Founded in 1729, the Rigzin Lineage is a combination of the Nyingma and Jonang lineages, infused with the myriad realizations of its founder, the 2^nd Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Tsewang Norbu. 

For ease of reference, the title Rigzin Lineage is commonly used. It is in fact an abbreviated title of the Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Lineage. At times, it is known as the Rigzin Chenpo Lineage. 

It is a non-sectarian (Rime) lineage and the focus is on the practice of Guru Padmasambhava, as the teacher of all lifetimes.  

The Rigzin Lineage originated from the long (kama) and short (terma) transmissions of the Nyingma, Jonang, Karma Kagyud, Shangpa Kagyud, Sakya and Gelug traditions. 

The sequence of oral transmission of the terma teachings of Tsewang Norbu is as follows :

Dharmakaya Samantabhadra >> Sambohagakaya Vajrasattva >> Nirmanakaya Guru Padmasambhava >> Yeshe Tsogyal >>Namkhai Nyingpo >> Tsewang Norbu 

Our practice of views and sutras are referenced from Jonang’s space and phenomena. As for our tantric and other practices, we take reference from three main sources, firstly, Longchenpa’s Dzogchen teachings from the Nyingma lineage, secondly, Mahamudra from Shangpa, Drukpa and Karma Kagyud lineages, and thirdly the Vajra Bridge Dzogchen of the Kathog Lineage. 

In essence, our lineage had originated from the lineages of Guru Padmasambhava, Longchenpa, Mahasiddha Shanti Gupta (teacher of Mahasiddha Budhhaguptanatha who was Jonang Taranatha’s teacher).

 Sources of our liturgies include Tsewang Norbu’s complete collection of terma, Padma Dechen Lingpa’s terma, and Jatsun Namkha Nyingpo’s kama.  (Kama – long canonical lineage transmitted from the Buddha to Samantabhadra to Guru Padmasambhava and other awareness holders. Terma –revealed treasures concealed by Guru Padmasambhava).