Teachings
In the vast history of the Nyingma lineage, Longchen Nyingtik shines like a brilliant star. It is not only the crystallization of Longchenpa’s wisdom but also a profound transmission that was fully established during the time of Jigme Lingpa. Passed down through generations, it ultimately became one of the key foundations for the revival of the Dharma in Kham.
During the time of Longchenpa, various Nyingtik (Heart Essence) transmissions had already flourished. With his deep realization, Longchenpa consolidated two major Nyingtik lineages, integrating them with other Nyingtik teachings to form a complete system. This profound Dharma encompasses the ultimate view of Dzogchen, the stages of practice, and the pith instructions that point directly to the nature of awareness, thus earning the name Longchen Nyingtik (Longchenpa’s Heart Essence).
However, after Longchenpa’s parinirvana, this system did not immediately take shape as a fully established transmission. It was not until the 18th century, when the tertön Jigme Lingpa appeared, that he rediscovered and revitalized Longchenpa’s lineage with his remarkable realization. He not only compiled Longchenpa’s profound teachings but also integrated his own terma revelations, bringing Longchen Nyingtik to its complete and fully established form as one of the most influential transmissions in the Nyingma tradition.
Jigme Lingpa had two most important heart sons, one of whom became the sole holder of the complete Longchen Nyingtik transmission—the 1st Dodrupchen Rinpoche. He received the entirety of Jigme Lingpa’s teachings, including:
This meant that Longchen Nyingtik was not merely a set of scriptures or meditation techniques but a direct, unbroken stream of enlightened realization. From the 1st Dodrupchen Rinpoche onward, this lineage took deep root in Kham and, through the dedicated efforts of successive generations, spread widely throughout the region.
During the time of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Dodrupchen Rinpoches, Longchen Nyingtik’s influence extended beyond a single monastery, becoming one of the most vital transmissions of the Nyingma tradition in Kham. Not only did they personally transmit these teachings, but they also infused them into the six major Nyingma monasteries in Kham, creating a solid foundation for its preservation and propagation. Through this, countless practitioners received the blessings of this profound lineage.
Although other great masters, such as Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, worked to integrate multiple lineages over time, the sole and complete holder of Longchen Nyingtik remained Dodrupchen Rinpoche. This was not just a matter of lineage purity; it was a testament to the profound realization and deep connection that successive Dodrupchen Rinpoches had with Longchenpa and Jigme Lingpa’s enlightened wisdom.
Unlike other transmissions within the Nyingma tradition, Longchen Nyingtik is not affiliated with any of the six great monastic lineages. Instead, it stands as an independent and complete tradition of its own. It preserves the unparalleled wisdom of Longchenpa, carries the blessings of Jigme Lingpa’s terma revelations, and has been upheld through the generations by Dodrupchen Rinpoches, ensuring that its pure and profound realization continues unbroken.
Today, Longchen Nyingtik remains one of the most significant Dzogchen transmissions in the Nyingma school. Its unique transmission method enables practitioners to receive not only the textual teachings but also the direct empowerment and realization from great masters, allowing them to connect with the primordial wisdom of awareness.
As practitioners say:
“Longchen Nyingtik is like the purest spring flowing from the snowy mountains—though it has passed through the ages, its nectar remains unchanged.”
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