Hidden Undercurrent

Chapter 1  Lineage Of Wisdom Dakini

1.2. Hidden Undercurrent

Kagyu, together with Nyingma, Sakya, Kadampa, Gelugpa, and Jonangpa, are known as the six major sects of Tibetan Buddhism. “Kagyu” originally means “teaching from the sayings of Buddha”. It is called White Sect because the yogis of this sect often wore white robes.

This book will only introduce some information of Shangpa Kagyu. In history, Shangpa Kagyu gave rise to many great people with great impact. However, its written materials are not many compared with that of other sects, because Shangpa Kagyu accentuates “oral teaching and heart learning”, detachment from worldly society, minimalist description and a focus on meditational practice. Although generation after generation, there was no lack of Shangpa saints who authored writings, most of these literatures were limited to hand written scripts and few were printed for circulation. Also, many Shangpa writings focused on teaching, while few of them emphasised Buddhist theory like writings of Master Tsongkapa. Thus later generations do not know very much about Shangpa Kagyu. When mentioning Shangpa Kagyu, many literatures on Buddhist history are lacking in detail and gloss over it with only a few sentences. In some literatures, it is actually written “during the 14^th to 15^th century, Tsongkapa and his student Kedrubje received this teaching from Yogis of Kagyu, and later on, this teaching declined and died out.”(Tibetan Buddhism, Sichuan People Publisher).

In fact, Shangpa Kagyu did not die out. It is like underground hidden river, though unseen from the surface, the waters below surge mightily. The teaching of Shangpa Kagyu has merged into the ocean of Tibetan Buddhism and become one of its important components. The founder of Gelugpa, Tsongkapa, once learnt dharma from Kagyu Yogis and gave high praise to the teaching of Shangpa Kagyu. Saints from other sects also received elements of Shangpa Kagyu teaching. In addition, the golden purity of Shangpa Kagyu has been transmitted through guru generation after generation like the beads in a golden rosary. My lama Jianggong Living Buddha is one of these guru. I will talk on this point in detail later.

Though dynasties change like the scenes in a play and history rapidly turns its pages, the real practitioners of Shangpa Kagyu still guard with conviction the pure land in their hearts, and recite quietly the rituals and true-words that belong to themselves. Their voices sound very soft, and in many situations their sincere reciting is even drowned out by the static of this boisterous age. In centuries where time has passed like flowing water and people have drifted like travellers, no one has noticed them. Few have shown them reverence and worship, and even the historian of Buddhism forgot about them. The dust wind of time may pass howling by, but it can not extinguish the fire of belief in their hearts. In the noisy cities and desolate caves, in the hairline gaps of authoritarian oppression and the age of tyrannical denouncement, in the spacious silence of a great canyon, they practise the visualisation of their life’s most precious totem – Yidam. Sin is washed clean in recital, the spirit sublimes in discipline and life becomes radiant in wisdom. There are no overwhelming theories, no loud declarations, no glory, no power, no luxury, only a silence and perseverance. Later on, they lose the last thread of perseverance and enjoy the pure happiness of nirvana.

 When I befriended Shangpa Kagyu, the temporal world had become a boiling pot of aggravation. All kinds of religions sent out loud proclamations, all kinds of theories were exaggerated, and countless “masters” were campaigning. I cleansed my long-cumulated wisdom, searching in the forest-like flags. I carefully tasted the dharma flavours like ShenNong tasted the medicines. I saw many hands waving at me. Those were “masters” whose fame was blown sky-high and whose theories were shrouded with mystery. Finally I shook my head. Since the day I knew things, I have sought a cure that would soothe my soul, but at the same time, I possessed a pair of clear sighted eyes. I have looked hard for the sole source of coolness in this turbulent world

Finally I chose Shangpa Kagyu, a lineage that emphasised true practice and meditation. She has no long theories or complicated routines, no colourful flags or even spacious temples. She is made of only the pure teachings passed on from guru to pupil for a thousand years. Her comportment is close to that of original Buddhism. Its clear, simple and pure teaching has enchanted me and I was succumbed by its unique charm.

But what charms me more is the edifying wisdom she gives me.

I entered another world.

In infinite silence and tranquility, I carefully look after my seedling of wisdom and irrigate it with love, and protect it from the contamination of temporal wind and rain. Ultimately, the peace of Vajra Chan merged into the depths of my soul. Guru come to me one by one, they are Niguma, Khyungpo Naljor, Mokchokpa ……They are not only historical people, but are also of time immemorial. They have achieved the eternal happiness of nirvana, but I can still touch their living pulse. They smile and raise highly the halos of wisdom, which water the parched lands of my heart.

Finally, I felt a wisdom and greatness of never before gradually infusing into the depths of my soul.

I remember, it was a summer ten years ago.