Chapter 11 - Drigung Chojay lineage (v): 'gar dam pa chos sdings pa

[Full title: Drigung Chojay lineage (v): 'gar dam pa chos sdings pa (b 1180)]

'Gar dam pa chos sdings pa was born in the year Iron Mouse (lcags byi ba 1180 A.D.). He practised the yoga of Vajrabhairava, which had been the doctrine of his ancestors. In his childhood he came to ‘bri khung, and for several years worked as sweeper (thal nyal ba). After that he was allowed to become a personal servant in the mansion. At first he proceeded towards tsa ri, and diligently practised the method of Mantrayāna. Later, while residing at the cave of ‘gar at dags po, all the gods and demons of Tibet {R 603} gathered round him. At first, they threw at him sharp weapons which injured him. Then at day break, they grew tired, and took refuge in him, offering him the mantras of their lives.

After that he proceeded towards las stod and skyi rong, and other places. He perceived that many disciples were coming to him and that this would hinder (his meditation). In order to stop this, he scolded the disciples who had come to ‘bri khung, and they stopped coming. Again he came to ‘bri khung and founded the monastery of rlung shod dar chos sdings. A numerous congregation of monks gathered there, and he thought that this monastery might become a rival to ‘bri khung. Therefore having given up the monastery, he proceeded towards yar stod and journeying via dags po, he gradually came to spo bo (near kong po). He laid the foundation of phur dgon rin chen gling, and after 63 days passed away. Through his blessing, this monastery became the chief seat (of his teaching), and was taken over by his nephew u rgyan pa and others.

'Gar dam pa was recognized to have been (an incarnation) of the ācārya Āryadeva, the disciple of Nāgārjuna.