About Getting Back Home
Gampopa
Where was Gampopa from?
Gampopa, also known as Dakpo Lhaje, was a Tibetan Buddhist master who lived in the 12th century. He was born in the region of Dakpo in Tibet, which is located in the southern part of the country. This region is known for its rugged and mountainous terrain, with the Himalayas serving as its northern border.
Gampopa was born into a wealthy family and was given the name Sonam Rinchen. He was raised in a traditional Tibetan Buddhist household and received a basic education in Buddhist teachings. However, his life took a dramatic turn when his father and brother passed away, leaving him as the sole heir to the family's fortune.
Despite his privileged upbringing, Gampopa was deeply affected by the impermanence and suffering of life. He felt a strong calling to renounce his wealth and pursue a spiritual path. At the age of 25, he left his home and began a journey to seek out a spiritual teacher who could guide him on his path.
After traveling for several years, Gampopa eventually arrived at the renowned monastery of Drigung Til in central Tibet. There, he studied under the guidance of the great master Phagmo Drupa, who was known for his teachings on the Six Yogas of Naropa. Gampopa proved to be an exceptional student and quickly advanced in his studies, eventually becoming one of Phagmo Drupa's closest disciples.
Under Phagmo Drupa's guidance, Gampopa received teachings on the Kagyu lineage, which emphasized the practice of meditation and the realization of the true nature of mind. He also received teachings on the Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, which became the foundation of his own teachings.
After many years of intense study and practice, Gampopa attained full realization and became a renowned master in his own right. He went on to establish his own monastery, Daklha Gampo, in Dakpo, where he taught his own students and continued to spread the teachings of the Kagyu lineage.
Today, Gampopa is recognized as one of the most influential and revered masters in Tibetan Buddhism. His teachings on Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa continue to be studied and practiced by many practitioners around the world. His legacy lives on through the many monasteries and centers that bear his name, and his teachings continue to inspire and guide those on the path to enlightenment.