Drukpa Kunle

He is often counted among the Nyönpa ("mad ones"). He is considered to have been a reincarnation of Saraha.

• Name — Drukpa Kunley • Native Name — འབྲུག་པ་ཀུན་ལེགས་ • Religion — Tibetan Buddhism • Born — 1455 • Died — 1529 • Mother — Gomokee • Father — Rinchen Zangpo

Drukpa Kunley was born into the branch of the noble Gya clan of Ralung Monastery in the Tsang region of western Tibet, which was descended from Lhabum (lha 'bum), the second eldest brother of Tsangpa Gyare. His father was Rinchen Zangpo and mother was Gomokee. He was nephew to the 2nd Gyalwang Drukpa and father of Ngawang Tenzin and Zhingkyong Drukdra. He was known for his crazy methods of enlightening other beings, mostly women, which earned him the title "The Saint of 5,000 Women". Among other things, women would seek his blessing in the form of sexual intercourse. His intention was to show that it is possible to be enlightened, impart enlightenment, and still lead a very healthy sex life, and to demonstrate that celibacy was not necessary for being enlightened. In addition, he wanted to expand the range of means by which enlightenment could be imparted, while adding new evolutionary prospects to the overarching tradition. He is credited with introducing the practice of phallus paintings in Bhutan and placing statues of them on rooftops to drive away evil spirits. He is also known for Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. Because of this power to awaken unenlightened beings, Kunley's penis is referred to as the "Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom" and he himself is known as the "fertility saint". For this reason, women from all around the world visited his monastery to seek his blessing.

• Gyalwang Drukpa II, Gyalwang Kunga Paljor ('brug chen kun dga' dpal 'byor) 1428-1476 • Lhatsun Kunga Chökyi Gyatso (lha btsun kun dga' chos kyi rgya mtsho) 1432-1505 • Pema Lingpa (padma gling pa) 1450-1521

The authorities additionally record the heading Drukpa Kunley. His recorded confession was Tibetan Buddhism. He was the child of Drukpa Nangso Lhé Wangpo.