Phagmo Drupa

After Gampopa's passing away, his heart-son Phagmodrupa contined the lineage. Before meeting with Lord Gampopa, Phagmodrupa, under the guidance of many well-known masters, studied such aspects of knowledge as the sciences of art, logic, medicine, language and metaphysics (inner meaning). In particular, under the Jetsun Sakyapa, he made a thorough study of the Lam Dre teachings and became renowned for his vast and profound wisdom in these areas. He could also remain for days meditating in the state of bliss, clarity and non-conceptualization. Due to karmic connections, along with fortuitous causes and conditions, Phagmodrupa received the opportunity to meet with Dharma Lord Gampopa, the Great Physician. During one of their discussions, Phagmodrupa recounted his achievement in the meditation state. Lord Gampopa, who at the time was stirring a bowl of tsampa, held out a piece of dough and said, "This dough is more useful than your realization." At that moment, all Phagmodrupa's pride was released. Lord Gampopa then instructed him directly, pointed out the nature of mind. Within a few days, Phagmodrupa fully actualized the direct realization of Mahamudra. The skin of the ordinary state was suddenly peeled away, and at that moment Phagmodrupa said, "All my other great teachers lacked the one word necessary." Thereafter, Phagmodrupa received the complete lineage teachings and meditation instruction. In accord with Gampopa's intent he emphasized the Fivefold Path of Mahamudra (bodhicitta, yidam deity, the four kayas of guru yoga, mahamudra and dedication) which encompasses the complete teachings of the Buddha, both sutra and tantra. Phagmodrupa established a monastery in Central Tibet, fully transforming that area into a sambhogakaya Buddhafield. He gathered many thousands of disciples, among them were eight great Kagyupas who established the Drikung, Taklung, Lingre (or Drukpa), Trobu, Martsang, Werpa and Shukseb Kagyu orders. He also wrote several major texts, including the Phagdru Thadru, and commentaries and explanations of sutra and tantra teachings. The four major and eight great Kagyu lineages, acting like brothers in one family, benefited countless sentient beings in different parts of the world.