Drikung Phowa Practice 2007

The Drikung Phowa lineage, whose Tibetan name "Jaktshukma" means "the standing grass blade," is one of the most powerful and precious Phowa practices still taught today. In the eighth century, an important minister of King Trisong Detsen named Nyima was in the process of moving. While packing some belongings by the light of a lantern, a small spark caused a fire that instantly burned down the whole palace, killing thirteen people including his parents. Many animals also perished in the fire. The king wanted to ease the suffering of his minister and went to request the help of Padmasambhava. Padamasambhava, accepting the king's request, then journeyed to Dewachen to see Amitabha. He asked Amitabha to give a special teaching to free the victims of the fire, as well as all other beings, from suffering. Buddha Amitabha gave this particular Phowa teaching to Padmasambhava, who then gave it to his minister. Nyima subsequently gave up all worldly activities and devoted himself to the practice of Phowa. After some time, the minister reached the accomplishment of this practice, and at the time of his death, many miraculous signs appeared. These teachings were then hidden as terma, rediscovered, and propagated a few hundred years later, and are presently upheld in an unbroken lineage through the Drikung masters.

This practice of the Drikung Phowa was recorded by Ven. Traga Rinpoche and Ven. Lama Thubten Nyima in 2007 at the Garchen Institute.