The Second International Conference on the Gongchig, the doctrine of all the Dagpo Kagyu

Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön, author of the GongchigThe Second International Conference on the Gongchig will be held for three days from June 9th to the 11th, 2009 at the Jokhang Temple in Leh, Ladakh. The conference is organized by the Drikung Kagyu Institute. His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche has graciously agreed to preside over the first day of the conference.  Scholars from all the great schools of Tibetan Buddhism have been invited as well as international guests. Anyone interested in participating in the conference is most welcome. Further, any scholars of the Gongchig unable to attend are invited to send a lecture on any of the seven chapters of the Gongchig to be read at the conference, or email any questions, comments, or points of debate to the committee before May 20th so they can be brought up at the conference. The contact information will be listed below.


The Origin of the Gongchig

The Gongchig is based on the teachings of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön, the founder of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage. Jigten Sumgön was prophesized as the second Nagarjuna in Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings and was clearly mentioned as the reincarnation of Nagarjuna by the great Pandita Shakya Shri. All the teachings of the Gongchig were collected by Jigten Sumgön’s closest disciple Chenga Sherab Jungne (1187-1241) while he served Jigten Sumgön for 11 years. During that time he heard all the precious vajra speech of Jigten Sumgön and noted it.


Drikung Kagyu Lineage treeThe Commentaries of the Gongchig

There are many commentaries, notes, and pith instructions on the Gongchig. The well-known commentaries include Gongchig Drelchen Nangdze Yeshe Drönme also known as Dor Sherma by Chenga Dorje Sherab,  Gongchig Rinjangma by Chenga Rinchen Jangchub, Gongchig Kartik Chenmo by the 8th Karmapa Mikyo Dorje (1507–1554), Gongchig Sindri Thorbu by Je Tsuglag Threngwa (1504–1564/66), Gongchig Sal Je by Shamar Chökyi Dragpa (1453–1526), The Explanation of the First Chapter of the Gongchig with Question and Answer by Kunga Rinchen (1475–1527), Gongchig Nyima Nangwa and Kadrel Munsel Drönme by Rigzin Chökyi Drakpa (1595–1659), the Pith Instructions on the Gongchig by Konchog Rinchen (1590–1655), Gongchig Lung Rig Nyingpo Ter by the Nyingma master Kunzang Palden (c.1872-1943), Gongchig Losal Gawe Nagyen by Togden Rinpoche, and Gonchig Dorje Gocha by Dagpo Chenga (Raze Dawa).


The Distinguishing Features of the Gongchig

The first distinguishing feature of the Gongchig is that each of the verses of the Vajra Speech are endowed with 4 Pramana or Logics:


1. They are the teaching of the all the Tathagatas.

2. They are the Pith Instructions of the Guru.

3. They are based in one’s own experience.

4. They are accounts of interdependent origination.

Second the Gongchig propounds that Mahamudra and Moral Conduct are one and the same. Third the vital points of all the teachings of the three baskets are included within the Gongchig, whatever the Buddha actually taught is included. That is, what he prohibited is prohibited, and what he accepted is accepted. The entire Five Fold Path of Mahamudra is complete within the 7 chapters of the Gongchig, as well as the entire Gradual Path, and the entire understanding of view, conduct and meditation.

Information on the Gongchig Conference in Tibetan: Download PDF file

For further information on attending this conference or sending your lecture and or comments please contact:

Kagyu College, Dehradun
Khenpo Thubten
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
tel. +91-9419344584, +91-135-6534515
 
Joomla 1.5 Templates by JoomlaShine.com