Leading Rimé Figure & Teacher Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye 1813–1899 BDRC P264 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE HAR Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye (1813–1899) was a central figure in nineteenth-century Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for his profound scholarship, prolific writings, and ecumenical approach. Born in Kham, he became a disciple of Tai Situ and received extensive training in multiple traditions, including Kagyu, Nyingma, and Jonang. A key collaborator with Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Chokgyur Lingpa, he played a vital role in the Rimé movement, fostering the preservation and transmission of diverse Tibetan Buddhist lineages. His monumental literary work of the Five Great Treasuries (mdzod chen lnga ) collected and systematized teachings across traditions, ensuring their survival. Known for his dedication to spiritual practice, education, and cultural preservation, Kongtrul's legacy as a teacher, author, and visionary continues to influence Tibetan Buddhism worldwide. Biography A Biography of Chöje Lingpa Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye A Biography of Chöje Lingpa by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, detailing the life of Chöje Lingpa (Rogje Lingpa), a seventeenth- to eighteenth-century Tibetan treasure revealer (tertön) known for discovering and transmitting profound spiritual treasures (terma), including teachings on Guru Padmasambhava, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen. Read Supplication Prayer Generating Wonder & Glory: A Supplication to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s Successive Lives Arranged in a Rough Summary Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye Jamgön Kongtrul traces Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo's remarkable previous incarnations, revealing unexpected connections to significant Buddhist masters through history. Read Biography Abbreviated Biography of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye Jamgön Kongtrul celebrates Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo's mastery of diverse Tibetan spiritual traditions in this reverent biographical account. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

A rare collection of letters by the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, Tubten Gyatso, from the Water Pig year - now preserved in France, their recipients and original acquisition remain a mystery. Eleventh Day, Ninth Month, Water Pig Year LETTER ONE: These days, [I hope] your Mount Meru like body, which is produced as a result of the glorious and outstanding training of the past, is well and that the series of great benevolent waves of your four virtuous actions are continuously beautiful. Note that from Chabtru Khenpo, [ 1 ] who recently arrived in Lhasa on the 21st day of the 11th Tibetan lunar month of the Water Dog Year (1922), I have received, as offerings for advice, good khataks (offering scarfs) made of Mongolian silk, five zho of rin and tur , [ 2 ] one handkerchief [made of] a type of fine cloth, and a manaho snuff box with a lid and case. [ 3 ] On my side, my conditioned body is not tainted by any harm and is in a state of temporary comfort. I am continuously and happily, with the highest intentions, conducting religious and temporal matters for the benefit of beings and the doctrine, like that of the supreme one’s [ 4 ] life. In the future, too, please be sure to take good care of your health, which is the source of all the auspicious goodness and prosperity, and run [the country] as before to generate waves of benefit for the doctrine and all beings. Moreover, [please] continue to accumulate auspicious merit. Together with this letter, I enclose a blessed protective object, [ 5 ] a sealed pair of handprints, and three handmade, blessed circles of earth. [ 6 ] Sent on the auspicious 11th day of the 9th month of the Water Pig Year (1923). LETTER TWO: These days, [I hope] your body is as stable as conch, which comes from the glorious ocean of virtuous actions, and that you are enjoying the wealth, which competes with the gardens of heavenly paradise. Note that from Chabtru Khenpo, [ 7 ] who recently arrived in Lhasa on the 21st day of the 11th Tibetan lunar month of the Water Dog Year (1922), I have received, as offerings for advice, good khataks (offering scarfs) made of Mongolian silk, and five zho of rin and tur , one handkerchief [made of] a type of fine cloth, and a manaho snuff box with a lid and case. On my side, the conditioned constitution [of my body] is steady, and I endeavour to carry out virtuous actions to spread religious and temporal matters. In the future too, please spread happiness in accordance with local conditions. Moreover, like the good actions of the past, [please] continue to accumulate auspicious merit. Together with this letter, I enclose a blessed protective object, a sealed pair of handprints, and three handmade, blessed circles of earth. Sent on the auspicious 11th day of the 9th month of the Water Pig Year (1923). COLOPHON None NOTES [1] byab[s] khrus mkhan po [2] Zho is a measurement of currency. rin and mthur [3] Ma na ho is a type of precious stone. [4] Supreme one could be one of three things: the Manchu emperor, Russian royalty, or previous incarnations of the Dalai Lama. Given that the first two no longer existed in 1922, it is most likely that he was referring to his previous incarnations [5] For example, an amulet or protective thread [6] Dried soil. It is blessed with mantras and considered auspicious (many ingest it). [7] byabs khrus mkhan po BIBLIOGRAPHY Ta la'i bla ma 13 thub bstan rgya mtsho. 1923. Private Collection. London: Tib Shelf W002 Published: May 2021 Abstract These letters were purchased and are now conserved in a private collection in France. The means of the initial acquisition is unknown. The recipient(s) of the letters are currently unidentified, and their connection with the Thirteenth Dalai Lama is undetermined. We are happy to receive any information concerning these letters. TIB SHELF W002 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION Geluk INCARNATION LINE Dalai Lama HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century 20th Century TEACHERS The Third Purchok, Jampa Gyatso The Fourth Amdo Zhamar, Gendun Tendzin Gyatso The Fifth Ling Rinpoche, Lobzang Lungtok Tenzin Trinle The Tenth Tatsak Jedrung, Ngawang Pelden Chokyi Gyeltsen Lobzang Rabsel The Eighty-Second Ganden Tripa, Yeshe Chopel Lerab Lingpa Agvan Dorjiev TRANSLATORS Rachael Griffiths Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Ganden Sera Monastery Drepung Monastery Tashilhunpo Kumbum Jampa Ling Tsel Gungtang Ralung Monastery Gyuto Dratsang Reting Monastery Drepung Gomang Dratsang Langdun Manor House Lhasa Tsuklakhang Shol Printery Namgyel Potala Norbulingkha Mentsikhang Ikh Khuree Tsari Bhutan House Wutai Shan Bodhgaya Lhamo Latso STUDENTS Tubten Namdrol The Fifth Reting Rinpoche, Tubten Jampel Yeshe Tenpai Gyeltsen The Ninth Panchen Lama, Tubten Chokyi Nyima Gedun Lungtok Rabgye The Ninth Dorje Drak Rigdzin, Tubten Chowang Nyamnyi Dorje The Sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpai Dorje The Second Jamgon Kongtrul, Khyentse Ozer The Eleventh Tongkhor, Lobzang Jigme Tsultrim Gyatso The Fifth Kondor Tulku, Lobzang Namgyel Tendzin Lhundrub Jampa Taye The Sixth Ling Rinpoche, Thupten Lungtok Namgyal Trinle AUTHOR The Thirteenth Dalai Lama, Tubten Gyatso Eleventh Day, Ninth Month, Water Pig Year VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate Subscribe to our newsletter Support Tib Shelf's ongoing work & Subscribe Today! 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Treasure Revealer Chöje Lingpa 1682–1720 BDRC P671 LOTSAWA HOUSE PHOTO CREDIT Chöje Lingpa was born into a noble lineage in Dagpo and later recognized as a reincarnation of several esteemed masters. He received extensive monastic training before embracing his role as a treasure revealer. He would become a prolific revealer in his own right and was considered the penultimate emanation of Gyalse Lhaje before his rebirth as Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. His life was marked by rigorous practice, visionary experiences, and the revelation of numerous esoteric teachings, including cycles related to Guru Padmasambhava, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen. Translated Works Biography A Biography of Chöje Lingpa Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye A Biography of Chöje Lingpa by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, detailing the life of Chöje Lingpa (Rogje Lingpa), a seventeenth- to eighteenth-century Tibetan treasure revealer (tertön) known for discovering and transmitting profound spiritual treasures (terma), including teachings on Guru Padmasambhava, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen. Read Biography A Brief Biography: The Successive Incarnations of Tsoknyi Özer Önpo Gelek The reincarnation lineage of Tsoknyi Özer exemplified supreme devotion - illustrated by the Third Tsoknyi's offering of his burning finger as a lamp to fulfill his guru's wishes. Read Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

Treasure revealer and Rimé master Khyungtrul Pema Trinle Gyatso's life story draws from his autobiography and oral accounts, revealing his significant impact on nineteenth-century Kham Buddhism. The Biography of Khyungtrul Pema Trinle Gyatso Khyungtrul Pema Trinle Gyatso, [ 1 ] commonly known as Khyungtrul Rinpoche, was born nearby the shaded side of the [Kyangtang Khampa] Mountain [ 2 ] in the Evaṃ Valley of Drongpa Meshung, [ 3 ] Nangchen, Kham in 1886, the Fire, Dog year of the fifteenth sexagenary cycle. His father was named Mipam Tsöndru of the Jo [clan] and his mother Adroza Deden Tso. [ 4 ] His father was a direct disciple of Drubchen Ngawang Tsoknyi [ 5 ] the mantra holder, who attained accomplishment through the practice of Palden Lhamo Dusölma . [ 6 ] Shortly after his birth, Khyungtrul met the Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje, [ 7 ] who performed the hair-cutting ceremony. Furthermore, he accepted the Three Jewels, received the vows of a lay disciple, [ 8 ] and was given the name Karma Gyatso. The Karmapa described how the child was a reincarnation of a great being and made a prediction that the boy was undoubtedly going to be a person who would benefit sentient beings and teachings in the times yet to come. At the age of five, his parents took him on a pilgrimage to meet lamas in eastern Kham. In Degé he met and received teachings from Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, [ 9 ] who was at that time performing his last religious activity at Dzongsar Monastery [ 10 ] before passing into peace. He also received many important teachings, such as empowerments, transmissions, and instructions, from Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche at Palpung Monastery [ 11 ] in Degé. After a successful pilgrimage to all the monasteries and sacred sites in the Degé, Kham, Khyungtrul returned home with his parents. His father took responsibility for his own father’s monastery, Druk Heru Monastery, [ 12 ] [which comes under the management of Trulshik Monastery, [ 13 ] the main Drukpa Kagyu seat in Nangchen]. Later, due to his realization in the practice of Palden Lhamo Dusölma , his father was appointed as the lama of the protector’s temple at Trulshik Monastery. Khyungtrul spent the next couple of years at Trulshik Monastery with his parents. During his time at Trulshik Monastery, even though he was very young, there were several marvelous signs that occurred, such as possessing a symbolically scripted inventory of treasures, indiscriminately extracting a variety of treasure-like substances, and receiving prophecies of the ḍākinīs. However, his father kept them secret and forbade revealing them [to the public], stating that they were insignificant. [Unfortunately], his father passed away when he was just seventeen years old, and he performed the funeral rites in a proper manner. Until he was nineteen, Khyungtrul spent most of his time at his personal Heru Monastery in addition to Trülshik Monastery where he received empowerments and instructions from Satrul Rigzin Chögyal [ 14 ] and other Drukpa Kagyu masters. He diligently trained in the rituals of his tradition, the Drukpa Kagyu. At the age of nineteen, Khyungtrul once again went back to Degé, Kham where he entered Dzogchen Monastery. [ 15 ] There he took full ordination from the Fifth Dzogtrul Tubten Chökyi Dorje [ 16 ] and received the name Tubten Chöpal Gyatso. From Gyalse Jampa Taye, Tubten Chökyi Nangwa, [ 17 ] and others, he received oral transmission of the Kangyur (Translated Words of the Buddha) and such teachings as the Bodhicaryāvatāra ( A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life ) and Kunsang Lame Shalung ( The Words of My Perfect Teacher ), achieving a great understanding of the Mahāyāna. He later went to Palpung Monastery, where under the care and tutelage of Khenchen Tashi Öser [ 18 ] the lord of the extraordinary family, he received bodhisattva vows in accordance with the tradition of Śāntideva the heir of the victors and was named Jamyang Lodrö Gyatso. With Lord Khenchen Tashi Öser, he studied all the sūtra and tantra teachings and received empowerments and instructions. Khenchen identified him outwardly as an embodiment of Gyalwang Dechen Dorje, inwardly as an embodiment of Taksham Nuden Dorje, and secretly as an embodiment of Longchen Rabjam. [ 19 ] Khyungrul also received and studied the sūtras and tantras along with the fields of knowledge from Katok Khen Tubten Gyaltsen, Jamgön Mipam Namgyal Gyatso, Khenpo Shenga, Nesar Karma Tashi Chöphel (one of the three chief disciples of Jamgön Kongtrul), Gyarong Tokden, Choktrul Pema Dechen Sangpo, Jamyang Tashi Rinchen, Katok Situ Chökyi Gyatso, Chokling Terse Tsewang Norbu, [ 20 ] and many other non-sectarian masters. Though this Lord was not said to be an emanation of any particular lama, he was called Khyungtrul because there was nobody who could rival his innate wisdom when he was studying and contemplating. Since everyone was discussing that he was an emanation of an excellent, superior being, he was considered an emanation. In those days the political relationship between Degé and Nangchen was not so friendly. So, for the safety of Khyungtrül, when anyone asked Khenchen about where the emanation was from, he would answer, “The emanation’s place of origin is Khyungpo.” [ 21 ] As a result, being called Khyungtrul in addition to his real name, Pema Trinlé Gyatso, he became widely known as Khyungtrul Pema Trinlé Gyatso. At the age of twenty-five, he began the traditional three-year retreat at the Samten Chöling retreat center of Palpung Tubten Chökhorling Monastery, [ 22 ] during which Karma Tashi Öser the extraordinary lord of the family [ 23 ] and Karma Tonglam [ 24 ] [shared the role of retreat master]. Khyungtrul completely mastered Mahāmudrā, the six yogas of Nāropa, and all other essential Kagyu practices during the retreat. His spiritual practices were so impressive that he was, for a short while, appointed master of the retreat center in accordance with the lama’s command. [ 25 ] [When he turned thirty-three], [ 26 ] he led the life of a renunciant, abandoning everything and practicing meditation at various secluded places, such as Tashi Palri, [ 27 ] Pema Shelphuk, [ 28 ] and Karmo Taktsang [ 29 ] and eventually left for his homeland. On the way back home, he visited Netan Chokling Monastery Gyurme Ling, met the Second Cholking, Pema Gyurme Tekchok Tenpel, [ 30 ] and received many teachings, such as the Chokling treasure teachings, empowerments, transmissions, and instructions from him. He subsequently visited Kham Riwo Monastery, Dilyak Monastery, and Jang Tana Monastery [ 31 ] where he received a grand welcome and gave instructional teachings and maturing empowerments. After returning to his homeland, Khyungtrul stayed at Druk Vaṃlung Monastery [ 32 ] for a while and turned the wheel of the teachings for his karmically fortunate followers. Since he was a treasure revealer and particularly an accomplished practitioner of the profound secret mantra, there were requisites for him, such as relying on the mudrā of another’s body, so he took Tanaza Rigzin Drölma [ 33 ] as a consort. However, some ordinary people [from his homeland] objected and disapproved of his taking a consort and criticized him explicitly and implicitly. As a result, Khyungtrul Rinpoché decided to leave his homeland for a period to embark on a pilgrimage to U-Tsang with his secret consort Tanaza Rigzin Drölma. He remained in U-Tsang for many years, visiting various sacred sites, practicing meditation at sacred places of Guru [Rinpoche], such as Samye Chimpu, [ 34 ] and composing many treatises and songs of realization. He conducted many religious activities while in Lhasa, including giving the empowerment and transmission of the Rinchen Terdzö (The Treasury of Precious Revealed Scriptures). [ 35 ] Then he returned to his homeland, and at his Druk Heru Monastery, he expanded the assembly hall and other areas and rebuilt temples and shrines. Thereafter, it received the name Heru Ngedön Sangngak Chökhorling. He also built his residence named Changlochen [ 36 ] and the Secret Mantra Palace meditation hall and stayed there regularly. There the teachings of scholars and adepts pervaded in all directions, and he constantly turned the wheel of the teachings to unfathomable assemblies of disciples and emanations—chiefly the lamas and emanations of the non-sectarian movement. Sometimes he traveled to other regions to give empowerments and teachings. He conferred the empowerment and transmission of the Rinchen Terdzö at Netan Monastery in Chimé and Shakchö Monastery in Khyungpo, [ 37 ] the empowerment and transmission of the Damngak Dzö (The Treasury of Precious Instructions) at Tsangsar Monastery, [ 38 ] and the empowerment of the Kagyu Ngakdzö (The Treasury of Kagyu Mantras) at Rago Tsokha Monastery. [ 39 ] There were many other empowerments, transmissions, instructions that he gave at Sertsa Tashi Ling Monastery [of the Bön tradition] and Tsangsar Lakhyab Monastery. [ 40 ] He also stayed at Jang Tana Monastery, the monastic seat of Drogön Yelpa for a long time, properly supporting the Yelpa teachings. In short, he was a lama of the non-sectarian movement of the philosophies of the Sakya, Geluk, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Yungdrung Bön; all revered him as a boundless superior being. Accordingly, having accomplished the benefit of self and others, Khyungtrül Pema Trinlé Gyatso passed away at the age of sixty-three on the eighteenth day of the Month of Miracles (the first month) of Earth, Bird year, 1948, at Tana Monastery. It was exactly on that day when Drogön Sangyé Yelpa passed away. [ 41 ] When Khyungtrul passed away, there were many astonishing signs, which once again established the disciples into a place of faith. His main disciples were his son Pema Gyurme, Kongtrul Lodrö Rabpel, Tsangsar Lodrö Rinchen [of the Barom Kagyu], Tana Penpa Tulku, Tana Drubgyu Tulku, Suru Jokhyab, etc. [ 42 ] There were many other disciples with whom he had a spiritual connection, such as [the Eighth] Adeu Rinpoche Drubrik Khyuchok, the [Ninth] Benchen Sangye Nyenpa, Dilyak Dabsang, Japa Sangye Tenzin, the [Eleventh] Situ Pema Wangchuk Gyalpo, [ 43 ] the Second Chokling, and many others. He had such a great assembly of students that there were almost none of the great lamas of his time who did not have a lama-disciple relationship with him. Among the chief disciples: his son Pema Gyurme was the main lineage holder of both his family lineage and teachings. He was a sovereign of loving-kindness and compassion, a vegetarian, a realized yogin intent upon the profound meaning, a holder of the fields of knowledge, a holder of his father’s lineage of Karma Garsar calligraphy, a disseminator of his father’s empowerments, transmissions, and instructions, and a preserver of his father’s collected works. For this, I wish to express much gratitude to him. Khyungtrul Pema Trinle Gyatso’s teachings, which are contained in about four volumes, are: Secret Embodiment of the Three Kāyas: Accomplishing the Enlightened Mind of the Guru , The Ocean of the Dohās of the Early Translation Nyingma School , The Ocean of Drukpa Dohā, The Excellent Vase of Nectar from The Grand Ritual of Severance , [ 44 ] instructional manuals on the creation and completion stages, songs of spiritual experience, a large volume of mind treasure teachings, and many other texts. COLOPHON Composed by Khen Orgyen Namgyal NOTES [1] khyung sprul pad+ma phrin las rgya mtsho [2] Khyungtrul’s memoir (rang rnam) mentions e waM lung pa'i d+hU ti'i sbubs/ ri bo me ltar 'bar ba'i zhol as his birthplace. Through personal communication, a resident of Meshung said the name of ri bo me ltar 'bar ba is Kyangtang Khampa (rkyang thang kham pa). [3] Drongpa Meshung ('brong pa rme gzhung) was formally known as Sengshung (seng gzhung), the valley looking like a resting lion, located in Nangchen. [4] 'byo mi pham brtson 'grus and a gro bza' bde ldan mtsho [5] Drubchen Ngawang Tsoknyi (grub chen ngag dbang tshogs gnyis, 1828–1888) was a highly realized mantra holder and Drukpa Kagyu master born in Senge Dzong, Kham, in 1828. His father was Ugyen Gönpo and mother was Drongza Lhamo Dröl. He passed away in 1888. [6] dpal ldan lha mo dus gsol ma [7] kar ma pa 15 mkha' khyab rdo rje, 1870?–1921?, BDRC P563 [8] The vows of the lay disciple (dge bsnen gyi sdom pa, upāsakasaṃvara) consists of the five precepts (bslab pa lnga, pañcasīla): (1) Not to kill, (2) Not to steal, (3) Not to engage in sexual misconduct, (4) Not to lie, and (5) Not to use intoxicants. [9] 'jam dbyangs mkhyen btse dbang po, 1820–1892, BDRC P258 [10] rdzong sar dgon, BDRC G213 [11] 'jam mgon kong sprul blo gros mtha' yas, 1813–1899, BDRC P264 and dpal spungs, BDRC G36 , seat of Situ Pema Wangchuk Gyalpo and Jamgön Kongtrul [12] Druk Heru Monastery ('brug heru dgon) was initially founded by Gyalwang Dechen Dorje. [13] Trulshik Monastery ('khrul zhig dgon) is the seat of Satrul Rigzin Chögyal located in Nangchen Sharda. [14] Satrul Rigzin Chögyal (sa sprul rig 'dzin chos rgyas) was the sixth reincarnation of Satrul, born in the fifteenth sexagenary cycle. His father was a prince to Nangchen King, and his mother was a daughter to the Drongpa chieftain. [15] rdzog chen dgon pa, BDRC G16 [16] rdzogs chen grub dbang 05 thub bstan chos kyi rdo rje, 1872–1935, BDRC P701 [17] rgyal sras byams pa mtha' yas and thub bstan chos kyi snang ba [18] mkhan chen bkra shis 'od zer, 1836–1910, BDRC P1373 [19] It is said that Gyalwang Dechen Dorje (rgyal dbang bde chen rdo rje) built a hundred and eight Guru temples, including Heru Monastery and Vamlung monastery. stag sham nus ldan rdo rje, b. 1655, BDRC P663 and klong chen rab 'byams, 1308–1364, BDRC P1583 [20] kaH thog mkhan thub bstan rgyal mtshan 'od zer, b. 1862, BDRC P6048 ; 'jam mgon mi pham rnam rgyal rgya mtsho, 1846–1921, BDRC P252 ; mkhan po gzhan dga', 1871–1927, BDRC P699 ; gnas sar bkar ma bkra shis chos 'phel, BDRC P6173 (one of the three chief disciples of Jamgön Kongtrul); rgya rong rtogs ldan; mu ra sprul sku 03 pad+ma bde chen bzang po, BDRC P8693 ; 'jam dbyang bkra shis rin chen; kaH thog si tu 03 chos kyi gya mtsho, 1880–1923/1925, BDRC P706 ; mchog gling gter sras tshe dbang nor bu, BDRC P2713 , the second son of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa [21] khyung po, a place in Kham [22] dpal spungs thub bstan chos 'khor gling gi sgrub sde bsams gtam chos gling [23] karma bkra shis 'od zer [24] karma mthong lam [25] According to the oral account, he was appointed as a retreat master for the next three-year retreat program. [26] According to the oral record, at the age of thirty-three, he left the Palpung Monastery for his homeland. [27] bkra shis dpal ri, a sacred site in Kham [28] pad+ma shel phug, BDRC G3624 [29] dkar mo stag tshang, BDRC G3625 [30] gnas brtan mchog gling 02 pad+ma 'gyur med theg mchog bstan 'phel, 1873/1874–1927, BDRC P1AG97 [31] byang rta rna dgon pa, BDRC G2628 [32] Druk Vaṃlung Monastery ('brug vaM lung dgon) was initially founded by Gyalwang Dechen Dorje in the twelfth sexagenary cycle, located in Drongpa Meshung [33] rta rna bza' rig 'dzin sgrol ma [34] bsam yas mchim phu, BDRC G3528 [35] rin chen gter mdzod [36] lcang lo can [37] Netan Monastery (gnas brtan dgon, BDRC G1AG98 ), the seat of Chokgyur Lingpa, is located in Chimé, southwest of Nangchen. Shakchö Monastery (khyung po zhag gcod dgon), is a Karma Kagyu monastery, founded by Shagchö Tashi Palzang in 1533 in Khyungpo. [38] gdam ngag mdzod; Tsangsar Monastery (tshangs sar dgon) is a Barom Kagyu Monastery and the seat of Tsangsar Lodrö Rinchen. [39] bka' brgyud sngags mdzod and ra mgo mtsho kha dgon [40] gser rtsa bkra shis gling (a Bön Monastery in Sertsa) and tsangs sar bla khyabs [41] Drogön Sangye Yelpa ('gro mgon sangs rgyas yal pa) is the founder of Yalpa Kagyu School. [42] pad+ma 'gyur med 1929–1999; kong sprul blo grus rab 'phel, 1901–1958, BDRC P1PD108567 ; tshangs sar blo gros rin chen; rta rna spen pa sprul ku; rta rna sgrub rgyud sprul sku; gzu ru jo skyabs [43] a lde'u grub rigs khyu mchog, 1930–2007, BDRC P6757 ; ban chen sangs rgyas gnyen pa 09 karma bshad sgrub btsan pa'i nyi ma 1897–1962, BDRC P934 ; dil yag zla bzang; ja pa sangs rgyas bstan 'dzin 1919–2001; ta'i si tu 11 pad+ma dbang mchog rgyal po, 1886–1952, BDRC P925 [44] Some of his teachings include gu ru'i thugs sgrub sku gsum gsang ba 'dus pa, snga 'gyur snying ma'i mgur mtsho, 'brug pa'i mgur mtsho, and gcod kyi tshogs las bdud rtsi bum bzang. Photo Credit: Heru Monastery contributed by the translator Published: July 2021 Edited: February 2022 BIBLIOGRAPHY Khen Orgyan Namgyal (mkhan o rgyan rnam rgyal). 2021. khyung sprul pad+ma phrin las rgya mtsho'i rnam thar . London: Tib Shelf W003 Abstract Khyungtrul Pema Trinle Gyatso, also known as Khyungtrul Kargyam, was not said to be a reincarnation of any particular Lama. Yet, he was a treasure revealer, a highly learned master, and undeniably an important figure in the Rimé movement of the nineteenth century in Kham. His writings comprise around four volumes which were collected and preserved by his son Pema Gyurme. Pema Gyurme’s disciple, Khen Orgyen Namgyal, composed this short biographical text, using Khyungtrul’s autobiography and the oral account. TIB SHELF W003 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION Drukpa Kagyu INCARNATION LINE None HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century 20th Century TEACHERS The Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakyab Dorje Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye The Fifth Dzogtrul Tubten Chökyi Dorje Khenchen Tashi Öser Katok Khen Tubten Gyaltsen Öser Jamgön Mipam Namgyal Gyatso Khenpo Shenga Nesar Karma Tashi Chöphel Mura Pema Dechen Sangpo The Third Katok Situ, Chökyi Gyatso Chokling Terse Jigme Tsewang Norbu The Second Cholking, Ngedön Drubpe Dorje The BDRC Identifications have not been found for the following. Please contact us if you have any information: Satrül Rigzin Chögyal Gyalse Jampa Taye Tubten Chökyi Nangwa Gyarong Tokden Jamyang Tashi Rinchen Karma Tashi Öser Karma Tonglam TRANSLATOR Rinzin Dorjee Drongpa INSTITUTIONS Dzongsar Monastery Palpung Monastery Trulshik Monastery Dzogchen Monastery Pema Shelphuk Karmo Taktsang Netan Monastery Jang Tana Monastery Samye Chimpu The BDRC Identifications have not been found for the following. Please contact us if you have any information: Druk Heru Monastery Tashi Palri Kham Riwo Monastery Dilyak Monastery Druk Vaṃlung Monastery Shakchö Monastery Tsangsar Monastery Rago Tsokha Monastery Sertsa Tashi Ling Monastery Tsangsar Lakhyab Monastery Changlochen Residence STUDENTS Dzigar Kongtrul Lodrö Rabpel The Eighth Adeu Rinpoche Drubrik Khyuchok The Ninth Benchen Sangye Nyenpa, Karma Shedrub Tenpe Nyima The Eleventh Situ Pema Wangchuk Gyalpo The Second Cholking, Ngedön Drubpe Dorje The BDRC Identifications have not been found for the following. Please contact us if you have any information: Pema Gyurme Tsangsar Lodrö Rinchen Tana Penpa Tulku Tana Drubgyü Tulku Suru Jokhyab Dilyak Dabsang Japa Sangye Tenzin AUTHOR Khen Orgyen Namgyal The Biography of Khyungtrul Pema Trinle Gyatso VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate Subscribe to our newsletter Support Tib Shelf's ongoing work & Subscribe Today! Name * Email* Submit Tib Shelf is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to translating, presenting and preserving primary source Tibetan texts across a vast array of genres and time periods. We make these literary treasures accessible to readers worldwide, offering a unique window into Tibet's rich history, culture and traditions. 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Treasure Revealer Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje 1800–1866 BDRC P698 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE HAR Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje (1800–1866) was born in the Golok region of Amdo after a mythic and divine conception. He spent many years of his youth with the Drigung sect and his root guru, the First Dodrubchen, Jigme Trinle Özer . He was later recognized as an emanation of Jigme Lingpa (1729–1798) and is remembered as a wild yogi and treasure revealer, leading a life filled with magical narratives. Aspirational Prayer The Truthful Words of a Sage Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje Do Khyentse's final aspirational prayer from his Dzinpa Rangdröl treasures, concluding the Exceedingly Secret Enlightened Heart Essence of the Ḍākinī collection. Read Biography The Hook Which Invokes Blessings: A Supplication to the Life and Liberation of Knowledge-Holder Jalu Dorje Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje A self-penned biographical prayer by Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje, composed at the request of Trokyab's king Namkha Lhündrub, invoking blessings through life stories. Read Aspirational Prayer For the Long Life of Ḍākki Losal Drölma Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje Do Khyentse, writing as Tragtung Dorje, crafts a long-life prayer for Ḍākki Losal Drölma that playfully incorporates her lesser-known name Drön while praising her spiritual attainments. Read Guru Yoga, Prayer, Supplication Prayer Cloudbanks of Blessings: A Guru Yoga Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje A rare guru yoga from Do Khyentse's treasure teachings centered on a historical yoginī, revealing unique insights into female practitioners and tantric transformation in Tibet. Read Lineage Prayer A Lineage Prayer for the Natural Liberation of Grasping Gyalwang Nyima, Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje A compilation of supplication verses and transmission lineage for Do Khyentse's Dzinpa Rangdröl treasure cycle, arranged by Galwang Nyima from original revealed texts. Read Translated Works Biography The Biography of Ḍākki Losal Drölma Tubten Chödar A realized female master, Ḍākki Losal Drölma served as custodian of her half-brother Do Khyentse's treasure teachings while deepening her own spiritual attainments in Tibet's sacred sites Read Biography The Biography of Gyalse Rigpe Raltri Tubten Chödar Son of Do Khyentse and recognized as Jigme Lingpa's son's reincarnation, Rigpe Raltri became a revered Minyak guru, transmitting the Yangsang Khandro Tugtik treasures to his own son. Read Biography A Brief Biography of Jetsunma Do Dasal Wangmo Tsangpo A renowned female master in eastern Tibet, Do Dasal Wangmo - Do Khyentse's great-granddaughter - served as nun, physician, and treasure revealer, later teaching medicine despite political hardship. Read Biography Biography Of Getse Lama Jigme Ngotsar Gyatso Tenzin Lungtok Nyima Getse Lama Jigme Ngotsar Gyatso, disciple of Jigme Lingpa and founder of Kilung Monastery, spread the Longchen Nyingtik teachings while establishing his own enduring legacy. Read Biography Abridged Biographies: The Lineage of the Do Family Do Dasal Wangmo Chronicling Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje's lineage, with special attention to his half-sister Losal Drölma - an honored teacher whose story emerges from the margins of temple narratives. Read Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

Librarian and Author Tubten Chödar b. 1969 BDRC P6329 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE According to his BDRC profile, Tubten Chodar is a librarian and a scholar from the Minyak region of Kham. What we do know is that he has written many biographies of a great many figures in Tibetan history. Biography The Biography of Ḍākki Losal Drölma Tubten Chödar A realized female master, Ḍākki Losal Drölma served as custodian of her half-brother Do Khyentse's treasure teachings while deepening her own spiritual attainments in Tibet's sacred sites Read Biography The Biography of Gyalse Rigpe Raltri Tubten Chödar Son of Do Khyentse and recognized as Jigme Lingpa's son's reincarnation, Rigpe Raltri became a revered Minyak guru, transmitting the Yangsang Khandro Tugtik treasures to his own son. Read Timetable A Chronological Timetable: Lives of Do Khyentse’s Familial Line Tubten Chödar A chronology of birth and death dates mapping Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje's family lineage through its key figures and connections. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

Treasure Revealer Dudjom Lingpa 1835–1903 BDRC P705 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE HAR Dudjom Lingpa, born in 1835 in the Serta valley of eastern Tibet, was a renowned Nyingma treasure revealer (tertön) and Dzogchen master recognized as a reincarnation of Tertön Dudul Dorje . From an early age, he experienced profound visionary encounters with deities, heroes, and ḍākinīs, who guided him toward his destiny as a teacher and revealer of sacred texts. Despite a nomadic and challenging lifestyle, he uncovered several treasure cycles, including the widely practiced Dudjom Tersar lineage, and cultivated a family of influential spiritual heirs. Known for his unconventional and rugged persona, Dudjom Lingpa’s teachings bridged ancient Tibetan spiritual wisdom with a fresh, accessible approach, earning him lasting reverence among Tibetan Buddhist practitioners. Guidebook Hidden Sacred Land of Pemakö Dudjom Lingpa Dudjom Lingpa maps Pemakö's sacred geography, revealing its power spots, deity abodes, and purifying landscapes through traditional guidebook wisdom and spiritual insight. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

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Polymath The Fifth Lelung Zhepe Dorje 1697–1740 BDRC P675 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE PHOTO CREDIT The Fifth Lelung Jedrung, Lobzang Trinle (1697–1740), on being recognized as the reincarnation of the Fourth Lelung Jedrung, Gendun Chögyal, had his hair-cutting ceremony carried out by the Sixth Dalai Lama (1683–1706) in 1702. Later the treasure revealer Chöje Lingpa (1681–1720/1722) prophesied that Lelung would be the one to receive and propagate a treasure cycle focussed on a peaceful and wrathful form of Avalokiteśvara. His collected works total some forty-six volumes. In 1740 he passed away at the age of forty-three and was posthumously declared to be the protector deity Dragshul Wangpo who is focused on subduing the spirit Dorje Shugden. Prayer The Outer, Inner, and Secret Practice Cycle of Zhepe Dorje Lelung Zhepe Dorje This text presents the outer, inner, and secret practice cycles of Zhepe Dorje, transmitted by Lhachik Nyima Zhönu—a protector deity revealed through pure vision—in 1730 and recorded in 1731. Read Prayer Opening the Door to Prosperity: A Praise to Invoke the Sacred Commitment of the Great Shanglön Dorje Dudul Lelung Zhepe Dorje Devotional praises invoking Shanglön Dorje Dudul, composed by Lelung Zhepe Dorje, describe him in great detail as a dark blue yakṣa figure adorned with jewels, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel and nectar vase, and capable of transforming into various wrathful forms. Read Song A Series of Spontaneous Spiritual Songs Lelung Zhepe Dorje Two spontaneous songs by Lelung Zhepe Dorje: one honoring the mysterious Je Traktung Pawo, another celebrating unobstructed awareness - both transmitting direct spiritual experience through verse. Read Aspirational Prayer The Magical Lasso: A Prayer of Aspiration to Accomplish Khecara Lelung Zhepe Dorje A heartfelt prayer to the ḍākinīs of three worlds, composed at Pemokö's Dudul Dewa Chenpo, seeking blessings to master the Vajrayāna path for all beings' benefit. Read Pure Vision Chapter Narrating the Pure Vision of Gesar Lelung Zhepe Dorje Senior Geluk figure Lelung Zhepe Dorje (1697-1740) recounts his extraordinary 1729 pure vision of Gesar of Ling, marking a rare intersection of Geluk tradition with Tibet's epic hero. Read Buddhist An Aspiration to Travel to the Hidden Land of Pemokö Lelung Zhepe Dorje A prayer aspiring to rebirth in Pemokö, a sacred hidden land where dharmic conditions flourish and worldly obstacles dissolve - composed by Lelung Zhepe Dorje. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

Teacher Rigpe Raltri 1830–1896 BDRC P7933 TREASURY OF LIVES HAR Dechen Rigpe Raltri (1830–1896), son of Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje , was a significant Tibetan Buddhist master known for his spiritual lineage and miraculous life events. Born in Golok, his name, "The Blissful Sword of Awareness," was inspired by the legendary appearance of a golden sword at his birth. Identified as the reincarnation of Jigme Nyinche Özer, son of Jigme Lingpa , Rigpe Raltri trained under masters like Mingyur Namke Dorje and Dza Patrul Rinpoche at Dzogchen Monastery. He later led several monastic institutions and preserved his father's teachings, including overseeing the construction of Do Khyentse's reliquary stūpa. Renowned for his profound practice and contributions, he passed away in 1896, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. Translated Works Biography The Biography of Ḍākki Losal Drölma Tubten Chödar A realized female master, Ḍākki Losal Drölma served as custodian of her half-brother Do Khyentse's treasure teachings while deepening her own spiritual attainments in Tibet's sacred sites Read Biography The Biography of Gyalse Rigpe Raltri Tubten Chödar Son of Do Khyentse and recognized as Jigme Lingpa's son's reincarnation, Rigpe Raltri became a revered Minyak guru, transmitting the Yangsang Khandro Tugtik treasures to his own son. Read Timetable A Chronological Timetable: Lives of Do Khyentse’s Familial Line Tubten Chödar A chronology of birth and death dates mapping Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje's family lineage through its key figures and connections. Read Biography A Brief Biography of Jetsunma Do Dasal Wangmo Tsangpo A renowned female master in eastern Tibet, Do Dasal Wangmo - Do Khyentse's great-granddaughter - served as nun, physician, and treasure revealer, later teaching medicine despite political hardship. Read Biography Abbreviated Biography of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye Jamgön Kongtrul celebrates Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo's mastery of diverse Tibetan spiritual traditions in this reverent biographical account. Read Lineage Prayer A Lineage Prayer for the Natural Liberation of Grasping Gyalwang Nyima, Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje A compilation of supplication verses and transmission lineage for Do Khyentse's Dzinpa Rangdröl treasure cycle, arranged by Galwang Nyima from original revealed texts. Read Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

Translator Butön Rinchen Drub 1290–1364 BDRC P155 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE HAR Butön Rinchen Drub (1290–1364) was a renowned Tibetan Buddhist scholar, abbot, and translator who significantly contributed to the development of the Tibetan Buddhist canon. Born into a family of Nyingma lineage, he received extensive teachings in sūtra and tantra from various masters, including his parents and other prominent teachers of the time. Ordained at eighteen, he mastered a wide range of texts, philosophies, and practices, including the Prajñāpāramitā, Madhyamaka, and various tantric traditions such as Kālacakra and Hevajra. In 1320, he became the eleventh abbot of Zhalu Monastery, where he expanded its facilities and established a college for the study of sūtra and tantra. Butön is especially known for editing and organizing the Tibetan Kangyur and Tengyur, though he controversially excluded Nyingma tantras. A prolific teacher and writer, his works include treatises on Buddhist philosophy, tantra, and history, most notably his History of Buddhism . He retired in 1356 and passed away in 1364, leaving behind a rich legacy preserved in later woodblock editions of his writings. Advice Essential Advice in Three Sets of Three Butön Rinchen Drub Butön Rinchen Drup's concise text outlines ascending qualities for sages, bodhisattvas, and Mantrayāna practitioners, mirroring the progression through Buddhism's three vehicles. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

Geluk Founder Tsongkhapa Lobzang Dragpa 1357–1419 BDRC P64 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE HAR Tsongkhapa Lobzang Dragpa was the founder of Gelugpa order, the most dominant religious sect in the history of Tibet. At the age of sixteen, he traveled from Tsongkha in Amdo to Utsang, central Tibet, a place where he came to influence greatly. He was a prominent teacher, philosopher, and yogi during a time when Buddhist intellectualism developed considerably. He emphasized the monastic code, reinterpreted Madhyamaka philosophy, inaugurated the Great Prayer Festival (Mönlam Chemo), founded Ganden Monastery, and composed his most famous work, The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lamrim Chenmo ). His intellectual legacy changed the course of Tibetan history and is still very much alive. Praises In Praise of the Goddess Sarasvatī Tsongkhapa Lobzang Dragpa Tsongkhapa's celebrated ode to Sarasvatī resonates beyond monastery walls into Tibet's artistic and literary spheres, becoming a cultural touchstone of devotional poetry. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Terms of Use Privacy Policy Donate SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen