658th Death anniversary of Kuenkhen Longchen Rabjam

Today (31st January 2020) in accordance with 18th day of 12 month of iron mouse year  is the 658th death anniversary of Kuenkhen Longchen Rabjam and I will share his brief biography to remind his significance to the Nyingma Tradition and Buddhism as a whole. 

Kuenkhyen Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363) was born on tenth day of second month of the earth monkey year of fifth Rabjung from his father Tenpa Sung and mother Sonam Gyen at Totrong at Tsa valley. He was born with numerous auspicious signs and he is incarnation of Princess Pamasal, daughter of King Trisong Detsen. Guru Rinpoche has entrusted the transmission of Khandro Nyingthig to Princess Pamasal and reborn as Pama Ledreltsal, who rediscover the Khandro Nyingthig teaching as Ter before reborn as Kuenkhyen Longchen Rabjam. Longchenpa started learning on how to read and write from age of five from his father with no difficulties and at the age of seven, he even started to receive empowerments, instruction and training. He was also well trained of astrology and medicine under the guidance of his father Tenpa Sung, a tantric yogi of the Rok clan. At the age of twelve he received teachings from Khenpo Samdrup Rinchen at Samyae monastery given him a name Tsultrim Lodro. At the age of sixteen, he started studying many Tantras such as Lam ’Bras – two tradition of fruit and part, Ch’os –  Six yogas, Kalachakra- wheel of time, gChod- Cutting off, Zhi Byed – three purification. Then from the master Zhonu Tondrup, he received initiation and instruction on Nyingma Tantras such as Do of Anuyoga, Mahajala Tantra of Mahayoga, and Semde of Atiyoga. Beside receiving teachings and transmissions, he also engage in meditative practice and saw the pure vision of Jetsuen Jamyang- Manjushri, Lhamo Yangchenma- Saravati, Dorji Ngyeljorma- vajravarahi, Jetsuen Dema –Tara and meyowa- Achala which signifies him for various spiritual attainment and hence he was named Longchenpa –Master of infinitive realization. At the age of 27 he met with Master Rigdzin Kumaradza (1266-1343) the holder of Vima Nyingthig teaching with prophecy of Tara and received instruction on all three categories of Dzogpachenpo such as Semde, Longde and men-gagde. After receiving all the Dzogpachenpo teachings from Rigdzinkumaradza, he practiced meditations where he had a pure vision of Guru Rinpoche.

At the age of 22, he confer empowerment & instruction for first time on Vimanyingthig and lots of auspicious signs appeared. Then one of his follower found text of Khandro Nyingthig which is discovered by his previous incarnation Pema Ledreltsal. After that he went to Sho Gyalse a disciple of Pema Ladreltsal to receive transmission of Khandro Nyingthig. He had received all transmission of Khandro Nyingthig, although he is incarnation of discoverer of khandro Nyingthig to show importance of lineage of transmission. Then he gave teaching of Khandro Nyingthig and during which the countless auspicious signs were showed and witness by general public. During that time he had vision of Guru Rinpoche and gave him empowerment and transmission of Khandro Nyingthig and named Ogyen Trimed Ozer and Dorje Ziji.Then he moved his residence to Gangri Thokar and composed countless text and also reached his meditation stage to perfection of awareness – (Rigpa Tshad Phebs) through training of Thod rGal.

Kuenkhyen Longchen Rabjam in Bhutan.

Bumthang Tharpaling.

The situation force him to move to Bhutan and gave numerous teaching to thousands of disciples in Bhutan. Longchenpa has established numbers of monasteries in Bhutan, from which seven Ling or seven important monasteries are Bumthang Tharpaling, Shingkhar Dechenling, Kurtoe Kunzang ling, Shar Kunzangling, Paro/Bumthang Samtenling, Tang Ugyenling, khothang Rinchenling and Ngyenlung Draechagling. Moreover he had son named Tulku Trakpa Ozer from his consort Kyipa. Latter he went back to Tibet and gave lots of teachings to the disciples and in 1363 he gave his last teaching on impermanence and inspired them to practice Trekcho and Thogal. Then he has attained per-nirvana and his body was preserved for 25 days. During that time countless auspicious signs were appeared. The weathers became warm during coldest season and ice were melted and bloomed roses. Earth trembled for three times and numerous Ringsel (relics) were left, from which five Dungchen (large Ringsel) indicates the attainment of five bodies and five wisdom of Buddha-hood.

References

- Thondrup, T. (2002). Masters of Meditation and Maricles. (H. Talbott, Ed.) Shambhala Publications.

Brief Biography of Fourth Dodrupchen Thupten Thrinle Palzang (b.1927)

Fourth Dodrupchen

Fourth Dodrupchen Thupten Thinle Palzang is a great master of Dzogpachenpo and principal Linage holder of Longchen Nyingthig. He was born in 1927 at valley of Gollok from father Drala and mother Kali Kyi. While Rinpoche was in Womb, there were many auspicious signs and dreams to parents were appeared. His mother can see in the darkness while Rinpoche is in womb and also Za use to appear on the roof of the house. Many people heard that Rinpoche use to chant Siddhi mantra from small age་ and Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche has gave prophecy to search for trulku of 3^rd Dodrupchen and the search team met with Dodrupchen Trulku as per Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche’s instruction. Rinpoche has passed all the test with no hesitation and finally Dzogchen Rinpoche has also picked his name during Final Test. He had answered every questions while people ask about his past life and shown many miracle powers during his childhood. Both the incarnations were enthrone together and they use to learn together from Konme Khenpo. However after the death of Khenpo, Rinpoche traveled to Dzachukha and received empowerments of Nyingthig Yabzhi and Longchen Nyingthig from Khenpo Kunzang Chotrak aka Khenpo Kunpal. Khenpo Kunpal was disciple of Paltrul Rinpoche and 3^rd Dodrupchen and he used to say that my linage is short, powerful, blessed and extraordinary to other linage.

At the age of 14, he has become seriously ill and went to Apang Terton and received lots of Prophecies along with treatment.  Then as per the advice of Apang Terton, Rinpoche went to receive teachings from Yukhok Chatralwa and received many teachings. He has received many teachings from various great teachers such as Jamyang Khentse chokyi Lodro, shechen Kongtrul, Dzogchen Khenpo Gompo etc. and practiced according to their guidance. Moreover Rinpoche has spread longchen Nyingthig tradition in many different places including Bhutan and currently lives at Sikkim Choeten Goenpa.

References

- Thondrup, T. (2002). Masters of Meditation and Maricles. (H. Talbott, Ed.) Shambhala Publications.

Brief Biography of Padtselling Trulku and successive incarnation Line.

Fifth Padtselling Trulku

His Eminence Pema Kunzang Tenzin Gyamtsho popularly known as Padtselling trulku was born on 15th day of fourth month of Iron Rat year, 1960 from farther Thinley of Binzaibe Choeje and mother Jigme Lhamo at Tang Namkhai Lhakhang. At a Young age Rinpoche uttered name of his previous life Kunzang Thinlay Namgyal and said that he is reincarnation of 4th Padtselling Trulku. Therefore Treasurer Sonam Dendrup conducted a test by mixing article use by his past life with others but Rinpoche picked his own text without any doubt. Moreover, H.H 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpai Dorji also confirm the Padtselling trulku and named Karma Choki Gyaltsen.

Latter at the age of five, 10th heart son of Pema Lingpa Jurme Thegchog Tenpai Gyaltsen named him Pema Kunzang Tenzin Gyamtsho and enthrone at seat of Padtselling Trulku. During Rinpoche’s childhood he has surprised many peoples by calling their names without introduction and so on. When Rinpoche was at the age of 10, Tamzhing Jagar, then the Home Minister took him to 67th Jekhenpo Nyenzer Trulku Thinlay Lhundrup at punakha Dzong for first haircut and hence Rinpoche was enrolled at the central Monastic Body. Latter at age of 15, Rinpoche joined the Tango Buddhist College which was headed by Geshe Jaku (who latter become 69th Jekhenpo) where he studied Dayig Sumtak, Zhungchen Chusum, ritual practices of Kagu tradition and many other teachings. Moreover, Rinpoche also received lay vow (geynyen), nyenzog vow and many other teachings from Shachung Kingley (Tenzin Dhendrup) who latter become 68th Jekhenpo.

At the age of 26, Rinpoche resigned from CMB and return to Padtselling and received Nyingthig Yabzhi from H.H Polo Khen Rinpoche, Thuje Chenpo Drodon Khachabma from H.H 16th Karmapa, Tshewang gi Dzenang from Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, initiations on refuge, Mani and vajra guru from Lama Gyalwang Nima and studied astrology from Tsangkha Lopen Norbu wangchuk. Moreover, Rinpoche received complete teachings and initiation on Kilchog Dorji Threngwa and Nordrup Khamsum Wangdu of Drime Lingpa from Drubwang Lama Sonam Zangpo. Out of many teachers Khyentse Dorji Chang Jurme Thegchen Tenpai Gyaltsen became his Root Lama and received complete teachings on Nyingma Kater Dagnang, Chime Longsal Dorji Sokdrub and Ratphur. He also received teaching Longchen Dzod dun, Nyingthig Yazhi, Kanjur Jaglung, Nyingma Gyud Bum, Tsalung Thrulkhor, Khyentse Gongter, Drala Gesar Tathub Karpo, Commentary on Ngondro, Kyabje Gongter and all dam ngag.

Drubthob Namgay Lhundrup

Rinpoche received Rinchen Terzoed and Nyingthig Yabzhi from fourth Dodrupchen and Rinpoche also received Nordrup Khamsum wangdu, khandro sengdong and Drime lingpa’s Tsepagme from Thrulzhig Rinpoche. Furthermore, Rinpoche received instruction on Damngag Tshigsum Nendeg from Nyolshu Khen Rinpoche and instruction on Dechen Zhingdrup of Karma Chagme from Khenpo Dazer. Rinpoche received many teachings from many great masters such as Kyabje Bebero Trulku, Drubwang Penor Rinpoche, Trulku Pema Namgyal, Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche and H.H Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Padtselling Trulku is currently resides at Padtselling Gonpa of Bumthang and benifiting a lot to the sentient beings.

Successive incarnations of Padtselling Trulku ar as follows.

-          First Padtselling Drubthob Namgyal Lhundrup.

-          Second Padtselling Trulku Jigme Tenpe Gyaltsen.

-          Third Padtselling Trulku Jigme Drodon Dorje.

-          Fourth Padtselling Trulku Kunzang Thinlay Namgyal.

-          Fifth Padtselling Trulku Pema Kunzang Tenzin Gyamtsho.

References

Padtselling Jangchubpelri vajrayana Dharma centre (n.d). Fifth Padtselling Trulku.

Rangjung Yeshe Wiki (n.d). Successive incarnation of Yongla Trulku.

 

Major Renovation of Sangye Lodru aka Sangwa Dhadru - the secrete cave of Guru Rinpoche

 

Padmasmabhava's Secret Cliff in Eastern Bhutan above the Khoma village called Sangye Lodru is also known as Sangwa Dhadrug and people believes that it is end point of Singye Dzong where the pilgrimage is incomplete if they don’t visit Sangye Lodru during their return journey from Singye Dzong. The place was called as Sangye lodru as well as Sangye Dhadru which carries two different meaning as follows. The name Sangye meaning Buddha refers to Guru Rinpoche, Lodru means six years of retreat at that place. However from other side it was known as Sangwa Dhadru meaning Sangwa is Secrete, Dhadru means Six month where Guru meditated in this café secretly for six month.

While Guru Rinpoche was meditating at Singye Dzong, the deity of the Tshokar and Tshonag promised to remain as protective deity. However, the deity of the Tshonag, Drakpa Gyeltsen, breaking his promise and came down along the Khomachu and almost reached present day Sumpa area. Guru Rinpoche knew about it and arrived at Sumpa with supernatural power before the deity reached. The unfaithful deity, knew that Guru had arrived before him and he hide himself in the cave below Khoma village. Then Guru knew that the deity would harm the people of this village if it was left unsubdued. So he meditated in the cave above the present day Khoma village for six months without known by anyone. Thus the name of the cave came to be known as Sangwa Dhadrug. Guru Rinpoche also meditated in the cave below the village and hide many treasures that were later discovered by Tertön Ratna Lingpa. While Guru was meditating at Sangwa Dhadrug, one girl saw him and offered three bottles of fresh milk in next morning. Hence, Guru Rinpoche said NGA LA KHO WAI MO CHE DUG “there is a girl that I need”. From that incident the village below the cliff is said to be named as Khomo.

Guru Rinpoche and Dakinis has bleesed this place and left with many foot prints, meditation cave, Dorje of Guru Rinpoche & Tacho Bhalaha, Dakini’s Secrete BHAGA, Sung Yigi Druma and so on. People believes that if they need their baby to be boy or a girl, then they gets blessings from Dorje of Guru Rinpoche and Dakini’s secrete BHAGA accordingly.

The secrete site was renovated recently and it was located above Khoma /Khomo village under Lhuntse Dzongkhag (15-20 minute walk from Khoma).

 

Mantras for dispelling new illness by Fourth Dodrupchen Thupten Thinle Palzang.

4th Dodrupchen

May Rinpoche's Mantras blessed every one and remain safe from Covid 19 Pandemic. Fourth Dodrupchen Thupten Thinle Palzang is a great master of Dzogpachenpo and principal Linage holder of Longchen Nyingthig. He was born in 1927 at valley of Gollok from father Drala and mother Kali Kyi. While Rinpoche was in Womb, there were many auspicious signs and dreams to parents were appeared. His mother can see in the darkness while Rinpoche is in womb and also Za use to appear on the roof of the house. Many people heard that Rinpoche use to chant Siddhi mantra from small age་ and Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche has gave prophecy to search for trulku of 3rd Dodrupchen and the search team met with Dodrupchen Trulku as per Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche’s instruction.

Rinpoche has passed all the test with no hesitation and finally Dzogchen Rinpoche has also picked his name during Final Test. He had answered every questions while people ask about his past life and shown many miracle powers during his childhood. Both the incarnations were enthrone together and they use to learn together from Konme Khenpo. However after the death of Khenpo, Rinpoche traveled to Dzachukha and received empowerments of Nyingthig Yabzhi and Longchen Nyingthig from Khenpo Kunzang Chotrak aka Khenpo Kunpal. Khenpo Kunpal was disciple of Paltrul Rinpoche and 3rd Dodrupchen and he used to say that my linage is short, powerful, blessed and extraordinary to other linage. 

Mantras for dispelling new illness by Fourth Dodrupchen Thupten Thinle Palzang.

At the age of 14, he has become seriously ill and went to Apang Terton and received lots of Prophecies along with treatment. Then as per the advice of Apang Terton, Rinpoche went to receive teachings from Yukhok Chatralwa and received many teachings. He has received many teachings from various great teachers such as Jamyang Khentse chokyi Lodro, shechen Kongtrul, Dzogchen Khenpo Gompo etc. and practiced according to their guidance. Moreover Rinpoche has spread longchen Nyingthig tradition in many different places including Bhutan and currently lives at Sikkim Choeten Goenpa.

Brief Biography of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche.

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse

Dzongsar Khyentse Thubten Chokyi Gyamtso also known as Khyentse Norbu was born on 18^th June 1961 from Father Dungsey Thinley Norbu Rinpoche (the son of Dudjom Rinpoche) and mother Jamyang (the daughter of Lama Sonam Zangpo) at Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan.

At the age of seven, He was recognized as third incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (the founder of Khyentse Lineage) and the principal incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro by H.H Sakya Trizin. His root teacher is His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche but he has also received complete empowerment, transmission and instructions from great masters of all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, including H.H 14^th Dalai Lama, H.H 16^th Gyalwang Karmapa, his own grandfather H.H Dudjom Rinpoche and Lama Sonam Zangpo, Chatral Rinpoche, Ngoshul Khen Rinpoche and Khenpo Appay.

Rinpoche is not only great master of Buddhism but he is also filmmaker and writer. His film includes The Cup (1999), Travellers and Magicians (2003), Vara: A Blessing (2013) and Hema Hema: Sing me a Song While I wait (2017). Moreover, Rinpoche is an author of What Makes You Not Buddhist (2007), Not for Happiness: A guide to the So-Called Preliminary Practices (2012), Buddha Nature and many non-fiction works of Tibtan Buddhism. Rinpoche is supervising his traditional seat of Dzongsar Monastery and retreat centres in Tibet as well as newly established monasteries in Bhutan and India. Furthermore, Rinpoche also established dharma Centres in Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.

References

Khyentse Foundation (n.d). Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

Rigpa Shedra (n.d). Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

Brief Biography of 7th Namkhai Nyingpo and Namnying Incarnation Line.

Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche

His Holiness Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Jamyang Yeshi Tenpai Gyeltsen Pelzangpo a.k.a Jigme Thinley Namgyal was born from father Tshering Gyaltshen and mother Sherabmo in 1966 at Tongshang Thrichu Goenpa under Tashi Yangtse Dzongkhag. His birth was accompanied by many auspicious signs such as turning steam water into milky colour, appearing rainbow in the sky and showering flowers.

As child, Rinpoche uttered his first word “Kharchu” which is his Monastery called Lodrak Kharchu in Tibet and also remembered the names of his old attendants and past incidents. Rinpoche was recognized as seventh Namkhai Nyingpo by H.H 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpai Dorji and also confirmed by the disciples and Royal Government of Bhutan by examining various traditional manner. While examining the trulku, they showed various rosaries, reliquaries, bells and vajras which belongs to previous Namkhai Nyingpo mixed with others. However, Rinpoche has picked his objects without any doubt and he was confirmed as undisputed 7^th Namkhai Nyingpo. At the age of six, Rinpoche was enthroned at Pema Shedrup Cholling the second Kharchu Monastery in Bumthang. Rinpoche started studying basic reading and writing as early as 1970 under his grandfather Geshe Pekar and Khenpo Namdrol. However Rinpoche has picked up instantly and had natural ability to learn how to read, write and memorize prayers.  

Namkhai Nyingpo

Rinpoche Received monastic ordination from 16^th Karmapa and named as Karma Rigzin Jurme Tenpai Gyaltsen. Thereafter, Rinpoche has received complete empowerment, transmission and instruction from many great masters such as 14^th Dalai Lama, Dudjom Jigdrel Yeshey Dorji, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Trulshik Rinpoche and Minling Trichen Jurme Kunzang Wangyal. Rinpoche also received complete teachings, empowerments, transmissions and instructions on rediscovered Northern Treasures (byang gter) of Terton Rigdzin Godem from Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche. Moreover, Rinpoche also established Kharchu Dratsang and other retreat centres for study and practice of dharma emphasizing on Northern Treasure. Rinpoche has also benefited to the sentient beings by providing many empowerments, transmissions and instructions as per his teachers.

The successive Reincarnation Line of Namkhai Nyingpo are as follows:

-          Nub Namkhai Nyingpo.

-          First Incarnation Rigzin Lobzang Lhachog.

-          Second Incarnation Kelzang Pema Wangchuck

-          Third Incarnation Jampel Ngawang Drukdrak

-          Fourth Incarnation Kunzang Ngawang Tenzin

-          Fifth Incarnation Kelzang Sangnga Thekchog

-          Sixth Incarnation Pema Tenzin Namgyal

-          Seventh Incarnation Jamyang Yeshi Tenpai Gyeltsen Pelzangpo aka Jigme Thinley Namgyal.

References

Wangdi, S. (2009) A Brief Account of Namkhai Nyingpo and his Reincarnations, Journal of Bhutan Studies, 21 (Winter 2009), pp.1-6.

Tshokey Dorji Foundation (n.d). The Lineage of Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche.

Brief Biography of Gangteng Truku Rinpoche and successive Incarnation Line.

 

9th Gangteng Trulku
Kunzang Pema Namgyal.

H.E Kunzang Pema Namgyal commonly known as Gangteng Trulku was born in 1955 at Trongsa from mother Tshering Pelmo and father Tshering Dorji of Bonbi Choje, one of the descendent of King Trisong Detsen. While Rinpoche is in the womb of mother, she had a dream of boiling water turn to milk and she has also dreamt that the sands and stones on the bank of nearby stream were turned to white pearls. Moreover, the two flowing water turns to milk in her dream and also had numerous auspicious signs rainbow filled sky, flowering trees and so on were witnessed during his birth. Furthermore, while mother was giving morning bath, everyone was surprised by the five colour rainbow shines from east directly to his bath tub.

While Azhi Phuntsho Choden residing at Sha Samtengang, she had a dream of a girl carrying a bowl of milk and asking Azhi to offer this milk to Gangteng Trulku. She also said she is a Tshomen of Luedtso Lake and offered song which clearly talks about rebirth of Gangteng Trulku. Hence Azhi sent an order that the monks of Gangteng Goenpa to be told that they must look towards source of Mangdue Chu for the incarnation of Trulku. Rinpoche was admitted to Trongsa Dzong as a monk at the age of seven and started learning the basics of reading and writing. Meanwhile, Dzogchen Polo Khenpo recognize him as 9^th Gangteng Trulku and the trulku was also confirmed by H.H Dudjom Rinpoche and H.H 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpai Dorji.

Gangteng Goenpa
- the main seat of successive Gangteng Truelku

While trulku was enrolled in Tango Buddhist College, he received complete Sarma and Dzogchen Teaching from Je Tendzin Dondrup and Je Geduen Rinchen. Moreover, Trulku Received complete Peling Teachings, empowerments, transmission and instruction from H.H Dudjom Rinpoche and also received complete Treasure Teaching of Dudjom Linage. Furthermore, Trulku received important teachings such as Rinchen Terdzoed, Dam Ngag zoed, Nyingthig Yazhi, Ngelso Korsum, Gyud Gyal Sangwa Nyingpo and so on from numerous great masters such as H.H Jadrel Rinpoche, H.H Penor Rinpoche, H.H Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, H.H Dodrup Rinpoche, Polo Khenpo Rinpoche, Sakya Khenchen Rinchen, Khenchen Khedrup, Khenchen Dampa Noryang, Khenchen Dazer, Nyoshu Khen Jamyang Dorji and Yanglop Shakya Dorji. Trulku studied in Buddhist Ngajur Nyingma College at Mysore and complete strict three years’ meditation and retreat at Kunzang Choling where the signs of accomplishments were also seen. Trulku has also bring out three sacred water at Banjar Community under Mongar Dzongkhag

Rinpoche currently resides at Gangteng Goenpa, under Wangdue Dzongkhag and also instituted 35 new and old subsidiary meditation and learning centres of Gangteng in the country such as Ugyen Thegcholing in Karzhong, Anim Gonpa Pema Choling at Tang, Samdrup Choling at Chasilakha, Ugyen Thegchokling at Tingtibi, Kunzang Choling at Gangteng, meditation Centre at Aja and so on. Besides of Bhutan, Rinpoche is also conferring empowerment, transmission and instruction to the devotees of USA, Canada, Europe, Taiwan, Singapore, India and so on.

Successive incarnation of Gangteng Trulku:

1^st Gyalse Pema Thinley

2^nd Gangteng Trulku Tenzin Legpai Dondrup.

3^rd Gangteng Trulku Kunzang Thinley Nangyal.

4^th Gangteng Trulku Tenzin Sizhi Namgya.

5^th Gangteng Trulku Ugyen Geek Namgyal.

6^th Gangteng Trulku Tenpai Nyima.

7^th Gangteng Trulku Tenpai Nyinje.

8^th Gangteng Trulku Ugyen Thinley Dorji.

9^th Gangteng Trulku Kunzang Rigdzing Pema Namgyal.

 

References

Trulku, G. (2008). The Jewel Rosary of the Successive Incarnations of Gangteng Tulku.

Brief Biography of Sungtrul Rinpoche and successive incarnation Line.

HE Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche

His Eminance Jigdrel Kunzang Dorji popularly Known as Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche is 11^th incarnation great Terton Pema Lingpa. Sungtrul Rinpoche was born in 1968 at Chumey Bumthang from father Dasho Thinley Namgyel and mother Aum Rinchen. In 1969, Rinpoche was recognized as 11^th incarnation of Terton Pema Lingpa by many great masters such as H.H Dudjom Rinpoche, H.H Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and H.H 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa. Rinpoche started early education at Tharpaling monastery at the age of seven under the guidance of H.H Kathog Rinpoche and Lopen Tsheten. At the age of 10, Rinpoche started receiving teachings from H.H Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and also received empowerments, Transmissions and Instructions from H.H 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpai Dorje at Rumtek Shedrup Chokorling in Sikkim. Sungtrul Rinpoche completed his MA in Buddhist Philosophy from Namdroling Monastery, Mysore in India and went to retreat at Gangtey Retreat Centre. Sungtrul Rinpoche Currently resides at Drametse monastery which is founded by Ani Choten Zangmo the granddaughter of Terton Pema Linga.

Linage of Sungtrul Rinpoche – Before the birth of Terton Pema Lingpa.

In 8^th century, Princess Pema Sel (daughter of King Trisong Detsen) has received Khandro Nyingthig from Guru Padma Sambhava and she took several rebirths before being born as Terton Pema Lingpa.  One of the famous rebirth was great scholar Longchen Rabjam (1308-1364) who equaled the realization and knowledge of Vimalamitra and he was latter rebirth as Terton Pema Lingpa. Some of the rebirth of Princess Pema Sel before being born as Longchenpa are Rikma Sangye Kyid, Pema Drolma, Ngagchang Rinchen Drakpa and Terton Pema Ledreltsal.

Sungtrul Incarnation Line – Rebirth after Terton Pema Lingpa.

1^st Terton Pema Lingpa (1450-1521).

2^nd Peling Sungtrul Tendzin Drakpa (1536-1597).

3^rd Peling Sungtrul Tsultrim Dorji (1598-1669).

4^th Peling Sungtrul Ngawang Kunzang Dorji (1680-1723).

5^th Peling Sungtrul Kunzang Tsewang (1725-1762)

6^th Peling Sungtrul Kunzang Tenpe Gyaltsen (1763-1817).

7^th Peling Sungtrul Pema Tendzin (1819-1842).

8^th Peling Sungtrul Kunzang Dechen Dorji (1843-1890)

9^th Peling Sungtrul Tendzin Chokyi Gyaltsen (1894-1925).

10^th Peling Sungtrul Ngwang Chokyi Gyaltsen or Thubten Chokyi Dorji (1930-1955)

11^th Peling Sungtrul Jigdrel Kunzang Dorji or Kunzang Rinchen Namgyal (1968-current)

 

References

Pema Lingpa Foundation (n.d). Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche. Pema Lingpa Foundation.

University of Cambridge (n.d). The Peling Sungtrul Line. Mongolia and inner Asia Studies Unit.

Brief Biography Thuksey Rinpoche - 10th Peling Thukse Thekchok Tenpey Gyeltshen

10th Thuksey Rinpoche.

10^th Peling Thuksey Thekchok Tenpey Gyeltshen popularly known as Thuksey Rinpoche is 10^th incarnation of Peling Thuksey Dawa Gyeltshen (the heart son of Terton Pema Lingpa). Thuksey Rinpoche has natural talents in all 13 traditional arts and crafts which is said that the Peling Thuksey’s successive incarnations will have natural inborn talent on traditional arts and crafts.

Thuksey Rinpoche was born in 1951, corresponding to the Iron Rabit year at Danang, in south Tibet from Father Kelsang Thrinle and Mother Dechen Tshomo. At an age of five, Rinpoche left foot print on the stone at Lhalung monastery and also foresaw the monks coming to his house lead by his previous life attendant Pema Thrinle. So Rinpoche said his parents that the monks and horses will arrive to their house. Moreover, at Lhalung monastery Rinpoche as little boy has directly went to his predecessor’s throne and sat.

He was formally recognized as 10^th incarnation of Thuksey Dawa Gyeltsen in 1957 at the age of seven by H.H 14^th Dali Lama Tenzin Gyatsho and enthroned at Lhalung Techok Rabgay Ling in Tibet. Further, H.H Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Choki Lodro also confirm the trulku and gave name Theckchok Tenpey Gyeltshen and also wrote lifelong prayer. In 1971, H.H Dudjom Jigdrel Yeshey Dorji also confirm the 10^th Peling Thuksey and gave name Jigdral Kuenzang Pema Dorji.

Foot Print left at age of 5 and boot of that time.

Thuksey Rinpoche started learning how to read and write from his personal tutor Lopen Tsheltrim at Lhalung monastery but in 1959, Rinpoche is forced to leave his monastery in Tibet due to Cultural Revolution and move towards Bhutan along with groups of Monk. On the way Rinpoche stayed one year at Paksamlung- one of the sacred place of Guru Rinpoche and where the 9^th Peling Thuksey has built monastery. Similarly, Rinpoche also stayed few months at Tang Ugyen Choling palace and later went to Tamshing monastery which is main monastic seat of successive incarnation of Peling Sungtrul and Peling Thuksey.

Successive incarnation of Peling Yabsey Sum.

Thuksey Rinpoche Received empowerment, transmission and Instruction on Lama Norbu Gyamtso, Tsedrup Norbu Lamkher and Chimi Kusum Rigdue from Khedrup Jigme Rangdrol Dorji popularly Known as Peling Lam Phuentsho, who is main disciple of 8^th Rigzin Khamsum Yongtrul (who received Peling Linage from Omniscient Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo). Teaching on Shey Tring and Chen-Jug were received from Khenchen Ngawang Thrinle and empowerments and transmission of Rinchen Terzod and complete teaching of Peling Chokhor from H.H Dodjom Rinpoche (who received Peling choekhor from Terton Dudjom Namkhai Dorji). Moreover, Pal Dugkhor Wangchen was received from 14^th Dali Lama and Nyingthig Yazhi from Dzogchen Khenpo Polu Dorji.

Furthermore, Thuksey Rinpoche has also received many empowerments, transmissions and instructions on Kagyur, Nyingma Gyubum, Yonten Dzoe Nagyur Karma Chokhor, Ngyal khorsum, Nyingthig Yazhi, Suldap Lue Dunpa, Ratma Tsedrup Sangdue, Lama Gongdue, Tsa Pey of Longchen Nyingthig and so on from many great masters such H.H Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, H.H 4^th Dodrupchen, H.H Drubwang Penor Rinpoche and 36^th Zhinchen Baro Trulku. Later, Rinpoche has spent many years for meditations at various places such as Kuenzangdrak, Tharpaling, Shukdrak and so on.

Rinpoche while Confering Peling Chokhor.

In 1980, three Peling Yabsey sum performed Drubchen together at Gangtey Gonpa with initiative of 9^th Gangtey Rinpoche. Thuksey Rinpoche has performed countless deeds for the benefits of sentient beings such as various arts and crafts in numerous monasteries and confer many teachings, empowerments, transmissions and instructions for the devotees. While Rinpoche was conferring empowerment of Peling Chokhor to Dudjom Yangsey of Bhutan, 11^th Peling Sungtrul and thousands of devotees, the rainbow was also appeared. Thuksey Rinpoche has many devotees ranging from humblest person to Royal family in and outside of the Bhutan. After benefiting a lot for the sentient beings, Thuksey Rinpoche left for pure realm on 18^th April 2010, corresponding to the 3^rd month of the 4^th day of the Iron Tiger, at the age of 59 in Thimphu. Moreover Purjang held on 16^th July 2010, coinciding with first sermon of Load Buddha and appeared rainbow along with flower rain fall in Purjang area.

Kudung Choeten of 10th Thuksey Rinpoche.

* Please bear with me if I made any mistake on 10th Peling Thuksey Thekchok Tenpey Gyeltshen as I am blogging based on oral transcript.

Brief Biography of Khenpo Karpo- The heart son H.H Dudjom Jigdrel Yeshey Dorje Rinpoche.

Khenpo Karpo (mkhan po dkar po) was born on 10^th day of the fourth month of Fire Rat Year, 1934 at Zhongmey under Lhuntse District. First phase of his life was spent as a villager and itinerant trader till the age of 26. Meanwhile he has also started studying how to read and write traditional Bhutanese alphabets. Latter he had attended H.H Dudjom Rinoche for more than 30 years till 1990 during which he had received complete Buddhist teachings covering empowerments, oral transmission and instructions of the Nying, kama and Terma linages. In 1974 he had completed the three years retreat of Mahayoga, Anu Yoga and Atiyoga at Darjeling and undertook many meditative retreats in almost all the scared places in Bhutan and Nepal.

5th King of Bhutan and Khenpo Karpo

H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche has awarded him with title of Dorji Lopon in 1962 and also awarded title of Khenpo in 1970. Beside of H.H Dudjom Rinpoche, Khenpo Karpo has also received teachings from Dzogchen Polo Khenpo including Madhyamika, Bodhisattvacharyavatara, Khejug, Yeshe Lama Longchenpa’s Sangnying Chochu Munsel, Dzogchen Nyengyud of Khenpo Ngakchung, the hearing Linage of  Trekchoe and Thoegel, Astrology, Grammar Literature and poetry. He had also received complete Nyingthig empowerment and transmission from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Dodrup Rinpoche. Moreover, he has also received teachings from other great masters such as Chatral Rinpoche, 11^th Minling Trichen Rinpoche, Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche.

Guru Stature Built by Khenpo at Takila

Later for the benefit of sentient beings, Khenpo has founded Retreat Centre at his native land of Zhongmey and also built giant statue of Guru Rinpoche at Takila under Lhuntse Dzongkhag. Finally, Khenpo Karpo entered into Buddha field on February 19, 2017 with meditative sadhana and left ringsels after cremation.

Brief biography of Khoma Rinpoche Lama Namdrol Zangpo- one of the heart son of Dudjom Rinpoche.

Lama Namdrol Zangpo commonly known as Khoma Rinpoche was born in 1945 corresponding to 25^th day of the 11^th lunar month of wood female bird year at Ganglapong village in Tsamang Gewog under Mongar Dzongkhag. He was born from father Tsampa Tshewang Rigzin and mother Dondrup Zangmo with numerous auspicious sign and started learning how to read and write traditional Bhutanese alphabets under guidance of his father from age of five or six.

Latter he started receiving spiritual teachings from his root master Dudjom Jigdrel Yeshey Dorji and shown numerous signs and significance of attainment after receiving complete empowerments and instructions from root teacher. Beside is root teacher, he also received teachings from other great masters such as Taglung Tsetrul Rinpoche, H. H Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Polo Khyenchen, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche and so on. Rinpoche has mediated at various places and later he was appointed as Lama of Gonpa Karpo or Kabab Choeling Gonpa which is founded by Lama Choying Rangdrol. Rinpoche has served as lama at Gonpa Karpo for several years and later he was resigned from the post of lama of Gonpa Karpo and founded Lungten Choeling Gonpa at Khoma village where Nagtsang of Gyab Hamra was Located. People of Khoma Believes that the Gyab Hamra is a father of Monmo Tashi Khewdron and having rich historical reasons as well.

Later in 2014 to 2015, Rinpoche has founded two retreat centers at Khomo dung and named as Rigzin Samtenling drubdey for monks on top of Khomo dung and Wogmin Sangchenling drubdey for nuns litter below Khomo dung. Moreover Khenpo Karpo Rinpoche one of main disciple of Dudjom Jigdrel Yeshey Dorji who has founded Guru Point in Kurtoe Takela was passed away and his followers requested Lama Namdrol Zangpo to take over the head of Ugyen Dongag Yoesel Choeling until reborn of Khen Rinpoche. Hence Lama Namdrol Zangpo is acting as head of both Shedra and Drubdey of Ugyen Dongag Yoesel choeling at Kakela beside his own Drubdey of Khomo dung.

Brief History of Zham Gyaltsen Marpo aka thrulzhik lama Gyaltsen Marpa Rinpoche.

Thrulzhik Lama Gyaltsen  Marpa (khrul zhig bla ma rgyal mtshan dmar pa) aka Kunzang Pema Dechen Tsal, commonly known as Zham Gyaltsen Marpo Rinpoche (rgyal mtshan dmar po rin po che) was born in 1857 at Eastern Bhutan.  He work as local farmer until age of eighteen and at the age of 18 he entered at Karpo Chöling Monastery (dkar po chos gling dgon), where he received his basic education and learnings. Latter in 1892, age thirty-five he went to Kham, Eastern Tibet where he met with his root master Drubwang Togden Shakya Shri (grub dbang rtogs ldan shakya shri, 1853-1919) and received complete teaching of Dzogpachenpo - the great perfection and also studied the Six Yogas of Naropa (nA ro chos drug) and Mahamudra (phyag rgya chen po).

He returned to Bhutan after his root master was passed away and established a small retreat place in Zham, Eastern Bhutan (current Zham Goenpa is located). He was passaway at age of 93 in 1950 with numerous auspicious signs.  Latter Lopön Sönam Zangpo (slob dpon bsod nams bzang po, 1888-1982) one of the main disciple of Shakya Shri has recognized the tulku (sprul sku) of Trulzhik Lama Gyaltsen Marpa (Gyaltsen trulku).

Brief history of Tsampa Tsheten aka Khyenrab Gyamtsho - The Great Dzogchen meditator.

Tsampa Tsheten

Tsampa Tsheten also known as Khyenrab Gyamtsho is born in 1955 from father Thinley (nephew of Drubwang Yeshe Dorje aka Yangma Meme Lama, 1893-1983) and mother Domo/Dorjimo in khomo valley of Eastern Bhutan. He started receiving spiritual teachings at age of 20 from Drubwang Yeshe Dorji commonly known as Yangma meme Lama at Yangma Retroe Samten Cholling Goenpa.

He had received complete empowerments and instruction in regards to Dzogchen Longchen Nyingthig starting from preliminary practice to Yeshe Lama. His practice under Yangma meme Lama starts from Ngyondro Zhi, Lami Naldjor, Tsa sum, Semtri Ngothroe, zhiney Lhagthog, tregchoe, Nyingtam Sergi Thigpa and Tri Yeshi Lama (starting from Khordey Rigzhi, Saboen Sekthab, Dorje Dugthang, Hung Jang, Sem ki Jung ney Drogsum, Nalpheb, zhi lam drey sum, Thoe gyal, naldjor choedpa drug, Rigpai Tselwang, bardo and Thaten). He had also received many teachings such as traditional medicine, Zayig, Par, longchen Phowa, Longchen Tsewang, Kunzang Lamai Zhelung, Dechen zhingkoe and many more. Latter he came back to village after receiving every teachings from meme lama and remained at strict retreat for more than 20 years at samling Goenpa and Kiphu Goenpa. Beside Yangma meme Lama he was also scholar of Lama Serpo aka Rigzin Pelden, Gonpa Lopen Tshewang Tobgay Samdrup Truelku and Fourth Dodrupchen Thubten Thinley Palzangpo.

Tsampa in meditation posture

He received every Dzogchen Longchen Nyingthig Teaching in regards to Togden Shakya Sheri and Tsalung from Lopen Tshewang Tobgay, one of the main deciple of Truelzhig Lama Gyeltse marpa /zham Gyeltsen marpo. Similarly he also received complete Dzogchen teaching in regards to Togden Sakya Sheri stating from semtri, Nyenjue Phowa and Tsalung Truelkhor until Rigpai Tselwang from Samdrup Trulku at Boeganang, Thimphu.

Latter he met with Lama Serpo Rigdzin pelden at Lobesa and had lots of conversation with Rinpoche and Lama Serpo said, double Thumbs up for his attainment. Hence he received Semtri Jinlab, choe drol, Kusum Ngotroe and Rigpai Tselwang from Lama Serpo. Moreover, he had also received many empowerments from 4th Dodrup Rinpoche Thubten Thinley Palzangpo including Rinchen Terzoe in 1987 and received Dzogpachenpo empowerment in 2013. Furthermore, Tsampa Tsheten has also received many empowerments and instruction from many Great masters such as Palnor Rinpochey, Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpochey, Kanjur Rinpochey, Lama Longdrol, Lama Chimi and so on.

Besides being Dzogchen Master, Tsampa Tsheten aka Drubwang Khyenrab Gyamtsho was also specialized in traditional medicines and treated countless patients. A German Doctor came to his place for three times, first she came to do research on traditional medicine and later she visited again in 2009 and 2010 to learn about traditional medicine.