A Brief Introduction to the Dudjom Lineage

1. A Brief Introduction to the Dudjom Lineage

The Dudjom Tersar lineage originates from the Primordial Buddha Samantabhadra, and was transmitted to Vajrasattva, then to Guru Padmasambhava, Dudjom Lingpa (I), and Dudjom Jigdrel Yeshe Dorje (Dudjom Rinpoche II), continuing uninterrupted down to the present second-generation Dudjom family.

In the present era, Kyabje Dungzin Garab Rinpoche is one of the principal lineage holders of the second-generation Dudjom family and is a senior custodian of the Dudjom lineage in our time.

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2. From Whom Should We Receive Empowerments and Lineage Transmissions?

A. Best:
From the root holder of the entire lineage.

B. Good:
From the closest lineage holder through whom the transmission has been passed down.

C. Acceptable:
From any teacher who authentically holds the lineage.
At present, Kyabje Dungzin Garab Rinpoche is the root holder of the Dudjom lineage.

3. Reasons for Receiving Empowerments and Lineage Transmissions

There are three main reasons:

First reason:

For young Tulkus and Rinpoches –
They must receive empowerments in order to be qualified to confer empowerments and transmissions to others in the future, thereby benefiting beings and ensuring the continuity of the Dharma.
No matter how senior or revered a Rinpoche or Tulku may be, if they themselves have not received the empowerments, they are not permitted to bestow empowerments or lineage transmissions on others.

Second reason:

For practitioners –
Practitioners must receive the appropriate empowerments, because without empowerment, it is not permitted to practice any deity (Yidam) or ritual sādhana.

Third reason:

For lay practitioners, monks, and nuns –
Some receive empowerments simply as a form of blessing from Rinpoches in whom they have faith.

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4. The Importance of the Upcoming Empowerment Event

On this occasion, the complete set of empowerments of the entire Dudjom lineage will be conferred directly by the root lineage holder himself.
Therefore, all those who practice within the Dudjom lineage should receive these empowerments, especially practitioners of Krodikali.

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Translated by: Dorje Rinchen

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(Editor’s note):
This is an announcement from the monastery of Kyabje Dungse Garab Dorje regarding the grand transmission of the complete empowerments and oral transmissions (lung) of the Dudjom Root Tantras, to be held in Bhutan over one month, from January 24 to February 16, 2026.
It is especially fortunate that some Vietnamese practitioners will be able to attend this rare and extraordinary event.