It was exactly eight hundred years ago that, at this very spot (Namdruk Monastery), nine dragons flew up into the sky. Having witnessed this extraordinary event, Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje (the First Gyalwang Drukpa) named his spiritual lineage ‘Dongyu Palden Drukpa’ or ‘The Glorious Lineage of the Dragons’ – The Drukpa Lineage.

Since this time, countless practitioners have attained enlightenment through following the spiritual path of the Dragon lineage. The great masters of the past (such as Gyalwa Gotsangpa, Gyalwa Lorepa, Gyalwa Yang Gonpa, Yogi Thangtong Gyalpo and Drukpa Kunleg) and the great yogis of more recent times (such as Drubwang Shakya Shri, Tipun Pema Chogyal, Kyabje Apho Rinpoche, Kyabje Khamtrul Rinpoche, Dongyu Nyima and Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche Ngawang Gyurmey Palsang) have all proven that, through following the yogic path that was taught by the great forefathers of the Drukpa lineage, enlightenment within a single lifetime is possible.

Let us therefore now join together, in body, speech and mind, to celebrate the 8th centenary of this genuine and great spiritual lineage.

Thank you all, masters of the Glorious Dragon Lineage! May you live long and may all of your wishes be accomplished effortlessly!

Drukpa centers across the world intend to organize events to celebrate this wondrous 800th anniversary of the founding of the Drukpa Lineage. Please visit His Holiness's official website (www.drukpa.org) for updates.