Achi Chokyi Drolma

Achi Chokyi Drolma is the great dharma protector of the Buddha’s teachings. Although she is revered by all lineages, she is the grandmother of Lord Jigten Sumgon and strongly associated with the Drikung Kagyu lineage.

According to the Chakrasamvara Tantra, the head of the karma dakinis would come to Tidro cave in Drikung and would be born as a Nirmanakaya manifestation of Vajrayogini. When Achi Chokyi Drolma was born, her body radiated rays of light. At the age of three, she was teaching the mantra of Tara to others. As an adult, she saw that through her marriage to the dharma practitioner, Ame Tsultrim Gyatso, their descendants would bear many enlightened beings benefitting the teachings of the Buddha. Her son, Naljor Dorje became the father of the great Ratna Shri Jigten Sumgon.

Achi Chokyi Drolma promised to grant the ordinary and supreme siddhis to her followers. She composed a sadhana of herself and promised to protect the Buddha’s teachings in the future. When her activities came to an end, she flew up to the buddha-field on her blue horse depicted here. Here damaru and celestial songs could be heard by Lord Jigten Sumgon at Drikung Thel.

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