Treasure Revealer
Dudul Dorje
1615–1672
Dudul Dorje, born in 1615 in eastern Tibet's Derge region, was a prominent treasure revealer whose spiritual journey spanned multiple Buddhist traditions. Trained initially in Sakya monasteries, he later embraced Nyingma teachings, receiving profound Dzogchen instructions and undertaking rigorous retreats. Guided by visions and empowered by Padmasambhava, he revealed significant treasure cycles, including texts, sacred objects, and rituals, often while enduring political and personal challenges. His teachings flourished despite resistance, particularly from the Fifth Dalai Lama's administration, and he ultimately found refuge in the southern Tibetan regions of Powo and Kongpo, where he trained influential disciples, opened pilgrimage sites, and preserved esoteric Buddhist practices. Dudul Dorje's legacy endured through his lineage, prominent disciples, and subsequent reincarnations, notably including Dudjom Rinpoche.