Vajradhara
Tilopa
Naropa
Marpa
Milarepa
Gampopa
Gyalwa Karmapa
then on down through the centuries in an unbroken lineage to those who Lama Palden received teachings and empowerments from who include:
His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa
Kalu Rinpoche
Bokar Rinpoche
Tai Situpa
Gyalsap Rinpoche
Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche the III
Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
Vajradhara
Niguma, Sukhasiddhi, Métripa, Rahula
Kyungpo Naljor
on down through the centuries in an unbroken lineage to:
Jamgon Kongtrul Lodru Taye
Lama Norbu Dondrup
Kalu Rinpoche
Bokar Rinpoche
Lama Palden received authorization as a lama from Kalu Rinpoche (a Karma Kagyu and Shangpa Kagyu lineage holder) in 1986