As a result of the Chinese invasion of Tibet and subsequent wide-spread destruction, the survival of many important Buddhist teachings is in great danger. Some texts are probably lost forever, but others may stili be found in scarce numbers. To check this tragic loss, the Tibetan Meditation Center of Frederick, MD has established the Drikung Kagyu Text Project. Its aims are the preservation and distribution of Dharma texts, particularly those associated with the Kagyu lineage.

As one of its first projects, the Drikung Kagyu Text Project has undertaken the task of restoring the essential teachings of Lord Jigten Sumgon, founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. Lord Jigten Sumgon (1143-1217) spread the Dharma throughout Tibet for forty years after he attained enlightenment. His teachings were compiled by one of his disciples into a work called The One Thought: The Supreme Teaching of Ali Buddhas, Gong Chik (One Thought).

The Gong Chik is the most profound philosophical work of the Drikung Kagyu and is usually taught only to advanced students. Today there is a marked scarcity of teachers who have received the transmission of this advanced work, and very few students who have the appropriate background to study it. The result is that this precious legacy is particularly threatened, and therefore it was selected as the highest priority of the Text Project.

Preservation efforts include underwriting the printing of Drikung Dharmakirti's authoritative commentary on theGong Chik and sponsoring teachings and transmissions of the Gong Chik This fall Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen will travel to the Drikung Kagyu Institute in Dehra Dun, India, to give teachings on Gong Chik Further, a Gong Chik symposium is planned for next year, to be held in Dehra Dun.

...the survival of !tmany important tBuddhist teachings is in great danger.

For more information, or to contribute to this project, please contact the Drikung Kagyu Text Project, c/o Tibetan Meditation Center, 9301 Gambrill Park Road, Frederick, MD 21702. ?