Drukpa Kunley: The Mad Saint

 

In Bhutan, you see many houses and temples decorated with phallus symbols. Naturally, you ask: Why?

This question leads to profound insights—and just might change your life.

Who Was Drukpa Kunley?

Drukpa Kunley was born in 1455 in Lhasa, Tibet. He became a monk and later a Lama, following the Tantric teachings. He was a deeply sincere seeker with great insights, and during his time in monasteries, he was admired for his wisdom.

But he often asked uncomfortable questions—questions that mostly went unanswered.

What if our discipline is driven by fear of punishment or a need for validation?

What if we achieve a higher rank and feel proud of it? Isn't that motivation rooted in ego?

Why do we need validation that we are "good"?

Isn't our very search for enlightenment an ego trip?

Why do we aspire to become a Lama or a Rinpoche?

Might it not be better to just be an ordinary person?

The Monk Who Left the Monastery

One day, he left the monastery for good. He traveled through Tibet, teaching as he went—but he was just as likely to be found in taverns, drinking alcohol with ordinary people.

When he visited temples, he would invite the monks to drink with him. If they refused, he would ask:

"Are you afraid of the alcohol? Or are you afraid of breaking the rules? Or perhaps you're afraid of losing your status as an honorable monk?"

The Saint of 5000 Women

Drukpa Kunley became known for his unconventional methods of enlightening others—especially women, which earned him the title "The Saint of 5000 Women." Women would sometimes seek his blessing through sexual intercourse.

His intention was radical for his time: to show that enlightenment and a healthy sex life are not mutually exclusive. He sought to demonstrate that celibacy is not a requirement for spiritual realization.

How the Mad Saint Saved Bhutan

At that time, Bhutan was suffering from unfavorable signs that led to bad harvests. The people needed a solution to change their negative karma.

They asked Drukpa Kunley for his blessing.

He explained that Bhutan was under a curse from a goddess. To counter it, he introduced sexual Tantra to the kingdom. From that moment on, the curse was lifted, and the land prospered again.

Teachings That Challenge

Many religious people came to him for advice. They would list all the practices and sacrifices they had already made on their spiritual path.

His response cut through their seeking:

"If you have done it the right way, why do you need my validation?"

He taught that if you have built a genuine connection—a true faith—in God, you don't need anyone else to validate it.

The Ego Trap of Enlightenment

Drukpa Kunley questioned the very goals of the spiritual path:

In Buddhism, the goal is Nirvana, enlightenment, or freedom from rebirth.

But he saw these as ego-driven aspirations. You cannot reach them, he suggested, because they were never truly separate from you to begin with.

The Sufis say: Don't make a business out of your death. Surrender to God without conditions—not even for paradise.

The true Christians, he observed, put God first in every decision, without conditions or bargaining.

Why Do We Need Spiritual Titles?

Drukpa Kunley also questioned the need for spiritual titles—Lama, Rinpoche, and so on. These, he pointed out, are creations of the ego.

Purpose vs. Faith

Western philosophy has created a life built around purpose or mission—think of Tolstoy. This often happens, Drukpa Kunley might observe, when people have lost their faith in God.

The danger of a purpose-driven life is that your purpose can be taken away. You can age, fall ill, or face war—and suddenly your mission is gone.

But no one can take away your connection to God.

Faith in God is infinitely superior to any earthly purpose.

My Video:  Drukpa Kunley: The Mad Saint

My Audio: https://divinesuccess.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/Podcast5/Drukpa-Kunley-The-Mad-Saint.mp3