Ma-gÇig Labdrön
originator of gÇod
Ma-gÇig Labdrön (Ma gCig Lap sGron - 1055-1145) ‘Unique Mother Torch of
Practice’ was the incarnation of Yeshé Tsogyel. Ma-gÇig Labdrön took incarnation
as Jomo Menmo and then as Khyungchen Aro Lingma. Ma-gÇig Labdrön was the great
Tibetan yogini who was the originator of the practice of gÇod - the Visionary
practice of cutting attachment to corporeal form (in terms of the dualistic
proclivity to relate to ones corporeal form as a reference-point that proves
ones existence).
Padmasambhava predicted that Yeshé Tsogyel would take incarnation as Ma-gÇig
Labdrön and that he himself would manifest at that time as Padampa Sang-gyé.
Further more, Padmasambhava predicted that A-tsa-ra Sale would be reborn as Ma-gÇig
Labdrön’s husband, Topabhadra; and that Tashi Chhi’drèn would become Ma-gÇig
Labdrön’s only daughter. Thus, all of the important figures of Yeshé Tsogyel’s
life would take rebirth in the life of Ma-gÇig Labdrön.
Ma-gÇig Labdrön was born with all the signs of a dakini, and by the time she was
three, she knew many mantras. She learned everything as soon as it was shown to
her. Her father said: Her prajna burns like uncontrollable fire. I will call
her ‘Burning Torch of Prajna’.