Contributor(s): Chelsea Hall.
Chöd is mentioned as the system of several important lamas, including Machik Labdrön, Dampa Sangye, the Karmapas, and Thönton Drubpa (Machik's son). They bestowed the precepts of Chöd on many disciples, and usually several other cycles are mentioned in conjunction with Chöd, such as the Six Yogas/Doctrines of Naropa, the practice of Lojong, Prajnaparamita, Mahāmudrā, Kālacakra, Zhiche, Lamdre, and the Yogini Tantras including Guhyasamāja, Hevajra and Cakrasamvara.
The practice of Chöd is lauded as resulting in the healing of diseases (especially tuberculosis, fever, leprosy, plague and cancer), including for some individuals who voluntarily contracted them in order to purify themselves or others. Certain individuals even rejected medical treatment, thus proving their conviction in the strength of the practice. Chöd practice is normally described as occurring in isolated places haunted by demons or in cemetaries. It is described as a powerful purificatory practice that can abolish or subdue demons as well as bringing relief from pain and suffering. Additionally in one instance the practice of Chöd results in immunity from certain types of physical harm, specifically lightning strikes. The practice of Chöd also results in the (yogic) insight into the ultimate nature of reality.
The importance of secrecy is often mentioned by the lamas who are giving the precepts to their disciples, stressing that they should not tell anyone else about their practice. It is almost always referred to in the context of secrecy, power, and healing. This practice is discussed extensively in the Blue Annals, even being given its own chapter. This is due to the fact that the author is a personal recipient of the lineage of Chöd, and therefore not only does he have personal knowledge of the tradition but also has a strong personal interest in discussing and propagating said lineage. It is also very important to the Renaissance period, being one of the lineages that originated during this time and was given an Indic pedigree.
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NOTE: All references are from the Blue Annals, Roerich page numbers.