What is Lineage in Vajrayana Buddhism?
Lineage refers to the transmission of the Buddha’s teachings from a teacher who has realized and accomplished the spiritual path to a devoted student who similarly attains realization and accomplishment and transmits this blessing to their student, and so on. Vajrayana Buddhism emphasizes the purity and blessing of the lineage. Whenever an initiation ceremony (empowerment) is conducted, the lama first relates the history of its lineage. Also, before listening to a teaching or engaging in a practice, Vajrayana Buddhists recite lineage prayers in order to gather together the merit and blessing of the supreme, faultless, and flawless practitioners who have accomplished this very same spiritual path.
Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo is an American woman who was recognized and enthroned as a reincarnate teacher or tulku of the Palyul Lineage by His Holiness Pedma Norbu (Penor) Rinpoche, Palyul’s 11th Throneholder. Similarly, His Holiness was recognized by his teacher, Khenpo Ngaga 
Rinpoche, and so on, going back more than 350 years to the founders of the Palyul Lineage - Je Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab and his sister Genyenma Ahkon Lhamo in the 17th century. In addition to these, other current Palyul lineage lamas include HH Karma Kuchen Rinpoche (the next Palyul throneholder), Mugsang Kuchen Rinpoche, and Khentrul Gyangkang Rinpoche. According to His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, from Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab to the current master, the blessings of the Palyul lineage are pure and unbroken.
Jetsunma’s Enthronement
Recommended Reading:
A Garland of Immortal Wish-Fulfilling Trees: The Palyul Tradition of Nyingmapa, provides a more complete discussion of the Palyul lineage and the lives of the extraordinary Palyul Lineage holders.
