Drenpa Namkha
Drenpa Namkha appeared in three different times; the first time he appeared miraculously in Tazik, second time he appeared as a prince of the ancient kingdom of Zhand Zhung and the third time he appeared in Tibet. Here the text tells about the Tibetan Drenpa Namkha: Bökyi Drenpa Namkha. He was born in southern Tibet in a place called Dakpo. His father was called Mushen Dakpa and his mother Dhaza Kharcham. He was from the Mu clan and from a very young age he received teachings from his father and many other teachers. He practiced rigorously and gradually became a learned scholar and great practitioner of both Tantra and Dzogchen.
He is said to have travelled to many neighbouring countries such as India, Drusha, Urgyen, and learnt their languages. Also known as a great translator, he was in contact with many Bönpos from other countries and translated several texts into Tibetan.
At the age of thirty-seven, he was a great master and siddha of Bön. At this time, the Tibetan King, Trisong Deutsen, was introducing Indian Buddhism in Tibet. During this period the Bön followers were persecuted and Drenpa Namkha played a great role in preserving the Bön teachings. Owing to him, many Bön teachings were hidden in various places to be discovered later. The Bönpos were threatened to be exiled or executed, if they did not convert to Buddhism. Many masters chose to exile, but Drenpa Namkha held: “My mind is same as gold. Whether gold is buried in the ground or appears on the surface, it does not change its quality. The real Nature of Mind cannot be changed. Whether I become Buddhist or I remain Bönpo, nobody can change the Nature of Mind. This precious life is the result of good karma and is very rare to obtain, it would be a pity to become executed. Therefore, I would rather be converted”. Ever since, although he appeared as a Buddhist, he continued to practice Bön.
He transmitted many teachings to the King Trisong Deutsen and managed to be a great master in both Bön and Buddhism. His works include general commentary on the Yetri Thasel and the whole cycle of the Namkha Truldzö.