Drogön Rechen

Like the Situ Rinpoches who came later, Drogön Rechen is regarded as an emanation of Maitreya, a close student of Buddha Shakyamuni, who is predicted to be a future Buddha.

Even in his early childhood, Drogön Rechen showed his devotion to spiritual practice. Because of this attitude, he received many teachings and initiations – both from the Kagyü and the Nyingma lineage.

He did not meet his most important teacher, Düsum Khyenpa, the 1st Karmapa, until he was about 37 years old. Karmapa put him to the test before accepting him as a disciple and later made him his successor by giving him the secret Mahamudra transmissions.