Kalu Rinpoche on the Essential Principles of Deity Practice
A teaching on doing deity practice and a supplication to the wisdom dakini Niguma
Kalu Rinpoche, the lineage holder of the Shangpa Kagyu tradition, gave a series of special online teachings for Sukhasiddhi Foundation. As a millennial, Kalu Rinpoche understands the pressures and experiences of modern life. He’s down to earth and able to relate to practitioners from around the world. This is an opportunity to receive a deep teaching from this highly realized teacher.
The Essential Principles of Deity Practice
In this session, Kalu Rinpoche offers a teaching on the important aspects of doing deity practice, which combines visualization, mantra, and prayer to create an enlightened presence. He also leads the The Melody of Wisdom: A Supplication to the Wisdom Dakini Niguma, which is included in a collection of supplications to the Shangpa masters by Jamgon Kongtrul. Niguma’s teachings embody fierce feminine wisdom. They are pith and go straight to the heart of the matter.
Niguma is the primary source of the teachings and practices of the Shangpa Kagyu Lineage. After engaging in spiritual practice for three incalculable eons, she attained rainbow body and received teachings directly from Vajradhara, the primordial buddha. She transmitted her teachings to Khyungpo Naljor who later founded the Shangpa Kagyu Lineage. Niguma continues to manifest in various forms in order to benefit and guide beings. In particular, she compassionately watches over those who wholeheartedly engage in her practices; she blesses them and ensures the success of their enlightened activity.
Your Instructor
Kalu Rinpoche is lineage head of the Shangpa Kagyu tradition. He received full transmission of the Shangpa Kagyu Lineage from Venerable Bokar Rinpoche and completed his three-year retreat in 2008. Rinpoche continues the unbroken transmission of the Shangpa and Karma Kagyu Lineages, ensuring that these precious teachings remain available to those who seek to walk the blessed Path of Liberation. As a Millennial, the current Kalu Rinpoche understands the pressures and experiences of modern life. He’s down to earth, genuinely honest about his own experiences and practice, and able to relate to practitioners from around the world.
