The incarnation of Yeshe Tsogyal, Machigma was an extraordinary Tibetan woman who originated the first Tibetan lineage. She originated the practice of Chod, a dynamic ritual practice for liberating one's demons. This practice is about, facing one's death and the insubstantiality of existence. The Chod is an immersion in the view of triumphing over neurosis and dualism through loving kindness, rather than struggling against the fragmented aspects of "self" that one created in the first place. It is a practice of tremendous importance for these times when people are suffering greatly psychologically and need a powerful method to retrieve their own sanity, awareness and wholeness.

In the worst fires in San Diego History when over 375,000 acres were burned and 3000 homes were destroyed, Kali Ma and her students were practicing the Chod practice in the San Diego Desert. As the fires were beginning a few hundred miles away, the practitioners were entering into the visualization, and singing the haunting melodies. A few hours later the fire department evacuated all the practitioners who became fearful of the intense nature of the fires and how they coincided with the intense nature of their practices. When the fires arrived in Descanso, they ravaged thousands of acres surrounding the Dharma House and grounds but they did not burn the Dharma house. Miraculously, the fire left a fifty-foot perimeter around the building and land on all sides. Even though all the surrounding homes, and towns, in all directions were burned thoroughly, the site of the Chod practice remained untouched. The Dharma House, and its contents of the texts, sacred art and ritual objects of our tradition were preserved. There are many historical accounts of the Chod practice protecting communities from elemental disasters, diseases, and personal afflictions. It is a potent practice and conveys a sense of compassion and generosity as the means for dissolving inner and outer obstacles.

As a young girl Machig Labdron was recognized for her brilliance in reading and explaining the Prajna Paramita, the Heart Sutra, which laid the foundation for the Chod practice and teachings. She received instructions from her Guru, Phadampa Sangye, the reincarnation of Padmasambhava which led to profound realization. She lived the Red & White Essence with her spiritual partner and husband, Topabhadra with whom she raised a family.