The lineage of the lojong (mind training) teachings is a rich and profound transmission of wisdom that spans several centuries and traverses diverse cultural landscapes. The journey of these teachings from Serlingpa to the present day encapsulates a legacy of spiritual depth and transformative practice. Here is an outline of this lineage:

1. Serlingpa, also known as Dharmakirti of Sumatra, was a renowned master of Mahayana Buddhism who lived around the 10th century. He was known for his deep understanding and practice of Bodhicitta, the "Awakening Mind" of love, compassion and wisdom, and the lojong teachings. Serlingpa's significant contribution was the transmission of these teachings to the great Indian master Atisha, ensuring the survival and propagation of lojong practices.
2. Atisha Dipamkara Shrijñana (982-1054), an esteemed Indian scholar and saint, traveled to Sumatra to study under Serlingpa. He spent twelve years under Serlingpa's tutelage, mastering the lojong teachings. Upon his return to India and later to Tibet, Atisha began to spread these teachings, emphasizing the cultivation of Bodhicitta and the transformation of the mind through lojong practices. Atisha's work, A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, became a foundational text for Tibetan Buddhism, integrating lojong principles into its core.
3. Dromtonpa (1005-1064), a direct disciple of Atisha, played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Atisha's teachings in Tibet. He founded the Reting Monastery and established the Kadampa tradition, which emphasized lojong as a central practice. Dromtonpa's devotion to his teacher and his efforts to preserve and propagate the teachings were crucial in embedding lojong within Tibetan spiritual life.
4. Geshe Langri Tangpa (1054-1123), a prominent figure in the Kadampa tradition, is best known for his work Eight Verses for Training the Mind, which encapsulates the essence of lojong in concise, powerful stanzas. His teachings and writings helped to further solidify the importance of lojong practice in Tibetan Buddhism.
5. Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje (1102-1176), a devoted practitioner and teacher, encountered the lojong teachings through Geshe Langri Tangpa's "Eight Verses." Deeply moved by these teachings, he sought out further instruction and dedicated his life to practicing and teaching lojong. Geshe Chekawa's most significant contribution was the composition of Mind Training in Seven Points, a comprehensive guide that elaborates on the lojong principles in a systematic and accessible manner. His work has become one of the most influential texts in the lojong tradition, continuing to inspire practitioners to this day.
6. Transmission to Modern Times: The lojong teachings have continued to be transmitted through an unbroken lineage of masters and disciples, ensuring their preservation and relevance. Notable figures such as Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug tradition, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama have further propagated these teachings, adapting them to contemporary contexts and making them accessible to a global audience.

The lineage from Serlingpa to Geshe Chekawa represents a continuum of wisdom and compassion, each teacher building upon the foundation laid by their predecessors. This lineage not only preserves the authenticity of the lojong teachings but also enriches them through the unique contributions of each master, ensuring their enduring relevance and transformative power for practitioners across the ages.