor of the Marpa Kagyu. He constructed the Zhangzhong Dorjeden monastery in Tsang's Shang valley. The transmission of the seven precious Shangpa was a single line of transmission said to have been initiated by the Buddha Vajradhara and taught first to Niguma. It passed from Khyungpo Naljor through Mokchokpa, Wonton Kyergangwa Chokyi Sengge, Nyenton Rigung Chokyi Sherab, and Sanggye Tonpa Tsondru Senge. In the thirteenth century, Sanggye Tonpa handed on the lineage to several followers, and the Shangpa teachings were written down. The Shangpa lineages were largely absorbed into the institutional organizations of the Marpa Kagyu, Geluk, Sakya, and Jonang, but were partially revived in the nineteenth century by Jamgon Kongtrul, whose two personal hermitages, Tsadra Rinchen Drak and Dzongsho Deshek Dupa, are both Shangpa Kagyu institutions. Shangpa's teachings, known as the Five Golden Doctrines, include the Nigu Chodruk, which includes the Nāro Chodruk in the Marpa Kagyu.

The Origins of the Shangpa Kagyu: A Hidden Jewel of Tibetan Buddhist Lineage

The Shangpa Kagyu is one of Tibet's Eight Great Practice Lineages, with origins dating back to the 11th century. Buddha Vajradhara is the source of the Shangpa teachings, which were conveyed to the famous Indian yogini Niguma. She and the yogini Sukhasiddhi passed on the teachings to Khyungpo Naljor, a Tibetan disciple who, after seven journeys to India, resided in the Shang Valley in Central Tibet, giving rise to the Shangpa lineage. Since then, lineage teachings and oral instructions have been passed down through an unbroken chain of masters and disciples. For this reason, the Shangpa is often known as 'Kagyu' (Ka means "speech" and refers to the Buddha's writings and the guru's oral instructions; gyu indicates lineage or tradition), rather than one of the Dagpo Kagyu Schools, which stem from Gampopa.  The Shangpa has been transmitted both independently and by various masters from the Dagpo Kagyu, Nyingma, Sakya, and Gelug lineages.

The Shangpa tradition's uniqueness arises from its heart-to-heart transmission. For generations, its teachings were secretly transmitted from one master to one disciple, like a single candle carried carefully through time. Shangpa Masters created personal disciple mandalas rather than monasteries or large hierarchies. Branches of this tree would sprout, some fading away, some surviving, but its essence remained untouched: a pure lineage of yogic practice, not power or reputation.

Despite its status as one of the eight major practice lineages (sgrub brgyud shing rta brgyad), the Shangpa Kagyü is frequently a name whispered rather than shouted. Many people have confused it for a branch of the well-known Marpa Kagyü lineage, which includes Marpa, Milarepa, Gampopa, and Karmapa. But, in reality, the Shangpa flourished as its own tree, independent but connected with Tibetan history, silently nourishing successive generations of practitioners.

The first seven lineage bearers, from Vajradhara to Chöje Sangye Tönpa, passed down the lineage to a single disciple. These masters are called the "Seven Jewels" of the Shangpa Kagyu.

The Seven Jewels of the Shangpa Kagyu: Protectors of a Precious Lineage

(Photo From Shangpa Foundation)

Several great masters diligently cultivated and expanded the Shangpa Kagyu lineage after Khyungpo Naljor initiated it. People praise these seven individuals, known as the "Seven Jewels of the Shangpa Kagyu," for their profound knowledge, spiritual achievements, and dedication to preserving the teachings. Each master played an important part in keeping the tradition strong and making sure that its distinctive traditions would be alive for future generations.

1. Khyungpo Naljor – The Visionary Founder

Khyungpo Naljor, a famous yogi and scholar, founded the Shangpa Kagyu lineage after learning from more than 100 Indian and Tibetan gurus. His tremendous spiritual awakening and mastery of Vajrayana teachings formed the basis for a lineage that values meditation and transformative experience over academic study.

2. Meuton - Early Disciple and Teacher

Meuton was one of Khyungpo Naljor's earliest disciples and was very important in sharing and extending his teacher's knowledge. Meuton helped the Shangpa Kagyu lineage get a firm foundation in Tibet by being dedicated and teaching. This established the groundwork for future generations.

3. Mochok Rinchen Tsondru - Preserver of the Lineage

After Khyungpo Naljor died, Mochok Rinchen Tsondru, the fourth-generation holder of the Vajra Secret Sentence, played a crucial role in keeping the lineage alive and passing it on. His steadfast dedication protected the teachings during a critical time in the lineage's history.

4. Kyergang Chokyi Senge – Lineage Holder and Leader

Kyergang Chokyi Senge took over as chief of the Shangpa Kagyu from his predecessors. His work in instructing followers and passing on the lessons kept the lineage alive, making him a key part of its maintenance.

5. Nyenton Rigung Chokyi Sherab – System Builder

Nyenton Rigung Chokyi Sherab was a well-known student of Kyergang Chokyi Senge. He is known for his work in Rigong and for establishing the Rigong system, which made the Shangpa Kagyu's practices more organized and clear. His work helped the bloodline grow in new areas and among new people.

6. Songjay Tenpa Tsondru Senge – The Universal Pass Holder

Songjay Tenpa Tsondru Senge, a disciple of Nyenton Rigung Chokyi Sherab, was well-known for his deep understanding and ability to lead. His accomplishments made the Shangpa Kagyu more well-known, and he was given the title of "universal pass holder," which means he was an expert and had power in all traditions.

7. Zari Goumba – Influential Contemporary

Zari Goumba was a contemporary of Nyenton Rigung Chokyi Sherab and played a big role in propagating and developing the Shangpa Kagyu teachings. His cooperation with other teachers helped the lineage flourish and made sure that it would go on as a vital spiritual tradition.

These Seven Masters are like a chain of jewels that connect instructor and learner, forming a thread of spiritual brightness. Their dedication protected the Shangpa Kagyu teachings, making them a living spiritual heritage that still inspires people today.

Deities, Protectors, and Masters of the Shangpa Kagyu Lineage

This picture is a tribute to Khyungpo Naljor (990–1139), the Tibetan yogi and scholar who started the Shangpa Kagyu lineage. He is depicted at the center as the spiritual heart of the lineage, encircled by an assembly of enlightened beings, lineage masters, yidams (meditational deities), and dharma protectors. He is shown wearing monastic attire and a pandita hat. The right hand is extended across the knee, and the left holds the stem of a flower blossom supporting a sword and book. The thangka shows the lineage transmission of Shangpa Kagyu by exhibiting its pure initials, vital teachers, and powerful protectors.

Shangpa Kagyu Deities:

The Shangpa Kagyu tradition has a lot of unique tantric techniques and meditational deities. These gods and goddesses embody enlightened qualities that practitioners concentrate on to develop wisdom and compassion.

• Five Deity Tantra
• Five Deity Chakrasamvara, Nigu Tradition
• Chakrasamvara: Yabka
• Vajrayogini: Yumka
• Red Khechari
• White Khechari
• Avalokiteshvara, Kyergang Tradition
• Hayagriva, Secret Accomplishment

Shangpa Kagyu Protectors

Wrathful protective deities keep the Shangpa Kagyu lineage secure and assist practitioners get rid of obstacles.

• Shadbhujā Mahākāla
• Kshetrapāla

Shangpa Kagyu Teachers

The Shangpa Kagyu lineage is called a "whispered tradition" because it is carefully transmitted down from teacher to disciple. These masters were very important for keeping and passing on their teachings:

• Sukhasiddhi
• Niguma
• Rahulagupta
• Kedrub Kyungpo Naljor
• Tangtong Gyalpo
• Gyurme Dechen
• Taranata
• Kyentse Wangpo
• Jamgon Kongtrul

Shangpa Kagyu was formerly thought to be a "secret" tradition, but great masters like Taranata and Jamgon Kongtrul have carefully revived it and kept it alive. People all throughout the world study and apply its teachings today because they are clear and deep. This tradition is one of the best parts of Tibetan Buddhism since it focuses on meditation, yoga, and blessings from the lineage.

The Five Golden Teachings of  Shangpa Kagyu Lineage:

The Five Golden Teachings are a collection of deep practices that make up the heart of the Shangpa Kagyu. They were passed down from Niguma and Sukhasiddhi. People appreciate these teachings because they are straightforward and have the ability to change lives. They focus more on realizing oneself than on academic discussion or ritual.

The Six Yogas of Niguma (Nigu Chodruk) - A set of profound tantric meditations that aim to change the body and mind and lead practitioners to ultimate freedom.

Mahamudra - The practice of directly seeing how the mind works. It is a key part of higher Tibetan meditation traditions.

Chöd Practice - A ceremonial meditation that helps people get rid of their ego and anxiety by giving their own body as a symbolic gift, which frees them from attachment.

Union of Wisdom and Compassion - Teachings which emphasize the need to balance understanding of emptiness with great compassion for all living things.

Lojong and Mind Training - ways to develop bodhicitta (the awakened heart) and turn problems into opportunities for enlightenment.

These activities are meant to be part of a single path, not distinct systems. The Shangpa Kagyu has long been praised for how clear, simple, and useful its meditations are. It is a treasure among Tibetan Buddhist lineages.

Presence of Shangpa Kagyu Lineage

(Photo From Rigpa Wigi)

By the nineteenth century, this silent lineage had almost died out, with only a few masters remaining. But destiny intervened through the great gurus of the Rimé (non-sectarian) movement, Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, who gathered its scattered teachings and poured new vitality into the tradition.

Vajradhara Kalu Rinpoche (1904-1989), recognized as the awakened emanation of Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé, marked the turning point moment. In the 1970s and 1980s, Kalu Rinpoche spread the Shangpa lineage far beyond the Himalayas, spreading its seeds in the West. He created Dharma institutions, retreat facilities, and communities dedicated to these profound yogic teachings, entrusting their care to his closest pupils, most notably Bokar Rinpoche (1940-2004).

After Kalu Rinpoche passed away, the lineage was continued by his tülku, Yangsi Kalu Rinpoche, who was born on September 17, 1990, at Samdrub Darjay Choling Monastery in Sonada, India. Kenting Chamgön Tai Situpa officially acknowledged the young tulku in 1992, and he inherited the monasteries of Sonada and Salugara, following on his predecessor's legacy, Vajradhara Kalu Rangjung Künchab. Yangsi Kalu Rinpoche, along with the Shangpa Foundation's Council of Elders, is still keeping the flame alive today.

Thanks to the dedication of excellent modern masters, the Shangpa Kagyu lineage is still doing well today, even if it's not loud because it is meant to be a silent lineage. The Shangpa tradition has not sought recognition, but its teachings are delivered at retreat centers, away from the distractions of the outside world, where practitioners engage in serious meditation and practice. The Shangpa Kagyü, like a rare, hidden jewel that is still alive and well, which is a treasure for those drawn to its serene brightness and profound yogic understanding.

Conclusion

The Shangpa Kagyu lineage is a peaceful, humble, and highly transformational treasure of Tibetan Buddhism. Its heart-to-heart transmission, which has kept a remarkable purity for almost a thousand years, comes from the knowledge of Niguma and Sukhasiddhi. This lineage values meditation, realization, and actual spiritual practice more than reputation or institutional authority. It goes from the Seven Treasures of the Shangpa Kagyu to the profound Five Golden Teachings.

Visionaries like Jamgön Kongtrul, Taranata, and Kalu Rinpoche have brought the Shangpa Kagyu back to life, and its roots have spread over the world. However, it is still a "whispered lineage" that is frequently practiced by oneself or in small groups. It speaks to those who want depth instead of show, helping them find their own natural knowledge and compassion.

Shangpa Kagyu is more than just a historical lineage; it is a spiritual path to awakening that connects enlightened masters and current seekers. For those who are honest about it, it gives them not just lessons but also a direct experience of liberation..