Namkha Ösal (?-1726)
the 1st Dzogchen Ponlop
The first in the line of Dzogchen Ponlop incarnations was Namkha Ösal (mid 17th Century-1726), a great wandering yogi, ascetic, and accomplished meditation master of eastern Tibet. Holder of the Nyingthik teachings, he widely taught and transmitted the lineage of Dzogchen Khadro Nyingthik and is said to have been an emanation of the 12th Century yogi
Repa Shiwa Ö, one of the eight heart sons of Milarepa, and of the earlier Nyingthik lineage holder
Melong Dorje (1243-1303).
Ponlop Namkha Ösal worked together with Drupwang Pema Rigdzin, the first Dzogchen Rinpoche, to establish in 1685 the renowned Nyingma seat of
Dzogchen Monastery. After the death of the Drupwang Pema Rigdzin, the Ponlop Namkha Ösal became the abbot of Dzogchen Monastery.
He was born in Do-Kham Nakshoe to the family of the Yogi of Setsa, a great lay tantric adept who conquered many vicious negative energies through his yogic activity. From a young age, Namkha Ösal displayed many signs of the ripened potential of the Mahayana family and practiced the yogic discipline of tantra. Named Lodro, he performed many activities that showed the accomplishment of the Vajrayana practices.
The name of Namkha Ösal (Clear Light of Sky) refers to the nature of the sky, as in the quotation:
The name's basis is the sky's characteristic;
The characteristic of the sky does not exist.
Whoever truly realizes how it is,
That is a bodhisattva.
A great Kagyu yogi transmitted to him the Cycles of Equal Taste, the Six Dharmas of Naropa, the Ear-Whispered Lineage teachings of Rechungpa, and other instructions on the profound path of Mahamudra. He practiced very diligently and accomplished the practices of nadi, prana and bindu. In order to enhance the Yogic Discipline of Insight, he sustained his practice of Avadhuti, and wandered without fixed abode. He specially visited the sacred place Tsari, regarded as being Deva Koti, and which is one of the Twenty-four Sacred Places of Tantra.
He shortly thereafter met Drupwang Pema Rigdzin at Khenbar Samten cave and studied with him. Drupwang Pema Rigdzin transmitted many teachings to him, including Dzogchen instructions, and in particular, the Dzogchen Khandro Nyingthik.
They traveled back to eastern Tibet and when they reached the Rudam valley in Derge region, Drupwang Pema Rigdzin saw the auspicious signs to build the main seat. At this time Namkha Ösal also assumed many administrative responsibilities in his work with Drupwang Pema Rigdzin surrounding the founding of the renowned Dzogchen Monastery, Orgyen Samten Choling.
For many years he practiced in various solitary places and retreat centers in the Do-Kham region of Eastern Tibet. He realized the ultimate nature of Dzogchen and perfected the Four Visions.
While practicing at the cave of Mokhyim, Drupwang Pema Rigdzin passed into parinirvana and Namkha Ösal became the throne-holder of Dzogchen Monastery. Under his direction and management, Dzogchen Monastery continued to grow. He specially was known for establishing and guiding the retreat center, where he gave Dzogchen Khandro Nyingthik instructions yearly. He led many monks and lay sangha on the meditation path, teaching them in various ways, from merely recognizing the pointing out instructions to increasing their realization. Encouraging many to do life retreats, with great kindness he provided necessities for those lacking resources. He extensively expanded the meditation centers at Dzogchen and under his guidance, many practitioners became realized and experienced yogis.
He also founded Lekgon Monastery in Lingtsang. He traveled to different monasteries and gave numerous teachings, instructions and provided guidance to many. He also oversaw the building of many statues and other developments at the monastery. Because of his power in meditative samadhi, he had clairvoyant power and many other signs of accomplishment.
After fulfilling his activity in benefiting countless beings and the completing other innumerable activities, including recognizing and enthronement of next incarnation of Drupwang Pema Rigdzin, passing down the lineage transmission of Dzogchen Khadro Nyingthik, in the male fire horse year (1726) he passed into parinirvana amidst numerous wondrous signs. Many relics appeared in his cremation ground, even arising from the ashes many years after his funeral.
His main disciples were the reincarnation of Drupwang Pema Rigdzin, Gyurme Thekchok Tenzin, Ponlop Namka Ösal's brother Je-ön Pema Kontrol Namgyal, and many other eminent masters of the time.
→ Pema Sangngak Tenzin (1731-1805), the 2nd Dzogchen Ponlop
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