The Ear-Whispered Lineages

Two Streams into the River of Chö

Near my retreat cabin in the Oregon forest, enveloped by verdant moss and towering trees, a serene creek meanders gracefully. Originating from the snow-melted waters of the Cascade Mountains, this creek finds its way into the McKenzie River, eventually joining the vast expanse of the Oregon coast.

Through the passage of centuries, numerous tributaries of wisdom have flowed from the pristine source of the awakened teachings and practices known as "Chö." Among them, two streams have nourished the river of the Geluk Chö tradition. These streams have been carefully and discreetly upheld by Geluk masters, ensuring their continuity and purity down through the ages.

1. Main Stream: The Ear-Whispered Lineage of Bliss Heaven (Ganden/Ensa Nyengyü)

One prominent stream observable to those who approach the river is what we metaphorically refer to as the "mainstream" - the Ganden/Ensa Ear-Whispered Lineage (Ganden/Ensa Nyengyü). This lineage has been meticulously preserved by esteemed masters within the Geluk order. What distinguishes these masters as "prominent" is their simultaneous stewardship of the Ganden Ear-Whispered Lineage of Mahamudra and Guru Yoga, alongside Chö.

2. Underground Stream: The Machik Ḍākinī Ear-Whispered Lineage (Machik Khandro Nyengyü)

Another stream, though thin and unseen, flows steadily beneath the surface. At my retreat, with the arrival of spring, natural wellsprings of cool, pure water emerge from crevices between moss-covered rocks. Even during the parched summer months, this slender stream never falters, persistently coursing beneath the earth to provide a constant flow of untainted, refreshing water.

The Machik Dakini Ear-Whispered Lineage

Shrouded in secrecy for centuries, the Machik Ḍākinī Ear-Whispered Lineage emerges as a rare, enigmatic, and unparalleled tradition within Tibetan Vajrayana Chö. Carried forth by Geluk masters through oral transmission, this lineage has remained unaffiliated with any sect or institution, its existence largely unknown until recent years.

Distinctive Lineage of Wandering Yogis and Yoginis

The hallmark of the Machik Ḍākinī Ear-Whispered Lineage lies in the distinctive lifestyle of its practitioners, embodying various forms of yogic tradition: wandering hermits (Ensapa), mountain solitaries (ritöpa), and fearless explorers of daunting sites (nyentröpa). The lineage emphasizes retreats as the path to flawless renunciation, bodhicitta, and the wisdom of emptiness.

Recent Preservation Efforts

Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, preserving the lineage faced an even greater challenge. By the early 1990s, the 9th Khalkha Jetsün Dampa, Jampel Namdröl Chökyi Gyeltsen, had emerged as the sole lineage holder. Recognizing the imminent threat of the lineage's disappearance, Khalkha Rinpoche made the pivotal decision to open the tradition to the West.

Twenty-five years ago, following his initial visit to the West, Khalkha Rinpoche, at the behest and encouragement of Chöying Khandro, his direct senior disciple, undertook the monumental task of translating the entire set of 11 lineage texts and recording all lineage melodies. Through Dakini's Whisper Five-Leveled Chö Mastery Journey, they continue to ensure the lineage's transmissions, teachings, and practices are accessible to individuals in the modern world.