Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa. (1730-1798).

Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa

༄༅། མཁྱེན༵་པས་ཤེས་བྱ་ཀུན་གྱི་དེ་ཉིད་གཟིགས།

ཐུགས་བརྩེ༷འི་འོད༵་ཟེར༵་གདུལ་བྱའི་དཔལ་དུ་ཤར།

ཟབ་ལམ་ཐེག་རྩེའི་བསྟན་པ་གསལ་མཛད་པ།

རིག་འཛིན་འཇིགས་མེད་གླིང་པ་ལ་ཕྱག་འཚལ། །

Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa was the incarnation of King Trisong Detsen and Vimalamitra, born in early morning of eighteenth day of twelve month of Earth bird year of twelfth Rabjung (1730) at Chongye Valley of southern Tibet. He discovered the Longchen Nyingthig teaching as mind ter.

At the age of six he entered into Palri monastery and Tsogyal Tulku Ngawang Lobzang Pema gave him a name Pema Khyentse Ozer. He is born learned, where he has no difficulty in learning. Besides of receiving transmissions and empowerment, he is also became mastered in grammar, logic, astrology, poetry, history and medicine within short period of time. Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa has received teachings, empowerments and transmissions from various masters such as Neten Kunzang Ozer, Terton Rigdzin Thukchok Dorje, Thekchen Lingpa Droten Tharchin and Drubwang Ogyen Palgon.

At the age of 28, he begin his three years strict retreat at Pelri monastery and during his meditative stages, he experienced numerous physical and mental sign of attainments. He also had vision of different masters including Guru Rinpoche, Yeshey Tshogyal, Manjushrimitra and Humkara. Moreover at the age of 31 he had vision of Longchen Rabjam for three times and received every teachings within short duration.

He composed his first major writing Khyentse Melong Ozer gawa - the explanation on Lama Gongdue cycle. In vision Guru Rinpoche gave him name Pama wangchen and Manjushrimitra gave him blessings, then he changed is maroon color dress to uncolored white dress with uncut long hair after realizing symbolic meaning of wisdom.

At the age of Thirty eight, he discovered extraordinary relaxation of Longchen Nyingthig cycle the teaching of Guru Rinpoche as mind ter. In the evening of 25^th day of tenth month of fire Ox year (1757), he went to bed with devotion to Guru Rinpoche and full of tears on his face as he was not in Guru Rinpoche’s Presence. Then he kept on meditation stage for so long and experienced he was flying with white lion and finally reached to stupa of Jarung khashor, where wisdom dakini offered him wooden casket and said this is Samantabhadra’s mind treasure and dakini vanished. Then he opened with joy and found five roll of yellow scroll and seven crystal beads – one is Dug nga Rangdrol, another one is Nechang Thukkyi Drombu the guide of Longchen Nyingthig. He swallow all yellow and crystal beads, which experienced all the words of Longchen Nyingthig cycle with meanings were awakened in his mind. Hence he became terton of Longchen Nyingthig cycle of teaching.

At the age of 31 during his 2^nd three years retreat at chimphu, the high realization of Dzogpachenpo was awakened in him. It was caused due to three vision of KuenKhyen Longchen Rabjam and received all the empowerment and transmission. Then he composed Kuenkhyen zhallung and some other writings as the true meaning of seven treasures of Longchen Rabjam.

Although Jigme Lingpa has many teachers, the absolute and short line transmission of Nyingma teaching comes from Longchen Rabjam directly in the three pure visions.  Latter in 1765, Jigme Lingpa conferred the empowerments and explanation of Longchen Nyingthig cycle for 15 disciples. He has benefited a lot for Nyingma tradition and his Longchen Nyingthig cycle became famous practice and reach to every corner of the Nyingma world. Once Dodrupchen came to receive teaching from him and he recognize Dodrupchen as trulku of Lhase Murum Tsenpo and named Jigme Trinle Ozer. Then Gomchen Rigdzin and Pema Kunzang reach to receive teaching and Pema Kunzang latter became his renown disciple Jigme Gyalwe Nyuku. At the age of sixty five, he and his consort Gyalyum Drolkar had son called Gyalse Nyenche Ozer.

He had received countless invitations for empowerment and teachings including invitation from Mongolian King Chogyal Ngawang Dargyal, student of Dodrupchen and teacher of Zhabkar Tsoktrul Rangdrol. However he couldn’t accept every invitations that they made due to his old age and health situation. Although Jigme Lingpa knew his son is trulku, he didn’t recognized as trulku but latter Sakya Trichen recognized him as tulku of Chokyi Nyima the fourth Chungsang one of the head of Drikung Kagyu Tradition.

Jigme Lingpa has told in private to some of his close disciples that, he will be dying soon and he will reincarnate but no need to search for his incarnation. The rain of flower falls on his residence and mild earthquake again and again. On the 3^rd day of nine month of earth horse year (1798), the sky is clear with blue color and rain falls from blue sky and ask to arrange new offering in alter. Then he sat in sage posture and lots of miracles happened. After a month of Ceremony, his body was placed in small golden stupa at Tsering Jong Hermitage.

His incarnation includes:

1. Doknentse Yeshe Dorje. (1800-1866)- Body incarnation.

2. Paltrul Rinpoche (1808-1887) – Speech incarnation.

3. Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820-1892) – mind incarnation.

Jigme Lingpa was born with full of miracles and auspicious signs but kept all hidden and live with simple life. He has letter AH on his trooth, letter HYA on his thumb, vajra design at his heart, ritual bell at is navel and came lots of ringsel’s from his truth and hair but all kept it hidden and live simple life.

 Song of the Feast (Tsok Lu) - by Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa

“On top of a wish-fulfilling tree, the auspicious coincidence of karma and aspiration, The youthful peacock of eastern India has arrived. When the display of the peacock becomes holy Dharma, We youthful ones are set onto the path of liberation. On the chariot of the meritorious queen of spring, From the tree-groves of Mon in the south has come the cuckoo-bird with its sweet song, Sweeter than the music of the flutes of the daughters of the gandharva above. How good the excellent coincidence of the flourishing three months of summer! Gathered here are the vajra brothers and sisters whose karma and aspirations are in accord. Please come to this Dharma assembly where our guru dwells. At this festival we drink the amṛta that ripens and frees, And from that comes the special Dharma of singing the songs of joyful experience. Among these rows of unchanging great bliss, Even when not meditating, we witness the faces of the deity and the guru. By means of the yāna of luminosity, the heart-essence of the mother and ḍākinīs, Please grant attainment—the rainbow body, the dharmakāya!”

Brief Biography of master Kuenkhyen Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363)

Kuenkhyen Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363)

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.

Knowing the Dzogchen Master Drubwang Yeshe Dorje

Drupwang Yeshe Dorje.

ཧྲཱི༑ རབ་འབྱམས་རྒྱལ་བའི་ཡེ་ཤེས་གཅིག་བསྡུས་གཟུགས།

མཚོ་འཁྲུངས་རྒྱལ་བའི་ཐུགས་རྗེ་རྨད་འབྱུང་མཐུས།

མཉམས་མེད་བླ་མ་ཡེ༵་ཤེས༵་རྡོ༵་རྗེ༵་ལ།

གསོལ་བ་འདེབས་སོ་མཆོག་ཐུན་དངོས་གྲུབ་སྩོལ།

Drubwang Kunzang Gyurme (grub dbang kun bzang ‘gyur med) aka Drubwang Yeshe Dorje, (grub dbang ye shes rdo rje) colloquially known as Yangma Meme Lama (yangs ma me me bla ma) (1893-1983) was born in the Khoma valley, Lhuntse district, Eastern Bhutan in the late 19th century. When he was young he served as calculator and astrologer or Tsidrung (rtsis drung) for Azhi Lhamo, the queen and wife of the First King of Bhutan Gongsar Ugyen Wangchug, who later sent him to Tibet in order to receive spiritual teachings and training.

Upon arriving in Eastern Tibet he travelled throughout Kham and Amdo valleys and met with numerous masters and received various teachings from great masters like Togden Sakya shiri, Dza Peltrul Rinpoche and so on. After receiving numerous teachings he met with his root master Khenchen Kunzang Gyamtso (mkhan chen kun bzang rgya mtsho), where he received complete teaching of Dzogpa chenpo (the great perfection). Khenchen Kunzang Gyamtso is one of the main disciple of Khamnyön Dharma Senge (khams smyon dharma seng ge, d.-1890) aka Ragang Chodpa. Withstanding various difficulties and obstacles he continuously remained with his master for several years receiving the entire empowerment, transmissions and instructions (dbang lung khrid gsum) according to the Dzogchen lineage of the First Dodrupchen Rinpoche Jikme Trinle Özer (‘jigs med phrin las ‘od zer) (1745-1821) and the Dzogchen Longchen Nyingthig (rdzogs chen klong chen snying thig) via Khamnyön Dharma Senge (khams smyon dharma seng ge, dd-1890).

After returning back to Bhutan he spent many years practicing in strict retreat. Later he went to Yangma ri throd Samten Chöling Gönpa (yangs ma ri khrod bsam gten chos gling dgon pa), near Thimyul village, Lhuntse district, where he remained practicing and teaching for the rest of his life. Among his countless students the main disciples are the great Dzogchen practitioners Wamakhar Rinpoche Pema Singye, Khenrab Jamtsho aka Tsampa Tseten, Janchubling Dorje Lopen lama Norbu, Tsampa Boedpa, Tsampa Kelzang and Tharpaling Rinpoche Tshewang Dorji and so on. In 1983, at age ninety, Rinpoche passed away under numerous auspicious signs and left with nemourous relics for the benefit of sentient beings.

The Four major lineages or Schools in Tibet (Chos lugs chenpo bzhi).

The Four main schools or lineages (Chos lugs chenpo bzhi) of Tibetan Buddhism are as follows

Nyingma (rnying ma): Nyingma is the oldest linage of Tibetan Buddhism which is founded by Padmasambhava and khenchen zhiwatso in 8^th century. Nyingma means the ancient ones in English term. Moreover reveling treasure “terma” is particular significance of Nyingma School.

(Founder of Nyingma Tradition: Padmasambhava & Khenchen zhiwatso, 8th Century)

Sakya (sa skya): Sakya means Grey Earth in English and it was headed by Sakya Trizin. This tradition was founded by Khon Konchok Gyalpo (1034-1102), a disciple of great Lotsawa Drogmi shakya and this school represents one of the first Sarma Tradition (new tradition) in Tibet.

(Founder of Sakya Tradition: Khon Koncho Gyalpo, 1034-1102)

Kagyu (bka ‘brgyud): meaning of kagyu is oral transmission and it was brought down through Indian scholars like Tilopa, Naropa and Tibetan masters Marpa Lotsa and Milarepa. It believes that the founder of Kagyu is Marpa Lotswa (1012-1099) and latter it was break down into two, the larger one, Dagpo Kagyu and the smaller shangpa Kagyu linage. Dapo Kagyu further breaks down into four sub-sects and eight minor sub –sect. Four sub sect are karma Kagyu (headed by Karmapa), Tsalpa Kagyu, Barom Kagyu and Pagtru Kagyu. Most of the eight minor sub sect are breakdown from Pagtru Kagyu which is founded by Phagmo Drupa and most notable of these are Drikung and Drukpa Lineages. (Founder of Kagyu Tradition: Marpa Lotsawa, 1012-1099)

Gelug (dge lugs): the meaning of Gelug is a way of virtue in English and it was founded by Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) in 14^th to 15^th century. The head of this tradition is Ganden Tripa and this school emphasis on logic and debate. Gelugpa is youngest but largest sect in Tibetan Buddhism and people call Yellow sect as they wear yellow color hat.

(Founder of Gelug Tradition: Je Tsongkhapa, 1357-1419)

Buddhism in Tibet: Three Dharma King (ཆོས་རྒྱལ། Chosgyal) of Tibet.

Three Dharma King of Tibet.

The Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Trisong Detsen and Tri Ralpachen aka Ralpachen were considered as three Dharma king (Chogsyal) of Tibet. Three of them has brought larger range of Buddhism in Tibet during their reign. They had built numerous temples and translated numbers of Buddhist text and also printed countless text to preserve and enhance Buddhism in Tibet. The details of Three Dharma king of Tibet are mentioned as follows.

1. Songtsen Gampo (srong btsan sgam po): Songtsen Gampo is 33^rd King of Tibet and credited with introduction of Buddhism in Tibet. He is emanation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or chenrezik in Tibet and also first of the three Dharma king of Tibet. During his reign, he has built lots of temples at Tibet including Rasa Trulnang and Ramoche. He got married to Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti aka lha chuk tritsun and Chinese Princess Wencheng. At the age of 13, his father was poisoned and acceded to the throne and moved the capital to Lhasa. He has not only introduce Buddhism in Tibet but also unified the Tibet by making laws, regulations and taxation's systems in a country. After performing countless religious and political works, He was finally passed away in 650 CE due to illness.

King Trisong Detsen

    2. Trisong Detsen (khri srong lde btsan): King Trisong Detsen aka Trisong Deutsen (khri srong lde'u btsan) is thirty eighth king of Tibet. He is son of King Me Aktsom and second Dharma king of Tibet (second of the three great religious kings). Moreover he is one of the main disciple of Guru Rinpoche and due to his efforts, the great masters Shantarakshita aka Shyiwa Tsho and Guru Padmasambhava visited Tibet from India to preach the Buddhism. He has ruled from 755 AD to 797/804 AD and he has played pivotal role in introducing Buddhism in Tibet. some of the wives of Trisong Detsen are Lhamo Tsen (lha mo btsan), Changchub Drön (byang chub sgron), Gyalmo Tsün (rgyal mo btsun), Magyal Tsokarma (rma rgyal mtsho skar ma) and Yeshe Tsogyal from the Kharchen (mkhar chen) family before offering to Guru Rinpoche. His four son includes Mutri Tsenpo (mu khri btsan po), Mune Tsenpo (mu ne btsan po), Muruk Tsenpo (mu rug btsan po) and Mutik Tsenpo (mu tig btsan po) aka Senalek (sad na legs). However some believes Trisong Detsen has three sons Mune Tsenpo, Desong (lde srong) aka Senalek, and Murug or Mutik Tsenpo. He has only a daughter called Princess Pema Sel who is died at age of eight and later reborn as terton Pema Ledrel Tsal and Kuenkhen Longchen Rabjam who revealed the complete Khandro Nyingtik.

King Tri Ralpachen.

3. King Tri Ralpachen aka Ralpacan (ral pa can): He is also known as Titsuk Detsen and became 41st King of Tibet. Ralpachen is one of the grandson of Trisong Detsen and son of Mutik Tsenpo aka Sadnalegs. He is third of the three Dharma King of Tibet, who is extremely devoted to the teachings of the Buddha and he has built one thousand temples. He has invited many scholars from India such as Surendrabodhi aka lhé wangpo changchub, Shilendrabodhi (tshul khrims dbang po byang chub), Danashila and so on. He has simplified all the translations made during his forefathers in accordance with grammar rule and made easier to understand. King Tri Ralpachen is second of five brother, the eldest prince Tsangma took Buddhist vows and latter reach to Bhutan and stated lots of noble families in Bhutan. Third brother of Ralpachen is Langdarma who was anti-Buddhist and ruled after the death of Ralpachen. Two younger brother was died from the young age.

Introduction of Buddhism in Tibet during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo & Trisong Detsen.

The Buddhism in Tibet was first originated in seventh century CE during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo and Buddhism became a major presence in Tibet towards the end of the 8th century CE and in ninth century during the reign of King Trisong Detsen.  Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo was traditionally credited with being the first to bring Buddhism at Tibet. He is also said to have built many Buddhist temples and translates numerous Buddhist texts from Sanskrit into Tibetan. During his reign he has built 108 temples in a day for the benefits of sentient beings which includes Paro Kichu Lhakhang & Bumthang Jampa Lhakhang in Bhutan.

Latter during the reign of Tibetan king, Trisong Detsen, he has invited lots of Buddhist masters to Tibet and had important Buddhist texts translation into Tibetan. The great masters like Shantara-kshita, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), Vimalamitra and many scholars and Sages of India were invited and translated Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana Teachings into Tibetan. Hence Tibet became center for entire range of Buddhist teachings and preserved the teaching of three yanas in an unbroken transmission from ninth century to middle of the twentieth century.

Latter the due to break down of tantaras called Ngak Nyingma and Ngyak Sarma, four major lineages or schools were developed in Tibet namely:            1. Nyingma from old tantaras, and three from new tantaras- 2. Kagyu, 3. Sakya, and 4. Gelluk. Details of four major linages will be elaborate in next post.

ORIGIN OF BUDDHISM & LIFE OF BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI.

Buddha is the universal truth, and the Buddhism is part to realize it. Buddhism began in India over 2500 years ago and Shakyamuni Buddha is one of the many beings through the path of Buddhism. Shakyamuni or Prince Siddhatta Gotama was born with numerous auspicious signs over 25 centuries ago at Lumbiney gar-den to king Shuddodana and queen Mayadevi of shakya linage. Very soon he has become very skilled in various arts and got married to consort princess Yashodhara and consort Princess gave birth of Prince Rahula. 

The prince has lived affluent and joyful life until a journey during which he saw overwhelming suffering of an old age, a sickness, death and endless woes. Then he realized, whatever born ends in death, whatever brought together ends in separation. Whatever full of joy ends in pain. Goutama was shocked and distressed at suffering in the world and left his family to seek enlightenment. He left his home and went to number of famous Sages of India and meditated accordingly. He spent six years on bank of the Nairajna River which generated high stages of absorption, peace and joy. However it does not led him to ultimate goal of seeking total freedom from grasping at self. At the age of 25 he realized that physical austerity was not effective means of reaching the truth, then he drank some refined milk and went to Vajrasna now called Bodhgaya. During eve of full moon of fourth month, he sat under Bodhi tree and entered into absorption.

The demonic forces has tried to disturb him from attaining enlightenment where the thundering and rain of weapons were appeared. However none of the demonic forces has move his mind and he just remained in a contemplation of Loving Kindness. The gradually all the demonic forces were faded away and rain of weapons were turned to rain of flowers.Then entered in to four stages of absorption (Sam Ten Zhi) and gradually attended Rig pa sum – developing three states of awareness, Tendrel Chuni – twelve links of interdependent causation, Phag Pai Den Pa Zhi- Four noble truth and so on. Hence he entered in to enlightenment and taught various path to enter into Buddhahood. His first sermon was on four noble truth to his first five monk at Deer park now known as Sarnath, near Varanasi in India on 4^th day of Sixth month which we usually called as DrupTshey Zhi. After that he has taught countless ways to attain Buddhahood and at the age of eighty, on the full moon day of Fourth month attained mahapernirvana at Kushinagara in Northern India with lots of auspicious signs.