Five Golden Teachings of the Shangpa Kagyu

adapted from "Shangpa Masters" on [1]

Jagpa Gyaltsen Bum (1261-1334) was born to the wealthy Shudgye family at Konglam Tsatang. Gyaltsen Bum recited the mani mantra as soon as he was capable. So, his father asked Drinchen Riwa to inform him about the lineage of Avalokiteshvara and teach him about the mani mantra. Gyaltsen Bum learned to read and write at the age of six and with a single glance at the Manjushri Uttering the Names Tantra, the Heart Sutra, or the Twenty-One-Praises of Tara, Gyaltsen Bum knew what would follow without missing a beat. He took monks' vows before Lama Sharpa Kunga Senge and Lama Tengkangpa at the age of fifteen and maintained an impeccable attitude and faultless ethics. He studied the Prajnaparamita with Lama Tengkangpa and his teacher Kunga Bum. He absorbed both the words and their meaning for three years, then developed new elucidations. He studied the Hevajra Tantra and learnt the songs and practices of the Sakya school and became so skilled that he was able to give new explanations on these teachings. Gyaltsen Bum had a strong desire to be great meditator like Shangtönpa. He then presented himself to Lama Shangtönpa and asked for the Six Doctrines of Niguma. Gyaltsen Bum received a series of teachings from Lama Shangtönpa including Mahamudra instructions, Mind Deathlessness and Non-Deviation and practiced for three years in Kuklung and three years in Tokar He spent thirteen years practicing in solitude in the upper cave of Jag during which all experience and realizations arose in his mind. Gyaltsen Bum received the following teachings from the 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339), the Three Bodies Pointing-Out Instructions, advice on placement meditation, Mind-Prana Inseparable, the Dzogchen Heart Essence, and the Approaching and Accomplishing Practices. He also received the Red Yamantaka Tantra and other teachings from Lama Senge Yeshe of Lari. Gyaltsen Bum wrote down the commentaries on the Six Doctrines, the Five Tantric Deities as well as secret oral and profound instructions. Gyaltsen Bum was graced by the blessing of the lamas and received the one-to-one, guru to disciple transmission of the Shangpa lineage and many prophecies from Dakas and Dakinis All of his students were able to develop a strong practice and beheld the clear light nature. Gyaltsen Bum granted empowerments and teachings for the benefit of beings until he passed away at the age of seventy.

[TSD]