Appreciating the Shangpa Kagyu 

The Shangpa practice lineage of Tibetan Buddhism was founded by the 11th century yogi Khyungpo Naljor, and based primarily upon the teachings of the wisdom dakini Niguma. Khyungpo Naljor travelled to India seven times receiving teachings and empowerments from more than 150 accomplished Indian gurus.  

Niguma instructed Khyngpo Naljor to keep the teachings restricted to transmission from one teacher to one student for seven generations. In the 19th century, Jamgon Kongtrol collected and preserved many of the tradition’s practices and in the 20th century, the first Kalu Rinpoche spread them worldwide. Today at Dekeling, our community culture and practice is deeply shaped by these spiritual roots. 

Everyone is welcome to explore with us as we study and celebrate this beautiful path. Later in the year, there will be an opportunity to learn and participate in a Shangpa practice at Dekeling. 

This is a three-class series: 

• History of the Shangpa Kagyu, 

• practices of the Shangpa Kagyu and 

• Luminaries of the Shangpa Kagyu.