Khandro Sangwa Kundu

This cycle centered on the wrathful black ḍākinī Krodhīkālī (Tröma Nagmo) is a powerful means for reversing the degeneration of the elements through the restoration of samaya and accomplishment of siddhis. Originally discovered by the remarkable thirteenth-century treasure revealer, Jomo Menmo, these teachings were later rediscovered by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. The actual sādhanas were compiled or composed, based on the original treasure teachings and instructions, by Khyentse Wangpo’s lineage holders and incarnations, notably Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

Jamgön Kongtrul, who was entrusted by Khyentse Wangpo as the principal doctrine holder for the Khandro Sangwa Kundu cycle of treasure teachings and who was their primary compiler, explains in his colophon to the main sādhana:

“The Khenpo of Orgyen, Pema Tötreng Tsal, who is the embodiment of the activity of the dākinīs, gave these instructions to Yeshe Tsogyal, the noble consort who was the compiler of the teachings. She, for the sake of future generations, hid them as a precious earth treasure.

This profound spiritual treasure of the wisdom ḍākinī Jomo Menmo was later transmitted as a rediscovered treasure to Pema Ösal Do Ngak Lingpa (Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo), king of all vidyādharas, the nirmāṇakāya treasure revealer, the subduer of beings.”

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Medium-Length Root Sādhana

The Quick Path That Accomplishes Great Bliss: The Medium-Length Root Sādhana of Vajravārāhī is applied for feast offering, retreat, and intensive group practice (drubchen or drubchö). The sādhana may also be applied specifically for the close approach phase of retreat. Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, providing his own advice and Khyentse Wangpo’s notes, tasked his disciple Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche with compiling this liturgy.

Torma Offering for the Command Protectors

The Daily Torma Offering for the Command Protectors, the Three Sisters was composed by Jamgön Kongtrul. This daily torma offering is for the protectors particularly associated with the Khandro Sangwa Kundu cycle, the three fierce mamo sisters, whose chief is She Who Rides a Jackal.

The Medium-Length Root Sādhana was translated by Ruth Campbell-Gyaltshen, Christian Bruyat, and Steve Cline in 1996. It was reviewed with Khenpo Sonam Phuntsok and Drubgyud Tenzin Rinpoche. The Daily Torma Offering for the Command Protectors was translated by Ani Jinba Palmo in 1991. It was revised by Steve Cline with Khenpo Sonam Phuntsok and reviewed with Drubgyud Tenzin Rinpoche. Both liturgies have been revised and edited by Khyentse Vision Project.