The Könchok Chidu practice was discovered as a terma* by the great terton Jatsön Nyingpo (1585–1656), and is centred on Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). It has a strong connection with the Karma Kagyü tradition: the 10th Karmapa, Chöying Dorje, received its transmission directly from the great terton.

Könchok Chidu, “The Embodiment of the Precious Ones” combines the practice of the Guru, the Yidam, and the Dharma Protector:
the Guru as Tsokyé Dorje (a peaceful manifestation of Padmasambhava),
the Yidam as Guru Drakpo (a wrathful manifestation of Padmasambhava), and
the Protector as Sengé Dongma (the lion-faced ḍākinī) — enriched with a long-life practice.

Könchok Chidu was largely compiled and commented by the Great Kongtrul – the First Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé (1813–1899), a lineage holder who played a pivotal role in preserving and organizing this practice.

Today, the Könchok Chidu practice is performed in many Karma Kagyü centres.

*Terma (hidden treasure) – an object, text, or set of instructions concealed by Guru Rinpoche himself, so that it would be discovered at the appropriate time by a realized master – a terton.