Katok Dampa Déshek
Younger brother of the Kagyü hierarch Pakmo Drubpa Dorjé Gyalpo, Katok Dampa Déshek (1122-1192) founded the Nyingma monastery of Katok Dorjé Den in 1159.
His teachers included his brother Pakmo Drubpa Dorjé Gyalpo, the Sakya patriarch Sönam Tsémo, Dzamtön Drowé Gönpo (a disciple of Zur Shakya Sengé), and the first Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa. His extant writings include commentaries on the Düpa Do (Sutra Gathering All Intentions).
Since the early 8th century, Tibetans and Himalayan people have treasured "Namtars" as written or spoken narratives that demonstrate the realization of the Buddhist path by exceptional practitioners. These namtars, or spiritual biographies, serve as inspirational guides on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Namtars Foundation aims to record, preserve, and freely offer the world a written and electronic treasury of the oral wisdom of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
