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  • The Drop of Spring: A Spontaneous Vajra Song of Definitive Meaning That Supplicates the Great Charioteers of the Luminous Mahāmudrā

    A vajra song supplicating the early Dagpo Kagyu masters while expressing aspirations for realization through the luminous Mahāmudrā path. The Drop of Spring: A Spontaneous Vajra Song of Definitive Meaning That Supplicates the Great Charioteers of the Luminous Mahāmudrā A ho! Conjoining the pristine primordial wisdom free of elaborations With the youthfulness of luminous great bliss, You attained union endowed with the supreme of all aspects and bear the major and minor marks of perfect accomplishment. Great Buddha Vajradhara, I long for you from the center of my heart— Bless me to realize the unborn true nature! Vajra Queen, devourer of the three existences, with your magical illusions You bring the fortunate to a banquet of the two accomplishments And experientially reveal the naturally liberated truth of the fundamental nature. Chief of the primordial wisdom ḍākinīs, I long for you from the center of my heart— Bless me to accomplish the unchanging supreme bliss! Displaying the drop of the primordially changeless nature of reality [365] As a playful emanation of the three seats of phenomena, You bestowed the short path of the ultimate secret yoga to the fortunate. Tilopa Prajñābhadra, [ 1 ] I long for you from the center of my heart— Bless me to realize the transcendent continuum! By the marvelous chariot of eighty-two challenging deeds, You approached the lotus feet of the presiding lord, the glorious guru, And attained the precious qualities of the stages and paths in a single moment. Reverend Lord Nāropa, [ 2 ] I long for you from the center of my heart— Bless me to obtain the nectar of maturation and liberation! The flowers of the secret tantras blossom in the ocean-like multitudes of teachings and practices; By tapping them to extract the honey-like nectar of the essential pith instructions, You introduced the intelligent to the restfulness of the supreme adepts. Yogin Marpa the Translator, [ 3 ] I long for you from the center of my heart— Bless me to realize the innate primordial wisdom! Driven by the wind of an intense and genuine determination to be free, You firmly secured yourself to the boat of the true nature, inner suchness, And crossed to the other shore of the ocean of existence and peace. Mila Zhepe Dorje, [ 4 ] I long for you from the center of my heart— Bless me to reach the ultimate goal in one life! Outwardly, you are a spiritual friend of the Mahāyāna fully trained in bodhicitta; Inwardly, you are a practitioner of the Vajrayāna treading the path of maturation and liberation; Secretly, you are the crown jewel of the doctrine holders of the essential [366] profound meaning. Dharma King Da Ö Zhönu, [ 5 ] I long for you from the center of my heart— Bless me so that the two benefits are accomplished spontaneously! In short, the beacons of the aural lineage of the ultimate and swift path Introduce all beings of the Land of Snow to the light of liberation And guide all with whom they have connections to the greatly blissful city of the three kāyas. Gurus of the Dagpo Kagyu of natural liberation, I long for you from the center of my heart— Bless me to realize all that is perceived as illusory! A ho! Although I have obtained the difficult to attain, the free and well-favored precious human body, I am disheartened at the way things appear to be—momentary and impermanent. Through the realization that wherever I am born in saṃsāra is naturally suffering— Bless me with the capacity to accept or reject cause and effect! Recognizing abodes, friends, and possessions to be a play of illusion, I deeply recall the revulsion toward insignificant things, come what may. In a cave of extreme isolation, under an overhanging cliff in a pleasing environment— Bless me to strive single-pointedly in practice! To accept the Three Jewels as the foremost refuge, To train in supreme bodhicitta both in aspiration and in deed, And to utterly expel all obscurations by utilizing the four powers— Bless me to achieve these goals and to endeavor on the path of the two accumulations! In particular, the embodiment of all the victors of the three times, The bodily display of [367] omniscient primordial wisdom, The presiding lord, the glorious guru possessing the three-fold kindness— Bless me to perfect uncontrived devotion! By the guru’s power, the empowerment that transfers vajra wisdom Purifies the three doors equally of all habitual tendencies of transference, [ 6 ] And one directly perceives the ultimate and unchanging, true fundamental nature— Bless me to liberate saṃsāra and nirvāṇa into the central channel! The form, arisen from the essence that is the same as emptiness, Perceiving it as the union of appearance and emptiness, the body of the deity, Firmly binds common delusory concepts— Bless me to cultivate the excellent path of the creation stage! By being saturated with the nectar of the three kinds of training, I have accomplished the union of all winds that enter, abide, and arise, And become familiar with the outer, inner, and secret yoga of inner heat— Bless me in my blazing, dripping, and dissolving in the central channel! [ 7 ] Resting in the actual primordial wisdom of near attainment during equipoise And perceiving all things as the eight similes of illusion [ 8 ] during subsequent cognition Familiarizes one with the illusory clarity-emptiness, pure and devoid of clinging— Bless me to accomplish the level of union! Having entered the luminosity of supreme bliss through complete or subsequent dissolution And conjoined it [368] with the essence of the four empties in an experience of equality, Everything is liberated into the space of the vajra mind of perfect accomplishment— Bless me to dissolve into the dharmakāya of death! Holding the wind and mind inseparably in the drop of the throat And viewing daytime appearances as only the entering and emerging of dreams, Conjoin one with the practice that recognizes derivative delusion for what it is— Bless me to master purification, multiplication, emanation, and transformation! [ 9 ] Familiarizing myself with the view that sees all phenomena as the unreal appearances of the intermediate state, The direct cause of being able to see those appearances as deity, mantra, and dharmakāya Merges the intermediate state with the level of the saṃbhogakāya— Bless me to achieve the supreme attainment! Although the ultimate is beyond elaborate characteristics, such as coming and going, Conventionally, by relying upon a messenger of yogic breath practice, The wind, mind, and drop are ejected into the space of the dhūti [ 10 ] — Bless me to attain the unerring Khecara ! [ 11 ] The meditative absorption of calm-abiding abandons all coarse and subtle concepts. When magnificently perfected, it is like a placid ocean. By embracing it with the insight of the inexpressible and self-arisen true nature— Bless me to realize their inseparable union! One-pointedness is remaining in a state of clarity-emptiness in the yoga of visionary experiences. Freedom from elaborations is realizing the original fundamental nature upon the path of seeing. One taste is being free from abandoning, adopting, denying, and affirming— Bless me to secure these along with the fourth, the stronghold of non-meditation! Through familiarizing myself with primordially innate, unchanging great bliss— The indivisible E and VAM, the drop of spring— And by introducing the indicative wisdom as the uncovered, true primordial wisdom— Bless me to perceive the definitive meaning of Mahāmudrā! Accordingly, by relying upon the vajra yogas of the swift path And maintaining my commitments and vows in a faultless form During the experiences of this life, at the time of death, and in the intermediate state— Bless me to achieve the level of the three kāyas! If the power of karma causes me to enter existence, Bless me to be born into the sharp-witted Vajrayāna family, And with songs intoxicated with the nectar of maturation and liberation— Bless me to proceed to the cities of accomplishment! In this way, with resolute respect, a supplicating song of the definitive meaning Was sung with a lotus-like and pleasing voice that is free of attachment On the twenty-fifth day during the waning phase when the heroes and ḍākinīs assembled To make an aspiration prayer to realize transcendent luminosity. COLOPHON This supplication to the great masters who attained accomplishment through the path of the luminous Mahāmudrā in conjunction with aspirational prayers of the profound path was freely composed by the renunciate beggar called Tsuglak Mawé Nyima [ 12 ] on the twenty-fifth day under the light of a butter lamp near the glorious Taklung Monastery. [ 13 ] Siddhirastu! [ 14 ] NOTES The Drop of Spring is a vajra song that invokes the Dagpo Kagyu Mahāmudrā lineage, recounts a brief tale of each of this tradition’s earliest masters, and requests inspiration to complete the path of awakening. According to the colophon, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo composed this text spontaneously while seated near a butter lamp just outside Taklung Monastery. The song is divided into two main sections: lineage supplications and aspirations. The lineage supplicated is comprised of the earliest Mahāmudrā masters of the Dagpo Kagyu. Each stanza contains a vignette of a master, followed by Khyentse Wangpo’s heart-filled request for that master’s blessing. The aspirations begin with the four thoughts that turn the mind to the Buddhist teachings: precious human birth, impermanence, suffering, and causality. Toward the end of the aspirations, Khyentse Wangpo sings about the foundations of the Vajrayāna path and the special practices of Mahāmudrā. [1] te lo pa, 988–1069, BDRC P4024 [2] nA ro pa, 1012/1016–1100, BDRC P3085 [3] mar pa lo tsA ba chos kyi blo gros, 1012?–1097, BDRC P2636 [4] Milarepa (mi la bzhad pa’i rdo rje, 1040–1123, BDRC P1853 ) [5] Gampopa (dwags po zla ’od gzhon nu, 1079–1153, BDRC P1844 ) [6] “Habitual tendencies of transference” has a range of meaning but generally refers to the “transference of the elements during union.” For an extensive explanation, see Padmasambhava, The Light of Wisdom , Vol. 2, 281, n. 204. [7] The “yoga of inner heat” is a reference to tummo ( gtum mo ) practice. [8] The “eight similes” are that phenomena are like: (1) a dream, (2) an illusion, (3) an optical illusion, (4) a mirage, (5) a reflection of the moon in water, (6) an echo, (7) the City of the Gandharvas, and (8) a phantom. For more detail, see The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism , entry on the “Eight Similes of Illusion” in the “List of Lists,” 73. [9] This stanza alludes to the practice of dream-state illusion, a subset of the illusory-body practice of the Six Yogas. During this method, the practitioner enacts specific processes to recognize appearances have the exact nature of dreams, identify dream phenomena, stabilize the clarity of dream states, and manipulate these experiences. The final line of “purification, multiplication, emanation, and transformation” succinctly points to such skillful means. For a detailed explanation and secondary reading, see Jamgön Kongtrul, The Elements of Tantric Practice , 163 and 345, n. 51. [10] The Sanskrit term dhūti refers to the central channel. [11] Khecara ( mkha’ spyod ) is first and foremost a highly purified experience connected with spiritual accomplishments ( dngos grub , siddhi ) in Buddhist tantra. It is a manifestation in which one’s realization is a completely pure realm. Endowed with eight qualities, such as subtly of form, the higher classification of Khecara is an utterly pure realm where one can further train on the path. Associated with the realm of form, the god realm, and the human realm, this lesser state can be reached through meditative abilities or by yakṣī or siddha guides. For further reading on the topic, see Jamgön Kongtrul, Journey and Goal , 346–348. [12] Academic Nyima, or Tsuglak Mawé Nyima (gtsug lag smra ba’i nyi ma), is one of the pen names of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (’jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse’i dbang po, 1820–1892), BDRC P258 . [13] Taklung Gönchen (stag lung dgon chen, BDRC G67 ) [14] "Let there be success!" Published: April 2022 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Originally published for Khyentse Vision Project Photo credit: Himalayan Art Resources BIBLIOGRAPHY mkhyen brtse'i dbang po. 2014. ’od gsal phyag rgya chen po’i shing rta chen po rnams la gsol ba ’debs pa’i rdo rje’i thol glu nges don dpyid kyi thig le. In gsung ’bum/_mkhyen brtse’i dbang po, vol. 22 (za), 364.3–369.6. khams sde dge rdzong sar dgon: rdzong sar blo gros phun tshogs. BDRC W3PD1002 ———. 2013. ’od gsal phyag rgya chen po’i shing rta chen po rnams la gsol ba ’debs pa’i rdo rje’i thol glu nges don dpyid kyi thig le. In mkhyen brtse'i bka' babs, vol. 2 (kha) 167.1–174.3. dkar mdzes bod rigs rang skyong khul sde dge rdzong: rdzong sar khams bye’i slob gling. BDRC MW4PD2082 Secondary: Buswell Jr, Robert E. and Donald S. Lopez Jr, eds. The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism . Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2014. Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé. Journey and Goal: An Analysis of the Spiritual Path and Levels to Be Traversed and the Consummate Fruition State . In The Treasury of Knowledge, Books Nine and Ten . Translated by Kalu Rinpoché Translation Group. Ithaca, New York: Snow Lion Publications, 2011. ———. The Elements of Tantric Practice: A General Exposition of the Process of Meditation in the Indestructible Way of Secret Mantra . In The Treasury of Knowledge, Book Eight, Part Three . Translated by Kalu Rinpoché Translation Group. Ithaca, New York: Snow Lion Publications, 2008. Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche. Gateway to Knowledge: The Treatise Entitled the Gate for Entering the Way of a Paṇḍita, Vol. III . Translated by Erik Pema Kunsang. Boudhanath: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 2002. Padmasambhava and Jamgön Kongtrül. The Light of Wisdom, Vol. 2 . Translated by Erik Pema Kunsang. Boudhanath: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 1999 Abstract The Drop of Spring inspires us by supplicating the early Dagpo Kagyu lineage and making aspirational prayers on the path of the luminous Mahāmudrā. BDRC LINK W3PD1002 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 10:15 TRADITION Sakya Nyingma Marpa Kagyu INCARNATION LINE Dzogchen Khyentse Dzongsar Khyentse Beru Khyentse Dilgo Khyentse Pagchok Khyentse PREVIOUS & SUBSEQUENT INCARNATIONS Jigme Lingpa The Forty-Fourth Ngor Khenchen, Jampa Namkha Chimé Subsequent Incarnations Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Karma Jamyang Khyentse Özer Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Peljor The Third Dzongsar Khyentse, Khyentse Norbu The First Dzogchen Khyentse, Guru Tsewang HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf STUDENTS Jampa Tenzin Khamnyön Dharma Senge Khenchen Tashi Özer The Fourth Zhechen Gyaltsab, Gyurme Pema Namgyal Mipam Gyatso Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye Ngorpa Pönlob Loter Wangpo Dongkam Tulku, Ngawang Damchö Gyatso The Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakhyab Dorje Śākya Śrī The Fifth Dzogchen Drubwang, Tubten Chökyi Dorje Gatön Ngawang Legpa Karma Ngedön Tengye Tashi Rinchen Orgyen Tenzin Norbu The Second Dzaka Chogtrul Kunzang Namgyal The First Adzom Drugpa, Drodul Pawo Dorje Khenchen Tubten Gyaltsen Özer Jamyang Sherab Chökyi Nangwa The First Gyatrul, Dongak Tenzin Rigzin Gargyi Wangchuk Khenchen Tsewang Rigzin Tubten Legshe Zangpo Kunga Jampal Drakpa The Eighth Dzamtang Chöje, Mipam Chökyi Jampa Jamyang Dragpa Pema Tegchok Loden The Fifth Zhechen Rabjam, Pema Tegchok Tenpe Gyaltsen Nyoshul Lungtok Tenpe Gyaltsen Ayu Khandro Dorje Paldrön Minyak Kunzang Sönam Kunzang Gyurme Palden Chimé Takpe Dorje Chokgyur Lingpa Kunga Palden The Sixty-Fifth Ngor Khenchen, Dampa Rinpoche Ngawang Lodrö Zhenpen Nyingpo Ngawang Nyima Könchok Paldrön Ngawang Jampal Rinchen INSTITUTIONS Mindröling Ngor Ewaṃ Chöden Dzongsar Dzongshö Rongme Karmo Taktsang Khawa Karpo Pema Shelpuk TEACHERS Gelong Tubten Dröltön Jamyang Chögyan Kagyu Trinle Wangchuk The Fourth Dzogchen Drubwang, Mingyur Namkhe Dorje Könchok Tenpa Rabgye Yeshe Döndrub Tenpe Gyaltsen Gyurme Tutob Namgyal Chokgyur Lingpa Gyelse Zhenpen Taye Özer Pema Dudul Wangchuk Dorje Rinchen Zhalu Losal Tenkyong The Fourth Zimok, Jampa Tenzin Nyendrak Minling Jetsun Trinle Chödrön The Eighth Chagzam, Khyenrab Tutob Kachen Lobzang Gelek Khenpo Damchö Özer The Forty-Seventh Ngor Khenchen, Jampa Kunga Tenzin The Second Mogtsa, Chöying Dorje Khengen Rigzin Gyatso The First Gyatrul, Dongak Tenzin Pema Vajra Taklung Trirab Ngawang Tenpe Nyima Sakya Yabje Kunga Rinchen Jigme Gyalwe Nyugu Ngawang Namgyal AUTHOR Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo The Drop of Spring: A Spontaneous Vajra Song of Definitive Meaning That Supplicates the Great Charioteers of the Luminous Mahāmudrā 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. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • A Letter to Hotoktu Rinpoche

    A mysterious letter from the Ninth Paṇchen Lama's secretary to Hotoktu Rinpoche, now preserved in a French private collection - its acquisition history remains unknown. A Letter to Hotoktu Rinpoche I offer this at the feet of the incomparable glorious protector of the doctrine and beings, the venerable lord and excellent being, Hotoktu Rinpoche. [ 1 ] In these exceedingly virtuous times, I [hope] your supreme body, the singular eddy flowing from the pure conduct of your primordial and immense resolve to attain enlightenment and the source of precious jewels, is entirely brilliant. Moreover, the garland of your incomparable, marvellous deeds brings about the benefit and welfare of the teachings and beings in an all-pervasive manner, as if it is rising to the summit of existence. We are grateful for your loving care! I am also well, both mentally and physically. We humbly request that the precious emanation of the supreme protector, [the Paṇchen Lama], take up all the lifestyles of previous reincarnations and diligently engage in studying and conducting deeds beneficial for religious and secular matters. The main point of this letter is connected with an enquiry made by the head personal attendant Nomin Han . [ 2 ] Here, we have made good preparations for the long-life offering to the refuge protectors, victorious lords, father and son (the Paṇchen Lama and the Dalai Lama) and to serve and venerate the sangha. However, it has not been possible to obtain permission to do this in the last three years. Hence, [the Panchen Lama], like a thirsty person desires water, very much wishes to visit you. However, in addition to his old age, recently, from the beginning of the second month, he has developed an illness that is combined with phlegm, blood pressure, and bo disease. [ 3 ] It is increasingly worsening. Not only that, but the divination that was conducted last year indicated that the obstacles of his sixty-second year would be significant. This divination also indicated that there would be a slightly greater obstacle on the way. Subsequently, we do not have the hope that he will recover for a while or for you both to come together. At this time, the treasurer, master, and servants were specially delegated to offer gifts without delay to everyone, especially the government, in reciprocity with the gifts received. Apart from that, we have no choice but to take leave for a few years until his health is completely restored. Also, as the head personal attendant himself has [already] sent a separate detailed letter requesting permission to serve you, the Excellent Protector, when you come to Tibet, if you are definitely going to come, I hope his request will be answered with a positive result. Please keep us informed of your visit and, as per your wishes, we can choose and appoint suitable and new personal attendants. Please keep [these words] in the deep expanse of your mind. In the future, for the excellent benefit of the doctrine and beings, please spontaneously establish your precious feet in the everlasting nature. Moreover, may your enlightened resolve and beneficial activities be even better than before, and from that state, may you also keep your compassionate deeds uninterrupted like the Ganges river. I send this request and my regards along with a pair of ceremonial scarfs. [ 4 ] Sent on an auspicious date. COLOPHON None NOTES [1] If the letter is from the secretary of the Ninth Paṇchen Lama, then Hotoktu Rinpoche is khal kha rje btsun dam pa 08 ngag dbang blo bzang chos kyi nyi ma, or rje btsun dam pa ho thog thu rin po che, 1870/1871–1923/1924, BDRC P4945 [2] byabs khrus mkhan po no min han [3] 'bo nad [4] lha rdzas Photo Credit: Wikipedia Published: September 2021 BIBLIOGRAPHY paN chen bla ma 09 thub bstan chos kyi nyi ma (purported). Date unknown. Private Collection. London: Tib Shelf W003 Abstract This letter is purportedly from the secretary of the Ninth Paṇchen Lama to Hotoktu Rinpoche. It was purchased and is now conserved in a private collection in France. The means of the initial acquisition is unknown. We are happy to receive any information concerning this letter. TIB SHELF W003 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 03:35 TRADITION Geluk INCARNATION LINE Paṇchen Lama HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century 20th Century TEACHERS The Thirteenth Dalai Lama, Tubten Gyatso Ngawang Tsültrim Dönden Tenzin Wanggyal TRANSLATORS Rachael Griffiths Tib Shelf INSTITUTION Tashilhünpo Monastery STUDENTS Pema Chok Palsangpo The Fifth Jamyang Shepa, Lobsang Jamyang Yeshé Tenpé Gyaltsen Jigme Trinle Gyatso Lobsang Lungtok Jikmé Tenpé Gyaltsen Ngawang Tsültrim Dönden Jigme Tenpé Gyaltsen The Fifth Maṇipa, Lobsang Chöpel Gyatso AUTHORS The Secretary of The Ninth Paṇchen Lama Tubten Chökyi Nyima A Letter to Hotoktu Rinpoche 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. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • The Biography of Khyungtrul Pema Trinle Gyatso

    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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  • The Ruby Garland: A Genealogy of the Emperor Uhu Wang Genghis Khan

    A unique genealogy of Tibet's Barchung and Ju clans tracing their Genghis Khan lineage, offering rare insights into Mongolian Buddhism during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Ruby Garland: A Genealogy of the Emperor Uhu Wang Genghis Khan Mangalam Shining with a plethora of virtues and good qualities, Endowed with an uninterrupted stream of magnificent activities, A treasury of attainments that fulfils all wishes and desires, Auspiciously protect me through the supreme refuge, the three precious jewels. Displays of the vajra come in various compassionate expressions: Primordial wisdom and radiant intelligence of knowledge and love, Like an ocean of inexhaustible auspicious glory, Oh, glorious Guru, simultaneously bestow all these upon me! By the blessings and power of Manjughosha, During the waning moon whilst atop a mountain The young prince of Brahma descended the stairway of heaven Relying upon the sky cord—a divine lineage. I will briefly pen the source of Genghis Khan’s lineage. Well then, concerning the subject that I will discuss: The great scholar Lang [ 1 ] said, “Human ancestry is derived from the gods, and a stream comes from the snowy mountains.” Accordingly, I will arrange a condensed history of the royal lineage of the Divine Ruler and Manifestation of Manjughosha, Genghis Khan (1162–1227). Additionally, I will present those who have a connection with that history. This includes the royal lineage of the Great Ming (1368–1644) [ 2 ] and the many gurus and spiritual masters born for the benefit of all sentient beings. A long time ago, a young, beautiful, and handsome son of the resplendent gods descended the nine stages of the divine mu cord. [ 3 ] He came to rest upon a mountain peak adjacent to the Five-peaked Mountain in China (Wu Tai Shan). He was (1) Borta Ching, [ 4 ] the son of gods of heaven. His son was (2) Tachi Gen, and his son was (3) Tamcha Ga. [ 5 ] According to the oral tradition of that locale, Tamcha Ga’s son, (4) Chingji Mergen, [ 6 ] has the same basis of emanation as the great teacher Padmasambhava. Even in these times, it is said that Padmasambhava resides in the southwestern [continent], subduing demons. Chingji Mergen’s son was (5) Laudza Bera Ol, and his son was (6) Sikin Dun. [ 7 ] Sikin Dun’s son was (7) Semdza Odzi, and his son was (8) Laju. [ 8 ] His son was (9) Nunmer Gen. [ 9 ] After his death, when the queen called Alankho, or Lenlun Mo'o Ma [ 10 ] was widowed. It was at this time that a ray of light descended either from the sky or the sun and moon, striking her. Bliss enveloped her and she was impregnated. Consequently, she gave birth to a son named (10) Boton Char, or Charmer Gen. [ 11 ] Charmer Gen’s son was (11) Gachi Tei Hou, and his son was (12) Bikhir. [ 12 ] His son was (13) Manto Don, and his son was (14) Gaitu Gen. [ 13 ] Gaitu Gen’s son was (15) Bai Shing, and his son was (16) Khora Togshing. [ 14 ] His son was (17) Dumbi Hai Khen, and his son was (18) Gabu Lagen. [ 15 ] Gabu Lagen’s son was (19) Barten Badur, and his son (20) Yepur Gaba Dur, [ 16 ] the twentieth of the royal genealogy. It was at this point that Emperor Genghis Khan [ 17 ] was born to Yesugei (1134–1171) and his queen Hoelun [ 18 ] in the Water Horse Year (1162). [ 19 ] His actual name was Temunjen, also known as (21) Emperor Taitsu Zhin Uhu, [ 20 ] and he was a great emperor akin to the glorious and meritorious autumn and a manifestation of Manjughosha’s Wheel of Stability. When he turned fifty-seven in the Earth Female Rabbit Year (1219), [ 21 ] he captured the Chinese Emperor Hu Wang's capital, becoming the emperor of the empire of astrological science and the great eastern land of the world—China. Hence, he brought all territories under [the Emperor of China] and most other areas under his domain. He governed the empire for twenty-three years, passing into the heavens at the age of sixty-six (1227). From that time on, China's (Mongolia) political dominion had spread and flourished more than ever. Therefore, fortified castles were built in the borderlands and in each direction to sustain this power. Subsequently, the tradition of the hereditary princes [ 22 ] governing these fortified castles was established. The eldest prince, Jochi Khan (1182–1227), was appointed as the king of Tokmok. [ 23 ] The second prince, Chagatai Khan (1183–1241), was given the rank of prince and was appointed as the ruler of the northern lands, principally Tokar, [ 24 ] belonging to the lower northern area of the Five-Peak Mountain, and all the areas to the north-east. He governed the Yerkhen Fortress [ 25 ] and was the actual ancestor of Kalkha Dondrub Wang, the Ju clan, and the six tribes of the Barchung clan, all of which are known in Tibet. [ 26 ] Chagatai Khan had five princes, of which the eldest, Abo La, [ 27 ] succeeded as regent. The second son, I Mama Huli, became the king of Kha Che (Islamic world) and resided at the Red Soil Fort. [ 28 ] The third son, Atira Maha Mari, became the king of India and resided at the Balasha Fort. [ 29 ] The fourth son, Kongkha Ratolo, became the king of Rom and resided at Domala Fort. [ 30 ] The fifth and youngest son, Temur, became the king of Oru Kho and was said to have resided at Bhuha Fort. [ 31 ] The aforementioned great Emperor Genghis Khan’s third son, Ogedei Khan (1185–1241), or (22) Emperor Taitsung Ingwen Hu, [ 32 ] ruled the empire for thirteen years. His son, Guyuk Khan (1206–1248), also known as (23) Emperor Tingtsung Stiyan Pinghu, [ 33 ] ruled the empire for six months. The fourth son of Genghis Khan was Tongkha Tolo. [ 34 ] His eldest son ruled the empire under the names of Mongke Khan (1209–1259), Emperor Shiyen Tsunghu Bansuhu, and Monggol Gengya. [ 35 ] All the Tibetan areas, including Utsang, Ngari, and upper and lower Do Kham, were gradually subdued by military forces during the [reign of] Prince Godan Khan (1206–1251), [ 36 ] Guyuk Khan, and Mongke Khan. Mongke Khan’s son, (24) Kublai Khan (1215–1294), widely known to Tibetans and Mongols as Sechen Gengyar, [ 37 ] ruled the kingdom for thirty-five years. Under his rule, the sacred doctrine spread and prospered, making significant contributions in service of the Buddhis teachings. He honoured great beings and gurus from the Sakya, Nyingma, and Kagyu orders, living until the age of eighty. Thereafter, the son of Kublai Khan [ 38 ] had already passed away. His name was Prince Bahu Wang, [ 39 ] or the Regent of Jing Gin. His son was Temur, or Emperor Chingtsung Kuwang Shio Uhu (26), [ 40 ] who became the king of Uljoi Tu, or Olja Du (Temur Khan; 1265–1307). [ 41 ] During his reign, he received the Great Unchangeable Precious Royal Seal, made of white jade and engraved with [the title] Kwi Zhiu Yungtang. [ 42 ] He ruled the empire for thirteen years. There were five or six royal generations from the time of Genghis Khan until these emperors. They conquered almost everyone on the planet: from the subjects of Khincha [ 43 ] in the north to all those in the other three directions up to the islands in the sea, including Zhison, Hpusang, and Siyang. [ 44 ] By bringing many of these under their control, their empire was twice the size of both the Han (206 BCE–220 CE) and Tang (618–907) dynasties. The empire was called the Great Yuan, or the Great Hor. [ 45 ] After some time had passed, Emperor Olja Du’s eldest brother’s son, Emperor Utsung Shan Shoihu (27), otherwise known as Emperor Khuluk or Goyuk (Kulug Khan; 1281–1311), [ 46 ] governed the empire for years. His younger brother, Emperor Ayu Parsata Zhin Shiuhu (28), or Emperor Buyantu (Ayubarwada Buyantu Khan; 1285–1320) [ 47 ] ruled for nine years. His son, Emperor Shubho Pala Yingtsung Wenshi Uhu (29), or Emperor Kokon (Gegeen Khan; 1302–1323) [ 48 ] ruled for three years. Up until him, all the previous emperors maintained the tradition of wearing the hats and attire of the Hor. However, it appears that Yingtsung changed them all to Chinese attire. Then Jing Gin’s grandson, Emperor Yisun Temur Jing Wang Titing (30), [ 49 ] ruled for five years. After him, some sources also assert that his eldest son Rakyi Pak, or Asukiba (31), [ 50 ] ruled the government for forty years. However, some sources say that after three months on the throne, Emperor Utsung’s youngest son, Tuktomur, [ 51 ] seized power from him and pretended to give it to his older brother, Emperor Kushala Mingtsung (32). [ 52 ] Although, Emperor Kushala Mingtsung also passed away after approximately eight months [of ruling]. The majority of sources say Kula Gotu, or Kushala Mingtsung, stayed on the throne for one month. In any case, it is also said that in the end, Emperor Temur Wentshung Jayatu (33) [ 53 ] ruled for five years while some other sources say three years. When he was about to die, his final testament was to appoint Mingtsung’s younger son, Rinchen Pel (34), [ 54 ] to sit on the throne. Following his final demands, Rinchen Pel was enthroned, but he died about a month later. At that time, the throne was vacant for six months, with Minister Emtamur Tashi [ 55 ] ruling the empire. The eldest son of Mingtsung, named Emperor Togan Temur Huitsung Zhunhu (35), or Emperor Uha (Toghon Temur; 1320–1370), [ 56 ] ruled for thirty-six years. After that point, he had to abdicate and leave for lower Hor. Concerning the reason for his abdication, he appeared to be a great religious scholar. However, he lacked knowledge in temporal and state matters, causing multiple disagreements and creating countless conflicts leading to an upheaval in the empire. For instance: there were twenty-three great bandit leaders and many less significant leaders who brought bouts of significant suffering to China, Hor, Mongolia, and Tibet. A short while after this, the Great Ming Emperor Taitsung [ 57 ] took the land under his dominion and pacified it, conquering the capital of China (Beijing) and becoming emperor. It is said the Mongol emperors descendent from Genghis Khan until to Togar Temur [ 58 ] occupied the capital of China for one hundred and forty-seven years, nine months, and ten days. After Genghis Khan had ruled over China, Togen Temur was the fifteenth emperor in the royal succession. From his time onwards, they only ruled their own territory, the land of the Hor. Some two hundred and sixty-six years later, the twentieth emperor, Hor Lekden Zhutok, allied with Karma Tenkyong Wangpo, [ 59 ] the regent of Tsang, Tibet. The emperor marched to Tibet in support of the Kagyu doctrine but died on the journey. It is said that this empire [of Northern Yuan] fell apart due to these unsuccessful conditions. In that way, the narrative on the royal lineage of the Great and Divine Ruler Genghis Khan of Hor is complete. Here, I will explain the lineage of the Great Ming emperors, who, like the Hor of the past, were benevolent to us, the heavenly descendants of Genghis Khan, our kings, ministers, and populace, as well as all the monks, principally the state preceptors, [ 60 ] in all possible ways. This includes bestowing appointments and being graciously protective, respectful, and resourceful. It is not easy to find this family lineage's origin, but the first ruler was Emperor Taitsung (Taizu; 1368–1398). [ 61 ] Taitsung was a monk in the Huang Kyou Zi Temple [ 62 ] during Togan Temur’s time. It was a period marked by banditry, an era where gangs robbed and ransacked. After hearing a great bandit leader arrived in the vicinity of the monastery, Taitsung’s friends fled. Finding himself in such a predicament, he thought, “If I run away, then the sacred objects will be ruined—they will set the temple ablaze and other such calamities. Even if I do not flee but stay and fight, I will surely not be able to protect them. Yet, if I do surrender, I fear I might become one of the bandits. What should I do?” Subsequently, he performed a divination in front of a [Buddhist] statue, which indicated that it would be better to surrender, so he waited for the bandit leader. In the process of surrendering, they conversed in Chinese, and the bandits realized that he was extraordinary and unlike others. Therefore, the people raised him up upon their shoulders, and he was given a great and powerful position through which he gradually accrued power. Thereafter, when the bandit leader died, Taitsung took the position as the head leader of the bandits. He continued to grow in prestige from then on, spreading his influence and bringing all his people under his power. After that, in the Male Earth Monkey Year (1368) he even conquered the capital city of the Great Hor. Since the empire’s control did not extend to the north and west, it was weaker than the time of the Hor (Yuan Dynasty). However, it was highly prestigious and not too dissimilar from the time of the Han and Tang dynasties when it came to other matters. The name of the empire was Great Ming. In general, its administration had good connections with Bon, Buddhist, and Vedic [traditions]. It also maintained a priest-patron relationship [ 63 ] with the early translation Nyingma, Kagyu, and Sakya. In that way, he ruled the kingdom for thirty-three years. His son Kyihun (Emperor Jianwan; 1398–1402), [ 64 ] the second royal successor, ruled for two years. His son Yewang Yung Lochenpo (Yongle Emperor; r. 1402–1424), [ 65 ] the third royal successor, paid excellent service to the Buddhist teachings, ruling the empire for twenty-two years. His son and the fourth successor, Zhinzung, [ 66 ] ruled for four years. His son and the fifth successor, Zonde, [ 67 ] ruled for eight years. His son and the sixth successor, Chi Tung, [ 68 ] ruled for thirteen years. His son and the seventh successor, Kyinta, [ 69 ] ruled for seven years. His son and the eighth successor, Tenshun, [ 70 ] ruled for eight years. Thus, it is said from the first Great Ming Emperor, Taitsung, to the last [emperor], Tenshun, [ 71 ] the Great Ming Emperors occupied the capital of China for ninety-seven human years. Apart from the first Great Ming emperor and the third [emperor called] Yewang, [ 72 ] the majority of the other emperors were too weak. It is said their reigns shortened due to such things as losing control of the eunuchs and corrupted ministers. It is also said that after Emperor Teshun, [ 73 ] there were four people: [Emperor] Utsung, the Bon favouring [Emperor] Zhitsung, the ugly [Emperor] Shontsung, and [Emperor] Krungtsun. [ 74 ] These four caused conflicts to ripen, triggering the loss of the empire to the hands of a bandit leader called Litsi Ching. [ 75 ] In the legendary narratives and writings of our ancestral chieftains, it says: “In the Water Bird Year (1633), the eighth year of the eighth successor the Great Ming Emperor Tenshun’s reign, King Taitsung Bokto conquered the capital city of China with his army. Taitsung Bokto’s actual name was Emperor Zhitsuhu and was also known as Mukton. More recently, Tibetans refer to him as Manju Sokpo Chinhwa. [ 76 ] Subsequently, the Great Ming Emperor Tenshun took control of the four cardinal borderlands of greater China where his royal descendants still reside. It is said that in two hundred years, the royal descendants will return and claim the throne of China.” Homage to Padmakara! Now, I will present the successors [and history] of our ancestors' descendants and the great ministerial state preceptors [ 77 ] connected with them. I have already discussed the succession from Genghis Khan, the Divine Ruler of Manjughosha, up to the twentieth royal descendant in the section of the history of the Hor. The twenty-first royal successor, Emperor Taitsu Zhing Puhu, [ 78 ] controlled the capital city of eastern China. The twenty-second successor is considered his son, the Second Tistsi, the Emperor Chagatai La Chinwang [ 79 ] and ruler of the Yerkhen Fortress. [ 80 ] His younger brother and fifth son of Genghis Khan, Master Sansu Tanzhin, or Dharma Lord Yonten Pel, [ 81 ] was the First Great Ministerial State Preceptor. He was a profoundly and extensively skilled victory banner of scholars and a proponent of the three baskets ( tripitaka) [of the Buddhist teachings]. He was a direct disciple of both Katok Tsangton Dorje Gyeltsen and Jampa Bum. [ 82 ] The twenty-third successor, Awola Jingwang, [ 83 ] lived a long and full life of one-hundred and seven years. His younger brother was the Second State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Yeshe Gyeltsen Pel, who received the victory banner and title of Tungshu Wanda Shai. [ 84 ] The twenty-fourth successor was Hanwang Khola Jing. [ 85 ] His elder brother was the Third State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Gelek Pel, who received the victory banner and the title of Hpozhiku Wanggi Pouda Shai, or the Radiant Sun Rays of the Victor’s Doctrine. [ 86 ] The twenty-fifth successor Tawang Negoye constructed Tau Titur Temple [ 87 ] at the Yerkhen Fortress, which was unrivalled under the sun. The temple was filled to the brim with representational objects of the enlightened body, speech, and mind. His half-brother from a different mother was the Fourth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Jinpa Pel, received the victory banner and title of Wuwan Hpapagi Youda Shi, or the Lineage Holder who Protects the Teachings. [ 88 ] The twenty-sixth successor was Sanwang Tomer. [ 89 ] His elder brother was the Fifth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Gyamtso Pel, who received the victory banner and title of Uwan Hpatou Yin Mioushi Wandai Shai, or the Lineage Holder and Courageous Lord who Disseminates the Doctrine. [ 90 ] The twenty-seventh successor was Yerkhen Dazhi Tawang. [ 91 ] His nephew was the Sixth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Jampa Pel, who received the victory banner and the title of Wuwan Hpatung Su Wanda Shai, or the Realised Lineage Holder. [ 92 ] The twenty-eighth successor was Hputai Wang Ulkebe. [ 93 ] His elder brother was the Seventh State Preceptor, Khyilwa Kunga Pel, who received the victory banner and the title of Tuwan Hputungsi Wanda Shai, or the Lineage Holder of Great Courage. [ 94 ] The twenty-ninth successor was Shrir Nadalai Wang. [ 95 ] His younger brother was the Eighth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Gyeltsen Bum, [ 96 ] who did not receive any titles. The thirtieth successor was Maga Shri Palayon Wang. [ 97 ] His elder brother was the Ninth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Jangchub Pel, who received the victory banner and title of Tuwan Hpu Shuan Ude Shai, or the Compassionate Lineage Holder. [ 98 ] The thirty-first successor was Sanwang Olgo Temu. [ 99 ] His younger brother was the Tenth State Preceptor, Purnye Shri, [ 100 ] who did not receive any titles. The thirty-second successor was Emperor Chinggin Dalai Wang Kunga Dorje, [ 101 ] and he had nine princes. The eldest prince, San Zhita Wangching, [ 102 ] was the successor to his father and controlled the Yerkhen Fortress. It is said that the current Hor Khalka Dondrub Wangchenpo is his descendant. [ 103 ] The second prince under San Zhita Wangching was the Eleventh State Preceptor, Master Zhiwa Pel, the ruler of Huwang Mei Zi'i. He received the victory banner and title of Tunghu Da Shai, or the Dharma Lord of Supreme Intellect. [ 104 ] The other six young princes were individually given golden edicts [ 105 ] and titles of lords of six large districts under the power of [Yerkhen]. These days it is said that the eighth prince Hau Puyan Tako [ 106 ] is the forefather of the Ju clan in Tibet. It later came to pass that he became the ruler of the Mong Ra Fortress. His lineage was called the Thirteen Black Spear Holding Anye Mantra Practitioners. [ 107 ] This name was bestowed since their dharma protector bears a black silk clan flag, which I will talk about in a later section. The ninth and youngest prince was acutely intelligent, exceptionally wise, highly tolerant, a prodigious orator, and a quick thinker. Even the noblest, such as the great ministers, could not compete with him. As he was King Kunga Dorje's favourite son, [ 108 ] the father kept six of the eighteen major districts for himself and gave six to his son. His father praised and bestowed upon him such items as his own imperial golden edict and golden seals from the Mongolian capital of China. The thirty-third successor was Chinggin Sanwang Gaushri Wangchuk Gyeltsen. [ 109 ] It was not known in China, Hor, nor Mongolia; however, the Barchung clan, here in Tibet, was established by him. This prince resided in the district of Ule Yerkhen Dazhi on the border of Sang Hor and Oro. [ 110 ] The thirty-fourth successor was Tiwang Yeten Toktu. [ 111 ] His elder brother was the Twelfth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Drime Pel, who received the victory banner and title of Tungshi Wan Minyi Giyou Yamida Shai, or the secret lord, the scholastic-adept of sutra and mantra. [ 112 ] During this patron-priest [relationship], the great Hor was in distress. Many greater and lesser bandit leaders began to gather, and many bandit hideouts sprang up in the lower part [of Mongolia]. Although an ocean of suffering began to overflow in the upper and lower parts [of Mongolia], we [our ancestors] could barely save our own six districts from becoming subservient to them. The Lord Togen Temur [ 113 ] also fled to the lower lands of Hor. Not long thereafter, the Great Ming Emperor Tai Tsung [ 114 ] settled in China’s capital city, bringing peace to the land. The thirty-fifth successor was the elder prince, Tale Wangtang Tirti Mangga Shri. [ 115 ] His younger brother was the Thirteenth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Taye Pel, who received the victory banner and title of Mintan Tato Yuwan Zhunthunggi Youda Shai, or the Supporter of the Victor’s Teachings—supreme unification of the oral transmission of instructions and the repository of treasure teachings of qualities. [ 116 ] From that time forward, the Great Ming emperors showed more prominent respect to Genghis Khan's royal descendants by bestowing titles, golden seals, hats signifying high rank, et cetera. The thirty-sixth successor was Ila Sikyi Wangpa Chara. [ 117 ] His elder brother was the Fourteenth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Tashi Gawai Pel, who received the victory banner and title of Lintan Date Khaisan Shiotunggi Youda Shai, or the Supporter of the Victor’s Teachings who simultaneously spreads the three trainings of oral transmission of instructions and the repository of treasure teachings of qualities. [ 118 ] During this priest and patron relationship, Chongti Dewa Temple was built in the district of Ule Yerkhen Dazhi Fortress. It was filled with unfathomable sacred objects symbolic of the enlightened body, speech, and mind, as well as a wrathful [statue] of Ashtasahasrikaprajnaparamita . Rapu Dewa Temple was built in the district of Orong. Ayur Dewa Temple was built in the district of Mala Punrar. Siu Pati DewaTemple was built in the district of Daun Tsung. Sesi Soto Dewa Temple was built in the district of Mongra Khar. On Sage Dewa Temple was built in the district of Tewo Rasi. Minyigi Dewa Temple was built in the district of Oshanwa Si. Thus, seven great temples were built in six districts as well as a fortified palace. [ 119 ] The thirty-seventh successor was Elche Wangsan Gaushri, [ 120 ] who lived for eighty-nine years. He provided unrivalled support for the Buddha's precious doctrine in the service of the Great Ming Emperor Yewang, or the Great Yunglo (Emperor Yongle; 1360–1423 CE). [ 121 ] His elder brother was the Fifteen Great State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Lachen Ozer Pelwa. [ 122 ] He received the victory banner and title of Tui Luzi Giyou Tutsun Tungdau Tungton Titan Shi'i Khing Shou Tarleu, [ 123 ] or the elder master who completely and unbiasedly ascertains the doctrine of the victors, the lord of the perfectly pure primordial wisdom of the realisation of the path, and the dharma king and great abbot endowed with immutable life. It is said that out of all the highest tantric gurus, none were more learned or had more excellent qualities than him, as the great scholar and victor Longchenpa (1308–1364) [ 124 ] had already left Tibet. The thirty-eighth successor was Tawang Tolo Gechi.[ 125 ] His younger brother was the Sixteenth State Preceptor, Rana Kotu, and was not bestowed any titles. [ 126 ] The thirty-ninth successor was Tale Wangsiwi Tanata, [ 127 ] who was a great physician. His elder brother was the Seventeenth State Preceptor and the Dharma Lord, Gyeltsen Pel, who received the victory banner and the title of Khaisan Thiokyang Thuwang Datheng Kyemin Tanshi'i, [ 128 ] or the lineage abbot of the oral transmission and treasure teachings of the precious qualities of the Mahayana and of the bodhisattva vows, the one who propagates the three excellent trainings. A younger brother of his, Tale Badur Tarwa Kyab, [ 129 ] lived in a separate household. It was said that he was not a family descendant, as he was an adopted son. The six Barchung groups spread from the descendants of Tale Badur Tarwa Kyab and his elder brother, King Tale Wangsi. [ 130 ] The actual descendants of the physician King Wangsi were the older Penkor, the middle Kyabkor, and the youngest Yagkor. These three were collectively known as the three groups of lords. [ 131 ] As for the descendants of Badur Tarwa, they were the older Jamo, the middle Taglen, and the youngest Gurshul, which made up the six groups. [ 132 ] The fortieth successor was the first prince Sanwang Tashir Ola Pen, [ 133 ] who stayed in the capital. The second prince was called Daben Tsering Kyab. The third prince was Sukini Tolo Yak. [ 134 ] The second and third lived in separate households. The fourth prince was the Eighteenth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Lekpa Pel, who received the victory banner and the title of Hputsung Hunggi Youda Shai, or the lineage protector and the disseminator of the doctrine. [ 135 ] The forty-first successor of the great Genghis Khan was Yewan Tebun Tsita Gaushri. [ 136 ] His younger brother was the Nineteenth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord, Sonam Pel, who received the victory banner and the title Sahpo Kiyopu Manda Shai, [ 137 ] or the perpetually happy one. In this period, changes ensued in the capital of China, and a huge crisis befell the empire due to the activities of the Great Ming Emperor Toshun (Emperor Chongzhen; 1627–1644). [ 138 ] A significant fragmentation occurred, as most people in the empire fled from areas such as the Hor land and the upper and lower parts of Oro, scattering to various places. Most of them escaped to the upper and lower parts of Kokonor. Some people from the Forty Oro Tsoyan group scattered to the sunny and shaded sides of the upper part of Ma. [ 139 ] The King Dwaichen and some others fled to both the sunny and shaded sides of Shardza, [ 140 ] and it was at this time that they acquired new abodes. At that time our own Great and Powerful Genghis Khan [ 141 ] (the lord of the clan) also abandoned and fled from the district of Ule Yerkhen Dazhi to the area of upper Barwon, [ 142 ] located in the upper part of Kokonor. There they acquired new land as they settled under black and white tents. The subjects of the six controlled districts and their chieftains scattered in all directions. Some became the victims of gangs of bandits and were completely annihilated, whilst others are said to have fled, wondering to any place they could find. People from the six districts and around our fort who followed the Lord’s family had three lords and nine groups of subjects. [ 143 ] In total, there were a little over three hundred households. During this time, Emperor Mugton Tangtsung Bogto, also known by some as Mongolian Manju Changha, [ 144 ] had settled in the China’s capital, leading to a terrible and tumultuous war that subsided after about twelve years. At that time, Hor Lekden [ 145 ] was unsuccessful in Tibet and returned with his two queens and two princes. Along with three thousand soldiers of the eight Chakar groups, [ 146 ] he surrendered to Emperor Bogto. It was at this time he offered the royal seal of the Precious, Immutable Swastika to Mugton Bogto. It is said that the power of this seal established the relationship in which China, Hor, Manchu, and Mongolia came under the one-state policy of the [Manchus]. The forty-second successor was Sanshri Gung Gonpo Gyel, [ 147 ] who did not have a priest. When he was middle-aged, King Bogto’s son, Emperor Dekyi (Emperor Qianlong, 1711–1799), [ 148 ] became a patron of the Geluk tradition. His great minister, Mongolian King Gaushri Tendzin Chogyel, [ 149 ] became very powerful. Subsequently, he put the Mongolian settlements, Ziling, Dranak, [ 150 ] and others all under miserable conditions. An uprising arose as he began to proceed with his army to Tibet. In the face of this, Barchung Chede Yaggyel and Yagkor Uchen Pema Wangdrak, [ 151 ] who were relatives of our chief, refused to obey the chief’s orders. They took about one hundred different families and went to the south of the Dzachu River to surrender to Hor Mazur Tsang. [ 152 ] Once again, the two brothers did not get along well, and Che Yaggyal departed with about seventy families, settling in the valley of Washul Tramtar. [ 153 ] Some leaders came from [within those two groups] back to us in need of a clan to join, as well as provisions. These are the ones residing in Shuggur [ 154 ] to this day. The Uchen Sewang group could also not settle and came to Da Valley to reside. [ 155 ] Some of them came to settle in Ser Valley. [ 156 ] It is also said that many families of the clan separated due to infighting. At that time, the leader of the unrest, San Gung [the forty-second successor], did well in negotiating with Sog Gau Shri. Due to this, no harm was done to the people and they [were even] granted some benefits. The forty-third successor was the chief of Gungru Jasak called Lord Namlha Yak. [ 157 ] His father passed away when he turned fifteen. Not long after that, Khandro Lobzang Tenkyong [ 158 ] from Upper Mongolia created conflicts between the Tibetans and Mongols, provoking large unrest. At that time, three groups, (1) Ju Nangso, (2) Sog Dewa rod, and (3) Sershul fled to upper Dza, initially settling there. [ 159 ] The Ju Nangsog are descendants of Hau Puyan Tako and share the same blood lineage as ours. They were the lords of Mongra Fort, a minor fort under [the control of] Yerkhen. [ 160 ] Then gradually (4) Tarshul, (5) Bumshul Nying, (6) Ponpo, (7) Badur, (8) Trims Zagong, (9) Gemang, (10) Mangge, (11) Chitan, and (12) Chewo were the first to come. Those who came later were, (13) Getse Gong, (14) Gegab, (15) Trom Gab, (16) Arig Za, (17) Pongyu, (18) Ase Bayan, and (19) Bum Sar. [ 161 ] Thus, there were eighteen Mongolian clans together with the Ju clans of Hor. These nineteen clans swore allegiance to the [king] of Derge. It was at that time the three groups of lords and nine groups of subjects continued through the land of Machu and settled on the shaded side of the Dar Valley [ 162 ] in Machu. Since the aforementioned Sanshri Gung Gonpo Gyel and Jasak Namlha Yak were without priests, there were no state preceptors for two generations. The eldest prince of Jasak was Orgyen Tsering, who lived separately. Jasak’s middle son was Lord Tsangsangs Tendzin. [ 163 ] The youngest son was the Twentieth State Preceptor and Dharma Lord the Excellent Guru Gyurme Tashi Gyamtso (1714–1793), also called the great scholar and adept A Tsuta Maha Pandita Maha Guru Sara. [ 164 ] In the Male Wood Horse Year, called Victorious, he was born in Chag Trang [ 165 ] situated in the lower part of the Dar Valley in the land of Ma. In the Fire Monkey Year (1716), when [Tashi Gyamtso] was three years old, most of the Tibetans and Mongols from the Gelug tradition were provoked by [the god of desire], Metok Dachen. [ 166 ] When the impudent borderland army of the Dzungar Mongols marched to Central Tibet, it is said that they passed over a small part of Upper Ma. In the Earth Dog Year (1718), they caused large scale destruction to the teachings, principally the Nyingma teachings, especially at such monasteries as Dorje Drak and Mindroling. [ 167 ] When they returned in the Earth Pig Year (1719), a large Chinese army annihilated the Dzungar troops and their leaders. Simultaneously, a great majority of other Mongolian gurus and leaders were also annihilated by the law. As a result, the area became relatively peaceful. In the Iron Mouse Year (1720), most of the nomadic settlements in Ma escaped to other places as there were hidden enemies and bandits who were pillaging. It was difficult, in particular, to distinguish and know if the travellers claiming to be Mongolian were friends or foes. Losing hope, they decided this was not a place to reside for a significant period of time. These were the chief houses of Genghis Khan. The three groups of lords together with the nine settlements of subjects which are (1) Jamo, (2) Taklen, (3) Gurshul, (4) Gyarok Beli, (5) Tsanno Behu, (6) Achok Bechang, (7) Sokpo, (8), Gotsa, and (9) Gyeza. [ 168 ] In total, around one hundred and eighty families travelled here to the south. In Derge, the Dharma King Tenpa Tsering (1678–1738) [ 169 ] had just been enthroned [in 1714], and it was a great time for the clans to meet and submit to him. The chief house was given the position of a great lord like before. Chief Orgyen Tsering and Penkor Barchung Delek Rabten of separate houses were given the position of the great managers of Derge. Kyabkor Barchung Yeshe Tseten and Yagkor Barchung Gyeltsen Bum were given the position of the interior court. Gya, Tsan, and A were given the position of ministers like before as well as excellent resources and respect following the tradition of the kingdom. [ 170 ] Thereafter, during the time of land distribution, [the king] purposely sent the general secretary Tashi Wangchuk and gave [the Barchung] the opportunity to choose from the Dzachukha area, an incomparable place. They chose all the land of Dzahu Rama, the lands from the lower Chaktak Drangkha and the upper and lower Sakuti to the plain of Dza, the lands from Dzasang Hachak Gamapu to the entire area of Hura, Margo Womporing, upper and lower Sang Trichan, the entire land of Dzagyab Mukmo, [ 171 ] and the land that belong to the families of Lake Mang can. Thus, he gave excellent and vast lands to the smallest settlements for their resources. In brief, there were twenty-two successors of the Divine Ruler Genghis Khan of the Great Hor. Beginning from the reign of the twenty-second successor King Chagatai La Chinwang, who took control of the immutable Fort Yerkhen Dazhi in the land of north-eastern Tokar, to the forty-third successor Chief Gungru Jasak called Lord Namlha Yak, who was an owner of a nomadic black-haired tent. From the time of Chagatai La Chinwang’s younger brother, the first of the Great State Preceptors Sansu Tanzhin, or the precious Dharma Lord Yonten Pel, until Namlha Yak’s younger son the [Twentieth] State Preceptor A Tsuta Maha Pandita, Gyurme Tashi Gyamtso, the Dharma Lord of the great Translated Words of the Buddha, there were twenty excellent gurus. During these years, they were exclusively the lords who maintained and disseminated the lineage of the teachings and were the disciples of the victorious dharma lords of Katok [Monastery]. They also made offerings to and relied upon the deities of The Eight Pronouncements : Yamantaka, Vajrakila, and the protector the Mahakala as their supportive deities. They engaged exclusively in the root of all teachings called the Nyingma—the profound path of the secret Vajrayana [tradition] of the great and secret Early Translations, the tradition of the victorious Lake-Born, [ 172 ] who is the immortal and universal embodiment of all the victorious ones of the three times. Since the gurus and chiefs [of this clan] were self-composed, they could continue with their own tradition. They did not follow other traditions other than [Nyingma] and were not distracted by the vast selection of new or higher teachings. The forty-fourth successor and twenty-second successor [counting from Genghis Khan] was the great lord and doctor Sanggye Tendzin. [ 173 ] During his time, he performed excellent services to the Dharma King [of Derge] and his nephew. The king favoured him, granting great privileges. Our people found that he was quite dignified and paid him high respects as they prospered in wealth and reputation. At the age of eighty-seven he passed away, having greatly benefited beings, teaching medicine, and administering treatments His younger brother, the [Twentieth] State Preceptor, the great scholar and adept Gyurme Tashi Gyamtso received, trained in, and learnt [many teachings], relying upon many excellent teachers. These included Katok Drung Rinpoche, Minling Trichen Namgyel (1765–1812), Venerable Guru Mingyur Peldron (1699–1769), and the Second Dzogchen [Gyurme Tekchok Tendzin] (1699–1758). [ 174 ] There were many people to whom he offered the gift of the excellent teachings. These included the glorious and sacred master Katok Drung Rinpoche, Drime Zhing Gonpo (b. 1724), Gyelse Orgyen Tenpel, Gyelse Pema Namgyel, Karshing Rigdzin Chenpo, Minling Tri Trinle Namgyel (1765–1812), Khenchen Orgyen Tendzin Dorje (b.1742), Dordrak Rigdzin Chenpo Kham Sum Zilnon, the Eighteenth Lhatsun Zhabdrung, and Khampa Dzogchen Tulku Ngedon Tendzin Zangpo (1759–1792). [ 175 ] Most of their monastic students and other countless students from the north [of Tibet] were united through a single golden thread of bearing commitments to the teachings. These include people of Gome (Dome), Rongpo, Tsako, and Gyelmo Rong as well as the King of Dardo Chakla and the Lord Prince Lodro Gyamtso along with his mother, minister, and other government officials. [ 176 ] In brief, during the entirety of his life, his good and excellent deeds shone in all directions, and he passed away in the Water Ox Year (1793) at the age of eighty. Gyurme Tashi Gyamtso was alive, sometime during his fifties, he received from Changkya Rolwai Dorje [ 177 ] the title of State Preceptor A Tsuta Maha Pandita Maha Guru Sara, [ 178 ] or the supreme guru of the great crown jewel. Manchu Emperor Po Hwong also granted him many privileges and an ample amount of high respect. Emperor Po Hwong was the son of Kanshin, who was in turn the son of Emperor Dekyi, son of Pogto, the first Manchu Emperor. [ 179 ] During the time of this guru and lord, the remaining noble familial lineage of Barchung Tseyak Gyel of Tromkyi Shugu had ceased. [ 180 ] As such, they earnestly said there is no other way [for them to continue their familial line] unless they were gifted a son from the genuine, great, and noble Genghis Khan family—the Pen, Kyab, and Yak [families]. The lords agreed that it was suitable [for them to receive a child] from the highest family [of Genghis Khan]. However, there were only two boys, one of whom would be a guru and the other a lord. Penkor Delek Rabten’s second son, Gyamtso Tar, was chosen to be given to the Parkha family as their lord following the divinations and astrological calculations. [ 181 ] The forty-fifth successor, Lord Gonpo Wanggyel, [ 182 ] was a sound person, but he was weak and lost his power to the hands of others. At this time, the misdeeds of Lakho, an incapable person of the Yakkor community, [ 183 ] came to fruition, and a great number of our clan fled towards Namtsho Lake in the north. Afterwards, many of our settlements and families scattered to places like Serkhok, Gyade, and Shokpa. [ 184 ] The Lord [Gonpo Wanggyel] himself did not live past his fifties. The younger brother, Je Won Guru Tendzin Norbu,[ 185 ] was the twenty-first successor [counting from Genghis Khan]. He relied upon many excellent masters principally his paternal uncle who was a guru and the great state preceptor. He performed admirable deeds of the excellent ones such as scholarship, nobility, and kindness, passing away at sixty-six. The forty-sixth successor was Lord Kunzang Namgyel, and his younger brother was Gegen Choying Tendzin. [ 186 ] During their adolescence, the Derge representatives could not hold onto their governance, losing it to the selfish and powerful lords of Getse. These lords did what they wanted, taking the remaining settlements and entire territory of Barchung. The forty-seventh successor was Barchung Sanggye Tashi, even though he was not given the title of Lord. He and his younger brother, Guru Jigme Chodar, were the last actual successive lords of Genghis Khan’s descendants. [ 187 ] After these two brothers there were no more successive guru seat holders who were genuine descendants of the Genghis Khan lineage. However, the lord Won Guru Tendzin Norbu’s direct student was Guru Drubchen Pema Wanggyel of Adro. [ 188 ] I, Gyurme Pema Chogyel, an itinerant monk, and supposedly his reincarnation, possessing the name of an emanation and of the Dru lineage, am the current lineage holder, and I am still alive. [ 189 ] Furthermore, Adro Guru Pema Gyamtso, an excellent and supreme student of Gyurme Tashi Gyamtso, and the Derge retreatant and excellent guru, our own nephew Guru Kunzang Dargye also lived at the same time as Je Won Guru [Tendzin Norbu]. [ 190 ] COLOPHON Thus, The Ruby Garland i s a document of the genealogy of the Divine, Great Emperor Uhu Genghis Khan, an emanation of Manjughosha, and the state preceptors and gurus connected with that genealogy. Gyurme Pema Chogyel, also known as Rigdzin Tubten Gelek Pelzangpo Chokle Nampar Gyelwai De, the Twenty-Third State Preceptor of Genghis Khan’s lineage wrote it. [ 191 ] It was composed on a virtuous day in the sixth month of the Water Mouse Year (1852?) to fulfil the wishes of Lord Rigdzin, [ 192 ] a descendant of Gyamtso Tar, who is unmistakably Genghis Khan’s descendent and State Preceptor, Santang Ola Pen. [ 193 ] May it be victorious! As the ancient saying goes: “The immutable fort is the Fort of Yerkhen Dazhi. The immutable lords are the descendants of the heavenly Genghis Khan. The immutable subjects are the communities of the three and nine districts. The number of subjects is said to be one hundred and fifty-five thousand, two hundred and ten.” A later saying posits: “The descendants of the heavenly Genghis Khan governed the left, right, lower, and central regional divisions of Kokonor. There were three thousand and two hundred black nomadic tents, sixty families, and over three hundred lord families. Thus, these are the two sayings [associated with the descendants of Genghis Khan].” After some time, when they arrived in the south, there were three communities of lords: Pen, Kyab, and Yak. There were nine communities of subjects: Ja, Tak, and Gur, three communities of ministers: Gya, Tsen and A, and the three communities of subjects: Gon, Sok, and Gyo. Within those twelve [ 194 ] communities numbered around one hundred and eighty families. It is said that during the time of the Lord Tsodze Chenpo [ 195 ] and the state preceptor gurus and brothers [Tashi Gyamtso and Sanggye Tendzin], the status [of the whole community] was higher than that of Brahma. May it be victorious! NOTES [1 ] rlangs [2] ta'i ming, 大名 [3] dmu thag [4] sbor ta' ching [5] ta' chi gan; tham cha ga [6] ching ji mer gan [7] la'u dza be ra 'ol and sis kin dun [8] sems dza 'o dzi and la ju [9] nun mer gan [10] a lan kho and len lun mo'o ma [11] bo ton char and char mer gan [12] ga chi the'i ho'u; sbi khir [13] man tho don; ga'i thu gan [14] ba'i shing; kho ra thog shing [15] dum bi ha'i khan; ga bu la gan [16] bar than bA' dur; ye phur ga bA dur [17] ching gis rgyal po'am jing gir [18] ye phur ga ba dur; mo hu lun [19] The original text states this is the Water Male Tiger Year. [20] the mun jen and tha'i tsu zhing u hu wang rdI, 皇帝 [21] The original text states thirty-eight. [22] gdung brgyud this tsi, 太子 [23] ju chi; thog mog [24] cha ga ta'i; chin wang, 亲王; thod dkar [25] Yardkand or Yarkent (yer khen) is currently a county in Uyghur Autonomous Region and used to belong to Chagatai Khanate. [26] khal kha don 'grub wang, 'ju, and 'bar chung [27] sras this tsi; a b+ho la [28] i ma ma hu li; sa dmar gyi mkhar [29] a ti ra ma hA ma ri; bA la sha'i mkhar [30] kong kha ra to lo; rom and sdom la'i mkhar [31] the mur; o ru kho; and mkhar b+hu ha [32] u go ta; tha'i tsung ing wen hu wang rdI [33] go yug; ting tsung sti yan phing hu wang rdI [34] stong kha tho lo [35] mung khe; Shi yan tsung hu ban su hu wang rdI; mong gol gan gya [36] u la go ta [37] hu pi la'i; se chen gan gyar [38] se chen gan gya [39] ba hu wang [40] the mur, or ching tshung ku wang Shi'o 'u hu wang rdI [41] ul jo'i thu', or ol ja du [42] kwi zhi'u yung thang [43] khin cha [44] gzhi son; h+phu sang; si yang [45] dwa'i yu'an, 大元; and chen po hor [46] u tshung Shan Sho'i hu wang rdI, or khu lug, or go yug [47] a yu par sa ta zhin tshung khin Shi'u hu, or bu yan thu rgyal po [48] shu b+ho pha la yin tsung wen Shi 'u hu wang rdI, or ko kon rgyal po [49] yi sun the mur jing wang thi'i ting rgyal po [50] ra khyi phag, or a su ki ba [51] thug tho mur [52] ku sha la ming tsung rgyal po, or ku la go thu [53] the mur wen tsung ja ya thu [54] rin chen dpal [55] blon chen em tha mur tha shris [56] tho gan the mur hu'i tsung zhun hu wang rdI, or u hA rgyal po [57] tA'i ming tha'i tsung rgyal po [58] tho gar the mur [59] hor legs ldan zhu thog rgyal po; gtsang pa sde srid karma bstan skyong dbang po [60] tI shri [61] tha'i tsung rgyal po [62] hu'ang kyo'u zi lha khang [63] The priest-patron relationship, or mchod yon, played a pivotal role in the history of Tibet by establishing connections with other dynasties including the Yuan, Ming, and Qing. [64] kyi hun [65] ye wung g.yung lo chen po [66] bzhin rdzung [67] zon de [68] ci thung [69] kyin tha [70] then shun [71] There are spelling variances in the text with ton shun, thon shun, and ten shun, alluding to the same individual. [72] ye dbang [73] the shun [74] u tsung, zhi tsung; shon tsung; khrung tsun [75] li tsi ching [76] tha'i tsung bog to rgyal po; zhi tsu hu wang rdI; mug ton; man ju sog po ching hwa [77] tI shri blon chen po [78] tha'i tsu zhing phu hu wang rdI [79] this tsi gnyi pa cha ga tA'i la chin wang rgyal gpo [80] Yerkhen and Yarkant are the same fortress. [81] tI shri blon chen po 01, chos rjes yon tan dpal, slob dpon gsan su twan zhin. It is also important to mention here that bla rab and tI shri are interchangeable in the text. [82] kaHtok gtsang ston rdo rje rgyal mtshan; byams pa 'bum [83] a bO la Jing wang [84] tI shri blon chen po 02, chos rje ye shes rgyal mtshan dpal; thung Shuwan dA sha'i [85] han wang kho la jing [86] tI shri blon chen po 03, chos rje dge legs dpal; h+pho zhi ku wang gi po'u dA sha'i [87] tA wang gnas go ye; lha khang ta'i tis tur [88] tI shri blon chen po 04, chos rje sbyin pa dpal; wu wan h+pha h+pha gi yo'u dA shi'i [89] gsan wang tho mer [90] tI shri blon chen po 05, chos rje rgya mtsho dpal; u wan h+pha tho'u yin mi'o'u si wan dA sha'i [91] yer khen dA zhi Ta wang [92] tI shri blon chen po 06, chos rje byams pa dpal; wu wan h+pha thung Shu wan dA sha'i [93] h+phu tA'i wang u lke be [94] tI shri blon chen po 07, 'khyil ba kun dga dpal; Thu wan h+phu thung si wan dA sha'i [95] shrIr rna dA la'i wang [96] tI shri blon chen po 08, chos rjes rgyal mtshan 'bum [97] ma ga shrI pha la yon wang [98] tI shri blon chen po 09, chos rjes byang chub dpal; Thu wan h+pha Shu'an u dE sha'i [99] gsan wang ol go the mu [100] ti shri 10 pur+N+ye shri [101] ching gin dA la'i wang kun dga' rdo rj rgyal po [102] gsan zhi tA wang ching [103] hor khal ka Don 'grub wang chen po [104] tI shri blon chen po 11, slob dpon zhi bad pal, hu wang me'i zi'i bdag po; thung hu dA sha'i [105] gser yig [106] ha'u phu yan tA ko [107] a mnyes sngags pa mdung nag can bcu gsum [108] kun dga' rdo rje [109] ching gin gsan wang gau shri dbang phyug rgyal mtshan [110] u le yerk hen dwa zhis rdzong; bsang hor; o rod [111] tI wang ye then thog tu [112] tI shri blon chen po 12, chos rjes dri med dpal, thung Shi wan mi nyi gi yo'u ya mi dA sha'i; mdo sngags mkhas grub gsang ba'i bdag po [113] bdag po tho gan the mur [114] tA'i ming tha'i tsung rgyal po [115] tA las wang thang Thir thi mang+ga shri [116] tI shri blon chen po 13, chos rjes mtha' yas dpal, min than Ta to yu wan bzhun thung gi yo'u dA sha'i; gdams pa'i bka' babs yon tan gter mdzod kha sbyor mchog ldan rgyal bstan 'degs pa [117] i la si kyi wang pa cha ra [118] tI shri blon chen po 14, chos rjes bka shis dga' wa'i dpal, lin than dA te kha'i san Shi'o thung gi yo'u dA sha'i; gdams pa'i bka' babs yon tan gter mdzod bslab gsum 'dom spel rgyal brtsan zhabs nas 'degs pa [119] The temples and their districts include: (1) lha khang chong ti dE ba – u le yerk hen dwa zhis rdzong (2) lha hang ra phu dE ba – o rong rdzong (3) lha khang a yur dE ba – ma la pu n+rar rdzong (4) lha khang si'u pa ti dE ba – dA’un tsung gi rdzong (5) lha khang sas si so to dE ba – mong ra mkhar rdzong (6) lha khang on sa ge dE ba – the bo ra si rdzong (7) lha khang mi nyi gi dE ba – 'o shan ba si rdzong [120] el ce wang gsan gau shri [121] tA'i ming ye dbang ngam g.yung lo chen po [122] tI shri blon chen po 15, chos rjes bla chen 'od zer dpal ba [123] TU'i lu zi gi yo'u tu tsung thung dA'u thung Ton Ti Than shi'i khing zho'u Tar le'u [124] klong chen pa dri med 'od zer, BDRC P1583 [125] tA wang tho lo ge chi [126] tI shri blon chen po 02, ra rna ko tu [127] tA las wang gsi bi Tha nA tha [128] tI shri blon chen po 17, chos rjes rgyal mtshan dpal; kha'i san Thi'o kyang Thu wang dwa Theng kyas min than shi'i [129] tA las bA dur thar ba skyabs [130] rgyal po tA las wang gsi [131] 'phen skor; skyabs skor; yag skor; and rje nges tsho gsum [132] 'ja' mo; stag len; and gur shul [133] gsan wang tA shir o la 'phen [134] dwa ben tshe ring skyabs; su ki ni tho lod yag [135] tI shri blon chen po 18, chos rjes legs pa dpal; h+phu tsung hung gi yo'u dA sha'i; brgyud skyongs bstan spel [136] ye wan the bun tsi tA gau shri [137] tI shri blon chen po 19, chos rjes bson nams dpal; sa h+pho ki yo phud man dA sha'i [138] tA'i ming tho shun rgyal po [139] mtsho sngon; o rod tsho yan bzhi bcu; rma stod [140] dwa'i chen rgyal po and shar rdza [141] jing gir wang chen po [142] According to 'ju dgon po sprul sku, bar won is in them chen district under Qinghai province. [143] 'bangs [144] mug ton thang tsung bog to rgyal po; sog man ju chang hwa [145] hor legs ldan [146] cha dkar mtsho brgyad [147] gsan shrI gung mgon po rgyal [148] bde skyid rgyal po [149] blon chen sog po rgyal gau shri bstan 'dzin chos rgyal [150] zi ling and sbra nag [151] 'bar chung che de yag rgyal; yag skor dbu chen pad+ma dbang drag [152] rdza rgyud; hor ma zur tsang [153] wa shul khram thar khog [154] shug gur [155] dbu chen sad dbang; zla khog [156] gser khog [157] gung ru ja sag dpon gnam lha yag [158] mkha' 'gro blo bzang bstan skyong [159] 1. 'ju nang so; 2. sog sde bA; 3. ser shul [160] ha'u phu yan tA ko; mong ra mkhar rdzong [161] 4. thar shul; 5 'bum shul rnying, 6 dpon po; 7 bA dur; 8 khrims bza' gong; 9 dge mang; 10 mang dge; 11 chis tAn; 12 che wo; 13 dge rtse gong; 14 dge 'gab; 15 khrom 'gab; 16 a rig bza'; 17 dpon rgyu; 18 a se bA yan; and 19 'bum gsar [162] dar lung [163] o rgyan tshe ring; dpon tsang sangs bstan 'dzin [164] tI shri 20, chos rjes 'gyur med bkra shis rgya mtsho; mkhas grub chen po 'a tsU Ta ma hA paN Ti ta ma hA gu ru sa ra; BDRC P8741 [165] lcags 'phrang [166] me tog mda' can ('dod lha ) is the god of desire. [167] rdo rje brag dgon; smin grol gling [168] 1 'ja' mo; 2 stag len; 3 gur shul; 4 rgya rog bE li; 5 tsan no be hu; 6 a lcog be cang; 7 sog po; 8 mgo rtsa; 9 gye za [169] sde dge rgyal po 10 bstan pa tshe ring, BDRC P4095 [170] 'phen skor 'bar chung bde legs rab brten – gner chen; skyabs skor 'bar chung ye shes tshe brtan and yag skor 'bar chung rgyal mtshan 'bum – mdun skor nang ma; and rgya, tsan, and a – blon [171] rdza hu ra ma; lcags thag 'phrang kha man; sa ku ti; rdza gsang ha cag 'ga' ma phu; hu ra; mar sgo womp u ring; gsang khri; rdza rgyab smug mo [172] mtsho 'khrung [173] sangs rgyas bstan 'dzin [174] kaH thog drung rin po che; smin gling khri chen 05 'phrin las rnam rgyal, BDRC P674 (It is not clear to us whether this is the Third Throne Holder rin chen rnam rgyal (1694–1758; BDRC P674 ) or the Fifth Throne Holder mentioned in this paragraph.); rje bla ma mi 'gyur dpal sgron, BDRC P678 ; and rdzogs chen grub dbang 02 'gyur med theg mchog bstan 'dzin, BDRC P677 [175] kaH thog drung rin po che; dri med zhing mgon po, BDRC P5972 ; rgyal sras o rgyan bstan 'phel; rgyal sras pad ma rnam rgyal; mkhar shing rig 'dzin chen po; smin gling khri chen 'phrin las rnam rgyal; smin gling mkhan chen 03 o rgyan bstan 'dzin rdo rje, BDRC P683 ; rdor brag rig 'dzin chen po khams gsum zil gnon; lha btsun 18 zhabs drung; khams pa rdzogs chen grub dbang 03 nges don bstan 'dzin bzang, BDRC P7404 [176] sgo me/rdo me; rong bo; tsa kho; rgyal mo rong; dar mdo lcags la mi che sa’i rgyal ba/mi nyag lcags la rgyal po; bdag po lha sras blo gros rgya mtsho [177] lcang skya rol pa'i rdo rje [178] tI shrir tsU Ta ma Ti ma hA ru sa rA [179] man ju bog to sras/ bde skyid rgyal po/ de sras khang shin/ de sras rgyal po hwong [180] krom kyi shu gur 'bar chung tshe yag rgyal [181] rgya mtsho thar; 'phen skor bde legs rab brten; phar kha [182] dpon mgon po dbang rgyal [183] yag skor ba bla kho [184] gser khog; rgya sde; shog pa [185] rje dbon bla ma bstan 'dzin nor bu [186] dpon kun bzang rnam rgyal; dge rgan chos dbyings bstan 'dzin [187] 'bar chung sangs rgyas bkra shis; bla ma 'jigs med chos dar [188] a gro bla ma sgrub chen pad+ma dbang rgyal [189] 'gyur med pad+ma chos rgyal; 'bru rigs [190] a gro bla ma pad+ma rgya mtsho; kun bzang dar rgyas [191] bla rab 'dzin pa 23 rig 'dzin tub bstan dge legs dpal bzang po phyogs las rnam par rgyal ba'i sde [192] dpon rig 'dzin [193] gsan Tang tI shri o la 'phen [194] The text states thirteen communities, however, there are only twelve. [195] dpon 'tsho mdzad chen po BIBLIOGRAPHY 'Gyur med pad+ma chos rgyal. 1852?. ' Jam dbyangs brtan pa'i 'khor lo'i sgyu 'phrul gyi rol gar 'od gsal gnam gyi lha zhing u hu wang jing gir gyi gdung rab yi ger bkod pa pad+ma rA ga'i phreng ba zhes bya ba bzhugs so . London: Tib Shelf W001 Abstract The Ruby Garland is a genealogy of the Tibetan clans Barchung and Ju, descended from Genghis Khan. It might be the only Tibetan historical document that holds a clear account of Buddhism's existence in Mongolia during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Parallel historical narratives can be found in the official historical records of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Shi (明史). TIB SHELF W001 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 HISTORICAL PERIOD 13th Century 14th Century 15th Century 16th Century 17th Century 18th Century 19th Century CLAN Barchung LORDS 1. Genghis Khan 2. Chagatai Khan 3. Borta Ching (pending) 4. Hanwang Khola Jing 5. Tawang Negoye 6. Sanwang Tomer 7. Yerkhen Dazhi Tawang 8. Hputai Wang Ulkebe 9. Shrir Nadalai Wang 10. Maga Shri Palayon Wang 11. Sanwang Olgo Temu 12. Chinggi Dalai Wang Kunga Dorje 13. Wangchuk Gyeltsen 14. Tiwang Yeten Toktu 15. Tale Wangtang Tirti Mangga Shri 16. Ila Sikyi Wangpa Chara 17. Elche Wangsan Gaushri 18. Tawang Tolo Gechi 19. Tale Wangsiwi Tanata 20. Sanwang Tashir Ola Pen 21. Yewan Tebun Tsita Gaushri 22. Sanshri Gung Gonpo Gyel 23. Namlha Yak 24. Sanggye Tendzin 25. Gonpo Wanggyel 26. Kunzang Namgyel 27. Sanggye Tashi STATE PRECEPTORS 1. Dharma Lord Yonten Pel 2. Dharma Lord Yeshe Gyeltsen Pel 3. Dharma Lord Gelek Pel 4. Dharma Lord Jinpa Pel 5. Dharma Lord Gyamtso Pel 6. Dharma Lord Jampa Pel 7. Khyilwa Kunga Pel 8. Dharma Lord Gyeltsen Bum 9. Dharma Lord Jangchub Pel 10. Purnye Shri 11. Zhiwa Pel 12. Dharma Lord Drime Pel 13. Dharma Lord Taye Pel 14. Dharma Lord Tashi Gawai Pel 15. Dharma Lord Lachen Ozer Pelwa 16. Rana Kotu 17. Dharma Lord Gyeltsen Pel 18. Dharma Lord Lekpa Pel 19. Dharma Lord Sonam Pel 20. Dharma Lord Lama Gyurme Tashi Gyatso No State Preceptors for two Generations 21. Lama Tendzin Norbu 22. Choying Tendzin 23. Lama Jigme Chodar (no title and end of bloodline) 24. Drubchen Pema Wanggyel (lama of the lineage) 25. Gyurme Pema Chogyel (author) TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf Rachael Griffiths INSTITUTIONS N/A STUDENTS N/A AUTHOR Gyurme Pema Chögyal The Ruby Garland: A Genealogy of the Emperor Uhu Wang Genghis Khan 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. 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  • The Guidebook to the Hidden Land of Pemokö

    The first guidebook to Pemokö, revealed as a treasure by Jatson Nyinpo, prophesies future degeneration and identifies this sacred hidden land as a sanctuary. The Guidebook to the Hidden Land of Pemokö Emaho! One such as I, the Lake-Born Padmasambhava, meandered throughout India like a river for 3028 [years] and stayed in the region of U in central Tibet for 111 years. In Chamara, [ 1 ] the country of the rakshasa demons, I led the red-faced [cannibals] to the Dharma. I established all beings in happiness. Even still, forty eons in the future, famine, and poverty will arise from desire, proliferating war will arise from hatred, different forms of pestilence will arise from delusion, and various torments will arise from the three poisons in equal measure. At that time, sentient beings will have no opportunities for happiness, and the Turkish armies will invade every direction. Alas! What a surging wave of misery! Although it might be possible to escape to the sixteen greater and lesser hidden lands, due to the power of negative karma, very few will escape. The wealthy will be caught by the noose of avarice, and those who have heirs will deceive one other. The elderly will lose the will to travel, children will be unable to find the path, and animals will just up and die. Such is the ripening of negative karma for beings without refuge! As a sign of the ripening of such karma for beings devoid of a protection, there will also be these outer, inner, and secret bad omens: sudden avalanches will occur on Mt. Kailash, lightning and hail will destroy the region of Ngari, earthquakes will destroy the borderlands of Tibet and China, heretical doctrines will multiply in Nepal, and samaya-breakers, maras, and elemental spirits will overrun U and Tsang. In the region of Dokham, destructive wildfires will burn alive tens of thousands of sentient beings, causing [the survivors] to wander the scorched earth. There will be many mad dogs and crazed people in the lands of Jar, Dak, and Nyal. Suffering and pestilence will blanket Drak, Long, and Nyang. Many multifarious maladies will steam forth from the mouths of the people of Hor and Mongolia. The majority will die as medicine will prove ineffective. Provocations and elemental spirits from the east, wild men, predatory animals, and barbarians from the south, poisonous commerce of warfare from the west, and Hor, Mongols, and Turks from the north—all these will spread! Countless bolts of lightning as well as hailstones and meteorites will descend from the vast sky. Multiple earthquakes will shake the ground. Bright stars and white lights will appear over and over again, and the red light of the god of fire will fill the sky. Orchards and crops will be blighted and bear no fruit. Due to famine, generations of families will repeatedly face ruin. Rain will fall sporadically, and there will be great depressions and caverns in the earth. The ground will collapse, rock faces will subside, rivers will overflow, and there will be many wildfires. When all these things occur, the signs of illness will arise: people will be physically stunted and possess a great desire for destructive actions. They will debauch themselves as much as possible. All of this will appear like the rising of a storm. At that time, various kinds of [cultural] ornamentation and weaponry will spread, there will be a great trend of new people, new languages, and new fashion. The jewellery and attire of the borderlands will spread into the centre of the country, while the appearance of the ordained living in the centre of the country will disperse to the borderlands. At that time, the appearance of both sutra and mantra practitioners will be in disarray, new doctrines will arise like a whirling blizzard, and unusual treatises will pervade the land. Confidence in the Mahayana will fade in the face of individual fabrications of sophistry. Demonic emanations appearing in the guise of dharmic practitioners will become ubiquitous while individuals who attain accomplishment will be as rare as stars in broad daylight. At that time, most beings will be under the power of Mara. Towns will be lawless like a mala with a broken cord. There will be no compensation for murder or maiming [a member]. Wicked individuals will win arguments, and robbery and stealing will be rife. What spiritual friends there are will have short lives, the meaning of meditation will go unlearned, and people will learn to be competitive in arts and technology. [ 2 ] Some people, seeking to destroy their delusion, will eat human flesh and solely devote themselves to the misguided conduct of depriving beings of their lives. At that time, an emanation of Gyalwa Chokyang (8th cent.) [ 3 ] will be born on the north-east border and will gain widespread fame. All who hear of him will be led to Sukhavati (Dewachen), by the very same [emanation] Vajradharmadhatu. The teachings will be confused [as the perplexed people] won’t understand the [correct] ordering of them. Internally the people will be in disarray, and externally they will [appear] Chinese. These will be the secret signs of their appearance. At that time, all the countryside will be in complete turmoil! All men and women, lay and ordained, and livestock will be distraught! Even the eight classes of gods and demons, the non-humans, will be upset. As there will be external fighting, internally the mind will be conflicted! The channels and winds will be muddled, as if one had drunk poison, and people will lack self-confidence. This is definitely the magical ploys of demons. After that, there will be an emanation of Nine Gonpo demon brothers, bearing the name Duk Lung because of whom a singular act harmful to the whole of Tibet will arise. For these reasons there exist the sixteen great hidden lands. Concerning the great place Pemoko [ 4 ] : east of Samye there is a valley called Dakpo, and if you follow the river, there is a valley that resembles a prone scorpion. Atop the tip of the tail sits a site called Gyala, which is the extraordinary supreme sacred site of Yama, Lord of Death. From there you can continue to follow the river, or, alternately, going towards Kukar pass is also acceptable, where there is the great charnel ground, Tsenmo Mebar. In the east, it is similar to a gathering of wildlife with a base [shaped] like upward climbing scales. Behind there is a mountain in the shape of an open flower, resembling a brandished weapon. About seven furlongs away is a place where the gods and [ravenous] rakshasas gather. There are many large and small border stones, and then the four doors to the sacred site. At Drangtsi Drak, perform a hundred feast offerings, make smoke offerings, and declare the power of the words of truth. Then there is the so-called Ziknang Drak, which reveals the reflection of all who gaze upon it. Then there is a great eddy in the river and a large tree about two arm spans in width, with a fragrance like incense and a pungent flavour. You will be able to make a bridge by felling it. There are many such big trees, so sharpen your tools. There is a stone stupa as big as Mt. Meru then, there is a place called Rabtroling. All visions that are seen will appear as if they are real. There are [also] many stone crossings. Then you will arrive at Namdak Jatson Ling, a place which appears to be endowed with the eight auspicious signs [ 5 ] and the eight articles. [ 6 ] The smell of incense billows everywhere and the streams murmur with the sound of the rulu [mantra]. This is a place where meditative concentration arises spontaneously. Then there is a small mountain pass called Jokpama, where the path has the shape of the syllable bhyo , the earth has an eight-petalled lotus, and there is an eight-spoked wheel in the sky. The surroundings feature the eight auspicious symbols and the eight auspicious articles. To the east of the place called Gumik Lingtse is Namdak Kopa as well as Melong Kochung, to the south is Palden Kopa as well as Yonten Kochung, to the west is Pemo Kopa as well as Pemo Kochung, to the north is Lerab Kopa as well as Drakpo Kochung, and in the centre is Taye Kopa. The area of the Five Kochen is one hundred and eighty furlongs, and the Four Kochung extend for thirty-five furlongs. The perimeter is surrounded by snow and rock, and a rain of flowers falls continuously from the sky. When the seasons change, if one flees the four places—China, Jang, Lo, and Kong—then one will be satisfied by escaping to the place [of Pemoko]. Each and every area is sealed by mountain passes, rivers, and cliffs. There will be no risk of conflict or strife. At that time, the emanation of the Guru will gradually show the path. Remember [me] Orgyen at all times and recite the Guru Pema Siddhi [Hum mantra]. This will clear away obstacles and adversity. I will appear vividly to those who have undoubting faith in me and longingly keep me in the centre of their hearts. Continuously sing heartfelt supplications and I will also come as sundry sounds. Visualise [me] either above the crown of your head or in front of you, and you will be able to perceive me directly. Let everyone during the five hundred [degenerate] years humbly beseech me, Padmakara, and take refuge in me. Compared to other Buddhas, my compassion is swift. Even if we do not meet in this life, I will certainly dispel suffering in the intermediate state. For me, there is nothing more than the welfare of beings. Whatever one wishes will be spontaneously accomplished. Amongst the sixteen hidden lands, whoever hears of or recalls this great Pemoko, their karmic obscurations will be purified. Even walking or riding seven steps in its direction will certainly result in being born there. Performing seven full prostrations while visualising this [place] will lead to becoming a Non-Returner and no longer wandering in cyclic existence. Whoever surely arrives here will obtain the indestructible rainbow body. Even drinking a single drop of water or eating a pinch of herb will pacify sufferings such as chronic illness and clear dulled sense faculties. The elderly too will take on youthful forms. Those with bad karma, who do not recall the excellent dharma, will, by virtue of travelling to this sacred site, become self-liberated accomplished ones. Consuming the earth and stones of this place, even at the end of one’s [karmic] lifespan, will extend life by hundreds and thousands of years. If feeling cold, wear the union of fire and wind as clothing. If thirsty, enjoy ambrosial water. If hungry or destitute, live on corn, the five kinds of cereal, and the fruits from trees. There is no physical pain or mental suffering, and there is no need for conflict or sloth. The primordial wisdom of the [union of] emptiness, luminosity, and the self-blazing warmth of bliss will arise. The majority of fruit is about the size of a horse’s head, unhusked wheat and barley grains the size of an apricot stone, and radishes and turnips [so large] people can barely lift them. There is no need to grind salt as the food is comparable to nectar and equal in potency to the sustenance of the gods. The channel of clear intelligence will open, clairvoyance and the four immeasurables like love and compassion will arise, and in six months a body of light will be spontaneously accomplished. How amazing! How amazing that the victorious ones of the three times have such powerful prayers of aspiration and such capacity! One such as I, the Lake-Born Padmakara, concealed many texts as treasures in mountains and valleys. I concealed many sacred substances, representations of body, speech, and mind. I hid a mixture of many excellent teachings for protecting, repelling, and killing. In the future may those treasures be taken out by a [heart] son. There will be many obstacles when Jatson, the emanation of [Myang] Tingdzin Zangpo (8th cent.), [ 7 ] fulfils his own and others’ aims. At that time an emanation light ray of Takra Lugong (d. 782) [ 8 ] will appear disguised as a [heart] son, and there is a risk that he will cause obstacles. Practice firm samadhi which blazes forth with the powers of subjugation and wrathful activity. An emanation of the evil minister Tramik will appear in the guise of a spiritual friend and through his cunning disparage others and eventually cause disputes. At such a time, entreat the Lord of Great Compassion (Avalokiteśvara). There will be an emanation of the demoness Zanglak, who will adopt a beautifully fine form and cause obstacles to your practice, vows, and samaya. Look at her with intelligence as she could be seen as a demoness or a goddess. An emanation of Tsenmar Raru will appear in the guise of a nobleman pretending to be your patron and eventually take hold of your life. It is crucial that you dedicate yourself to the ablution of Ucchuṣma, king of the wrathful (Trogyal Metsek). You will come across about seven manifestations of red-faced Te'u Rang dwarves, who will provide bad, unclean food and disparage you. Develop compassion towards them and transform them through that relationship. Furthermore, at that time since the three poisons will be expressed so strongly, gradually spread and cherish the profound treasures. Simultaneously, as a result of propagating empowerments and oral transmissions, there will be many samaya transgressors and you must absolutely look after them at all times as well as strive in your own practice. Do not drink maddening alcohol and avoid low caste women. Travel the path of secret mantra and be diligent. Whatever happiness or suffering befalls you, recall [Guru] Orgyen, and all those with whom you come into contact, however significant or insignificant, will be satisfied. Even amongst manifestations, this heart son [ 9 ] is the foremost emanation. For example: among all the different kinds of blood, he is that of the very heart. Among celestial bodies in the sky, he is the essential sun and moon. Among the best medicines, he is the special, all-conquering one. Among jewels, he is that which fulfils all wishes and desires. Among treasure revealers, he is the discoverer of the most supreme and rarest treasure. Fortunate ones, supplicate him. In this vidyadhara’s heart centre, light energy blazes in the branch channels to form a triangle, the auspiciousness of which is externally apparent. The ferocity of his exalted mind is akin to the games of children— one moment divine, the next demonic. [However] his conduct is faithful to the Three Baskets [of the Buddhist teachings]. As for his meditation, he practices Mahamudra, Dzogchen, and Madhyamaka, and his view arises as the non-referential view, free from the extremes [of nihilism and eternalism]. He immediately remembers that he has no time for distractions. Suffering unbearably, eyes wet with tears, unfriendly yet maintaining samaya—all of this is the magical display of his channels. A person possessing such karma is one in a hundred. This heart son of Padma will be surrounded by plenty of fortunate ones with the right karma. However, since there are many with bad karma and forsaken samaya, dakinis who are the essence of the sky, protect him! Samaya. The seal of the words of the Buddha, the seal of the nectar of the excellent dharma, the seal of the aspirational prayers of the sangha. Seal! Seal! Seal! The seal of the compassion of the gurus, the seal of the blessings of the deities, the seal of the entrustment of the dakinis, the seal of the power and force of the dharma protectors. Seal! Seal! Seal! COLOPHON Concerning both the concise and extensive guidebooks of Pemoko, which is one of the sixteen hidden lands, the treasure revealer Jatson Nyingpo brought forth [this guide] from the Guru Rinpoche Practice Cave in the valley of Kongpo. NOTES [1] Cāmara can be identified as Sri Lanka [2] The text reads gzo rigs which we have interpreted as a spelling error for bzo rig. [3] rgyal ba mchog dbyangs, BDRC P2JM167 [4] There are two variations of the spelling of this hidden land: Pad+mo bkod and Pad+ma bkod. We have followed the form that Jatson Nyingpo uses [5] The eight signs include the lotus (padma), the endless knot (dpal be’u, śrīvatsa), the pair of golden fish (gser nya, suvarṇamatsya), the parasol (gdugs, chattra), the victory banner (rgyal mtshan, ketu), the treasure vase (gter gyi bum pa, dhanakumbha), the white conch shell (dung dkar, śaṅkha), and the wheel ('khor lo, cakra). [6] i.Right-coiling conch shell (dung dkar gyas 'khyil), ii. Yogurt (zho) iii. Durva grass (rtsa dur ba) iv. Vermilion (li khri) v. Bilva fruit (shing tog bil ba), vi. Mirror (me long) vii. Bezoar (gi wang) viii. White mustard seed (yungs dkar). [7] myang ting 'dzin bzang po, BDRC P3827 [8] stag gra klu khong, BDRC P10MS16952 [9] At this point the treasure text is describing Jatson Nyingpo as the heart son. Thanks to Adam Pearcey at Lotsawa House for his editing. Published: November 2020 BIBLIOGRAPHY Jatsön Nyingpo ('ja' tshon snying po). 1979. sbas yul pad+ma bko kyi lam yig . In: Gter chen rig 'dzin 'ja' tshon snying po'i zab gter chos mdzod rin po che , vol.1, 445–460. Konchog Lhadrepa. Majnukatilla, Delhi. BDRC W1KG3655 . Abstract The Guidebook to the Hidden Land of Pemokö is a revealed treasure text included in Jatson Nyinpo’s Embodiment of the Precious Ones, the Konchok Chidu. It is a prediction text about the future degenerate times and purportedly the first guidebook to the hidden land of Pemoko. BDRC LINK W1KG3655 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 14:14 TRADITION Nyingma INCARNATION LINE N/A HISTORICAL PERIOD 16th Century 17th Century TEACHERS Namkha Jigme Chade Tertön Tsultrim Gyaltsen Mipam Lodr ö The Tenth Karmapa, Chöying Dorje TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTION Bangri Jogpo STUDENTS Dudul Dorje Sonam Gyatso Natsok Rangdröl Namkha Jigme Lodrö Nordan The Sixth Zharmapa, Chökyi Wangchuk The Fifth Drugchen, Pagsam Wangpo The First Drigung Chungtsang, Chökyi Dragpa The Third Dorje Drak Rigdzin, Ngakgi Wangpo Chökyi Gyatso Norbu Gyenpa Pema Mati AUTHOR Jatsön Nyingpo The Guidebook to the Hidden Land of Pemokö 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. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • A Chronological Timetable: Lives of Do Khyentse’s Familial Line

    A chronology of birth and death dates mapping Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje's family lineage through its key figures and connections. A Chronological Timetable: Lives of Do Khyentse’s Familial Line NAME DATE OF BIRTH DATE OF DEATH LIFE SPAN* ANNOTATION Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje Thirteenth Cycle Iron Monkey Year1800 Fourteenth Cycle Fire Tiger Year 1866 66 - Losal Drölma Thirteenth Cycle Water Dog Year 1802 Fourteenth Cycle Iron Bird Year 1861 59 Not of familial line Khaying Drölma Fourteenth Cycle Water Sheep Year 1823 Fourteenth Cycle Wood Tiger Year 1854 31 - Sherab Mebar Fourteenth Cycle Earth Ox Year 1829 Fourteenth Cycle Water Tiger Year 1842 13 - Gyalse Raltri Fourteenth Cycle Iron Tiger Year 1830 Fifteenth Cycle Fire Monkey Year 1896 66 - Somang Chogtrul Fourteenth Cycle Wood Hare Year 1855 - 80+ - Drimé Drakpa Fourteenth Cycle Fire Horse Year 1846 - 40+ Not of familial line Gyepa Dorje Fifteenth Cycle Iron Tiger Year 1890 Sixteenth Cycle Earth Hare Year 1939 49 - Tsezin Wangmo Fifteenth Cycle Wood Horse Year 1894 Sixteenth Cycle Water Snake Year 1953 59 - Dasal Wangmo Sixteenth Cycle Earth Dragon Year 1928 - - 80 years old as of this year COLOPHON None NOTES * Dates have been shifted back one place to align with European calculation. Photo credit: BDRC W1KG987 Published April 2021 BIBLIOGRAPHY Thub bstan chos dar. 2008. Mdo mkhyen brtse ye shes rdo rje'i gdung rgyud rim byon gyi 'khrungs rabs re'u mig . In Mdo mkhyen brtse ye shes rdo rje'i gdung rgyud rim byon gyi rnam thar gsal ba'i me long, pp. 449–450. Pe cin: Krung go'i bod rig pa dpe skrun khang. BDRC W1KG987 Abstract This concise table features birth and death dates for essential individuals connected with Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje's familial line. BDRC LINK W1KG987 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION Nyingma Drigung Kagyu HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century PEOPLE Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje Losal Drölma Khaying Drolma Sherab Mebar Gyalse Rigpe Raltri Somang Chogtrul Drimé Drakpa Gyepa Dorje Tsezin Wangmo Dasal Wangmo INSTITUTIONS Mahā Kyilung Monastery Katok Monastery Dzogchen Monastery Tseringjong Drigung Til Monastery Derge Monastery Gyalrong Kachok Minyak Kernang Karza Hermitage Pema Rito Yarlung Pemakö TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf AUTHOR Tubten Chödar A Chronological Timetable: Lives of Do Khyentse’s Familial Line 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. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • Addiction

    Through verse, Dudul Dorje explores addiction and worldly attachments, revealing how these forms of suffering stem from the clinging mind itself. Addiction [1] གུ་རུ་པདྨ་སིདྷི་ཧཱུྃ༔ GURU PADMA SIDDHI HŪṂ! [2] ཨེ་མ་དཀོན་མཆོག་འགྲོ་མགོན་པདྨ་འབྱུང༔ འཁོར་བའི་ཞེན་ཆགས་བྲལ་བར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས༔ Eh ma! supreme jewel, protector of beings—Lotus-Born One, Please bless me to sever my fixed attachment to saṃsāra! གཉུག་མར་རང་གསལ་ཆང་འདི་མ་འཐུང་ན༔ བྲམ་ཟེ་ཆང་མྱོས་འདི་ལ་མཐོང་ཚེ་ཡི་རེ་མུག༔ གཤིས་ལུགས་ཀ་དག་གི་ནོར་མཆོག་མ་མཐོང་ནས༔ བསླུས་ནོར་ཞེན་འཛིན་འདི་མཐོང་ཚེ་ཞེ་རེ་ལོག༔ How sad it is to see a brahmin [ 3 ] dissipated on drink, Having failed to imbibe the innate nature’s self-luminosity. When you don’t appreciate the supreme jewel of your primordially pure makeup, When you hang on to the counterfeit jewel of consuming fixation—this pains my soul .[ 4 ] མར་དམྱལ་བ་ཚ་གྲང་གི་སྡུག་བསྔལ་ཐར་མེད་དེ༔ བུ་རང་རྒྱུད་ཞེ་སྡང་གི་རྩ་དེར་འདུག༔ ཡི་དྭགས་བཀྲེས་སྐོམ་གྱི་སྡུག་བསྔལ་བཟོད་མེད་དེ༔ བུ་རང་རྒྱུད་སེར་སྣའི་རྩ་དེར་འདུག༔ The inescapable, harrowing heat and cold of hell below ,[ 5 ] My dear, [ 6 ] are rooted in your mind’s hostility. The ghost’s overwhelming, burning hunger and thirst, My dear, are rooted in your mind’s rapacity. བྱོལ་སོང་བླུན་རྨོངས་སྡུག་བསྔལ་བཟོད་མེད་དེ༔ བུ་རང་རྒྱུད་གཏི་མུག་གི་རྩ་དེར་འདུག༔ ལྷ་མིན་འཐབ་རྩོད་གྱི་སྡུག་བསྔལ་བཟོད་མེད་དེ༔ བུ་རང་རྒྱུད་ཕྲག་དོག་གི་རྩ་དེར་འདུག༔ The benighted brainlessness of a beast, My dear, is rooted in your mind’s vacuity. The asuras’ acidic quarrels ,[ 7 ] My dear, are rooted in your mind’s envy. འཆི་འཕོ་ལྟུང་བའི་སྡུག་བསྔལ་དོང་རིང་དེ༔ བུ་རང་རྒྱུད་འདོད་ཆགས་ཀྱི་རྩ་དེར་འདུག༔ དེ་ལྟར་དབུལ་ཕོངས་ཀྱི་སྡུག་བསྔལ་དེ༔ བུ་སྦྱིན་གཏོང་གཉིས་པོའི་རྩ་དེར་འདུག༔ The nightmarish chute of your fall from grace, [ 8 ] My dear, [241/242] is rooted in your mind’s indulgences. Likewise, my dear, the pauper’s pain Shares its root with the two kinds of giving .[ 9 ] འཁོར་འདས་ཤེས་བྱའི་ཐ་སྙད་དེ༔ བུ་རེ་དོགས་གཉིས་ཀྱི་རྩ་དེར་འདུག༔ བུ་རྫོགས་སངས་རྒྱས་པ་ཞེས་བྱའི་སྒྲ་ཆེ་དེ༔ བུ་རང་རིག་སྐྱེ་མེད་ཀྱི་ཀློང་དེར་འདུག༔ The conventions known as saṃsāra and nirvāṇa, My dear, are rooted in your hopes and fears. My dear, what’s called “exalted, perfect awakening,” Is there, my dear, in the unborn expanse of your self-knowing awareness. ཡིན་མིན་འབུང་བའི་གླུ་ཆུང་འདི༔ རང་འདྲའི་ཞེན་ཆགས་རྟག་འཛིན་མཁན་རྣམས་ལ༔ མཆོག་སྨན་ཆུའི་དབེན་ཁྲོད་དུ༔ འབུང་བའི་གླུ་ཆུང་སྨྲས་པ་ཟེར་རོ༔ This little song about the struggles of dignity— [ 10 ] For those like me who are hooked and think things last forever— Was sung with sincerity In isolated retreat where sublime Healing Waters flow. [ 11 ] COLOPHON ཧ་ཧ༔ དགེ་བས་འགྲོ་ཀུན་བུདྡྷ་མྱུར་འགྲུབ་ཤོག༔ རིག་འཛིན་བདུད་འདུལ་རྡོ་རྗེ་ཡིས༔ སྨན་ཆུའི་ཡང་དབེན་དུ་སྨྲས་པ་ཟེར་རོ༔ མངྒ་ལམ༔ Ha ha! By the good of this, may all beings quickly attain buddhahood. This little poem was written in the Healing Waters of total solitude .[ 12 ] By Rigzin Dudul Dorje. Maṅgalam NOTES [1] The title is literally “The Drawbacks of Alcohol.” In classical Tibetan literature, and even today, alcohol (chang) is used as a catch-all term for addictive substances. This is no doubt largely because, until recently, there was little access to other addictive substances on the Tibetan plateau, with the exception of tobacco and occasional opioid abuse among the economic elite (See McKay, “Indifference, Cultural Difference, and a Porous Frontier: Some Remarks on the History of Recreational Drugs in the Tibetan Cultural World”). We choose to render the title more openly as “addiction” since it does not focus on alcohol but on the mind afflicted by addictions to its own poisons. [2] The only edition we find of this text has rather curious punctuation. Each line ends with Sanskrit visarga marks (ཿ ), which are very commonly conflated with Tibetan terma marks (༔) that indicate a text is a revealed treasure. Since Dudul Dorje was a treasure revealer, his works are full of terma marks, however, the present poem shows virtually none of the characteristics of a treasure text and seems to be a personal composition intended for his student. Thus, the use of the visarga/terma marks may just be an editorial quirk. [3] Brahmin (bram ze): the highest caste in traditional Indian social strata. Brahmins are distinguished by their access to the sacred Vedic scriptures, which are the source of all knowledge. As a seventeenth-century Tibetan, Dudul Dorje likely uses the term figuratively as something like the English “gentleman,” as in someone whose nature is essentially good. Thus, the line might be read in contemporary English as “One hates to see a good man in the throes of addiction.” [4] “Soul” here is in the figurative sense of one’s innermost being (zhe), not, of course, in the non-Buddhist metaphysical sense of a permanent self. There are synonymic resonances in this stanza between “soul” (zhe), “innate nature” (gnyug ma), and “makeup” (gshis lugs), which is more commonly translated as “disposition,” “character,” or the extremely long “fundamentally unconditioned nature.” [5] This and the following stanzas have a repeating structure in which lines 1 and 3 repeat the word “suffering” (sdug bsngal) + an intensifier like “inescapable” (thar med) or “unbearable" ( b zod med). Since the meaning of the lines is unambiguous, rather than render a stiff word-for-word translation of the repeated phrases, we prefer to use evocative synonyms for each in accord with English stylistic conventions. [6] The word here is literally “son,” which is a common term of affection that a lama uses to address a close male student. We believe that in the present context, the term’s affectionateness is more important than its gender, and that using “son” might create needless confusion about whether he’s referring to his literal son or not. A good alternative is sometimes “dear student,” but we reluctantly choose “my dear” because it is slightly lighter in the meter. [7] Asuras (lha min) can be translated as “demi-gods”—powerful and privileged beings tormented by competitiveness with the gods who are even more powerful and privileged. [8] This line uses a phrase associated with the experience of gods when their positive karma runs out, and they traumatically descend back into lower realms. [9] Two kinds of giving (sbyin gtong gnyis po) is synonymous with two kinds of generosity (sbyin pa gnyis), which are the giving of things (zang zing gi sbyin pa) and the giving of Dharma (chos kyi sbyin pa). This line seems to emphasize that suffering and wholesome categories like generosity both have their root in the mind. [10] This interesting line deserves unpacking. It is literally “is and is not” (yin min) + “making effort” (’bung ba) + of + “little song” (glu chung). The phrase “is and is not” usually concerns moral questions of what is and is not good or right, so the line could be read as “this little poem about right and wrong.” Here, we prefer to handle it slightly more delicately since Dudul Dorje does not emphasize ethics in the poem but rather the epistemology of a mind addicted to its poisons. This is how we arrived at “the struggles of dignity (i.e., self-respect).” [11] sman chu dben khrod. This is almost certainly a place name, as in the sublime “Healing Waters Hermitage.” However, since we cannot confirm its location, we prefer to translate the terms, which have some poetic value. [12] Again, here “Healing Waters” (sman chu) is likely the name of the hermitage where he stayed. Dudul Dorje spent many years in retreat and revealing treasures in remote places, especially in the southern Tibetan regions of Powo (spo bo), Kongpo (kong po), and Pemakö (pad+ma bkod). Published: September 2023 Thanks to Lowell Cook for this editorial feedback. BIBLIOGRAPHY Dudul Dorje (bdud ’dul rdo rje). chang gi nyes dmigs. In gter chos bdud ʼdul rdo rje, 3:249–50. Edited by Zhichen Bairo (gzhi chen bai ro 03 padma rgyal mtshan). Darjeeling: Kargyud Sungrab Nyamso Khang, 1997. BDRC MW22123_D2C055 . McKay, Alex, Alex. “Indifference, Cultural Difference, and a Porous Frontier: Some Remarks on the History of Recreational Drugs in the Tibetan Cultural World.” The Tibet Journal 39, no. 1, Special Issue: Trade, Travel and the Tibetan Border Worlds: Essays in Honour of Wim van Spengen (1943–2013) (Spring-Summer 2014): 57–73. Abstract Using poetic verses, this work delves into the theme of addiction, whilst emphasizing the destructive nature of clinging to worldly attachments. Dudul Dorje draws parallels between various forms of suffering and the importance of recognizing that they are rooted in the mind. BDRC LINK MW22123_ D2C055 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 02:02 TRADITION Nyingma INCARNATION LINE Dudjom Lingpa Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje HISTORICAL PERIOD 17th Century TEACHERS Drenpa Könchok Gyal Jatsön Nyingpo Derge Drubchen Kunga Gyatso TRANSLATOR Dr. Joseph McClellan INSTITUTION Katok Monastery STUDENTS Wangdrak Dorje Longsal Nyingpo Orgyen Palzang Nyima Drakpa Kunzang Pema Loden The First Dzogchen Drubwang, Pema Rigzin Nuden Dorje Orgyen Damchö Pal Tashi Özer AUTHOR Dudul Dorje Addiction 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. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • Abbreviated Biography of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

    Jamgön Kongtrul celebrates Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo's mastery of diverse Tibetan spiritual traditions in this reverent biographical account. Abbreviated Biography of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Namo guru! Your supreme name, difficult to utter, Is Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo! In all the worlds, including the gods’, Your fame shines brilliantly, And those with bejeweled crowns Bow down to your lotus feet. You are the sovereign of the complete teachings Because you are the sole refuge of all beings. You benefit all whom you encounter With the enlightened activities you possess, And your qualities make possible the impossible— How marvelous! Appearing with your charisma and reputation Generates amazement in the minds of the innocent. But these are not the qualities of an excellent being’s perfect liberation. The four elements are immensely powerful; take earth for example. Yet, they do not compare to all-encompassing space. It is the same when comparing the liberated lives of the doctrine holders in the Land of Snows With your extraordinary, marvelous, and outstanding life of liberation. How long would it take those with a hair tip of your understanding To plumb the depths of your [399] ocean of experience? You were not swayed by the power Of solicitation, intelligence, wealth, and the like. Through your inherent and cultivated qualities, You became the chief of all traditions of the victors in the land of Tibet; Solely in this way and in this world, You possessed the liberated lifestyle of a second Lord of Sages. The ten great pillars [ 1 ] that support the exegetical tradition, The eight great chariots [ 2 ] of the practice lineage, The maturing empowerments and the essential liberating instructions Of these traditions that are in the Land of Snows— You brought them to their perfection Through listening, contemplating, and meditating From non-birth, you displayed the manner of birth. From non-transference, you displayed the manner of transference. Similarly, although you reached the conclusion of all things to renounce and realize, You displayed training in skillful means as a disciple. The tantras, divisions of meditational practice, oral tradition, and treasure tradition All belong to the three yogas of the Early [400] Translations. You accepted these traditions as your own inheritance And established vast flowing networks of maturation and liberation. By the karmic propensities of your enlightened resolve, The timeliness of your disciples, And your unraveling of the vajra seals according to the ḍākinīs’ prophecy, Precious earth treasures, mind treasures, Pure visions that shine in the mind, the aural lineage, Recollected teachings of previous lives, Rediscovered teachings of previous masters, And previously known precious treasuries of the profound teachings, You opened these anew for fortunate ones And became the wheel-wielding monarch of all knowledge holders Of the Ancient School, the great secret root teachings. Muchen Cakrasaṃvara and Gyaltsab Sempa Chenpo [ 3 ] Were in actuality Khenchen Dorje Chang. [ 4 ] Tartse’s [ 5 ] relatives conferred empowerment to you, The great regent of the three secrets of body, speech, and mind. The scriptures of the primary forefathers And the auxiliary textual systems of Ngorchen, Gangkarwa, and Tsarchen and his heir [ 6 ] — You mastered all their instructions. The deities and lamas cared for you, And you established all disciples in the realm of Khecara. You left an immense legacy for the teachings And were an unrivaled lama of the Sakya tradition, The singular ornament of the teachings. Dagpo, Chenga, Karmapa, Drigung, Tak, Drukpa, and so forth [ 7 ] — You took [401] the essential nectar of their instructional advice, Obtained the actual lineage of blessings, And attained the empowerment of indestructible primordial wisdom. You established revulsion, the foot of meditation, Developed devotion, the head of meditation, And donned conscientiousness and compassionate activities, The armor of a sentinel of mindfulness. Obtaining the sign of heat of the four practices of the path of skillful means, You beheld the abiding nature of the vajra body, And realized the great mahāmudrā of the path of liberation. Thus, phenomenal existence arose nakedly as the dharmakāya. The border between your meditative equipoise and post-meditation was destroyed As your mind and appearance merged as one. Free from any sense of difference between distraction and attentiveness, You perfected the dynamic energy of the yoga of one taste In which acceptance and rejection of the two truths do not exist, Resulting in your becoming the king of all realized practitioners Of the Kagyu tradition, the essence of the teachings. Yoga Tantra teachings, such as Splendor , Peak , and Space , [ 8 ] Are as rare as gold these days. Having received them all, you took up their practice. Through the Anuttara generally—and particularly, The maturation and liberation of Hevajra , Cakrasaṃvara , and Guhyasamāja And the commentaries of those tantras—you enacted the two benefits. Followers of Butön and Dölpopa, [ 9 ] To all their scriptures, you extended your reverence. By stringing along the thinned Golden cord of the excellent tradition, You scaled to the peak of all lineage holders Of the clarifier of the teachings, Jo Zhal. Through exposition, debate, and composition, You polished the rich textual traditions of the scholars of the noble land and Tibet— The two great charioteers [ 10 ] and their successors, Including the general texts, advice, and pith instructions Of the Teacher [402] found in the instructions Of the seven deities and scriptures, [ 11 ] And, in particular, the Kadampa of the new traditions, The view of the noble tradition of the Madhyamaka, The Prajñāpāramitā of the Mahāyāna, The subtle Vinaya conduct of the Hīnayāna, And the mother of all teachings, the Abhidharmakośa . By liberating a cache of fearless confidence, You are a majestic, mountain-like geshe Of the Gandenpa, the lord of the teachings. [ 12 ] The spiritual and temporal affairs of the Shen tradition, [ 13 ] You perceived their preservation as a cause For expanding the benefit and well-being of the teachings and beings. The holders of the Yungdrung Bön tradition, You highly praised and uplifted them, And so glorified those who preserved the teachings. Furthermore, since benefitting and providing comfort To even a single sentient being Is said to be the activities of a buddha, You never belittled them With the arrogance of erudition or accomplishment. Like a mother, you were close to all the philosophical traditions; Like a father, you praised all who possessed qualities; You saw the meek as your own children. Thus, I have told the story of your realization in brief, So that the shortsighted can differentiate your unique and marvelous qualities From those of other individuals. By this excellent deed, may all beings [403] follow your life of liberation— The life of an omniscient lama and lord— Fulfill all your wishes, and spread enlightened activities in every direction. COLOPHON Not only did the precious and omniscient lama personally promise to be a holder of the Buddhist traditions, he was also commonly perceived as an eminent preserver of his own teachings. He perceived me, a lowly clod of dirt with the name of Guṇa, [ 14 ] as gold; I was thereby fortunate enough to receive the bestowal of the extraordinary nectar that is the story of how his experiential realization came to be. On account of this experience, I faithfully and respectfully attempted to articulate a small portion. May it be the cause for attaining in every life to come this excellent lama’s three secrets and enlightened activities, in the very same way. May virtue increase! NOTES The Abbreviated Biography of the Omniscient Lama and Great Vajra Holder Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo honors the nineteenth-century master with a spiritual and historical list of his deeds and associations. This biography was composed by a close spiritual friend to Khyentse Wangpo, the renowned Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye (1813–1899), who composed it under the pen name “Guṇa.” The biography, located in volume 1 of Khyentse Wangpo’s Kabab Dun, begins with a note from the author that, for him, even just saying Jamyang Khyentse’s name is difficult—such is Jamgön Kongtrul’s respectful posture toward his teacher and friend, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. The initial section of the text is presented mainly in a temporal light, attributing mundane qualities to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, such as charisma and reputation, that any influential spiritual leader can possess. However, those aspects are not what makes an individual’s life a liberating one, as the biography proclaims. The biography continues with Khyentse Wangpo’s all-inclusive acceptance, integration, and support of the diverse traditions of the noble lands of India and Tibet: from Nyingma to Bön, Abhidharma to Prajñāpāramitā, Geluk to Jonang, and Mahāmudrā to Dzogchen, the biography succinctly contains it all. [1] These are ten individuals who supported the exegetical lineages, which are emphasized in the monastic colleges (bshad drwa): (1) Tönmi Sambhoṭa (thon mi sam+b+hoTa, b. 619?, BDRC P5788 ), (2) Vairocana (bai ro tsa na, eighth century, BDRC P5013 ), (3) Kawa Paltsek (ska ba dpal brtsegs, eighth century, BDRC P8182 ), (4) Chokro Lu’i Gyaltsen (cog ro klu’i rgyal mtshan, ninth century, BDRC P8183 ), (5) Shang Nanam Yeshe De (zhang sna nam ye shes sde, mid eighth–early ninth century, BDRC P8205 ), (6) Rinchen Zangpo (rin chen bzang po, 958–1055, BDRC P753 ), (7) Dromtön (or Dromtönpa) Gyalwe Jungne (’bron ston rgyal ba’i byung gnas, 1004–1064, BDRC P2557 ), (8) Ngok Lotsāwa Loden Sherab (rnog lo tsA ba blo ldan shes rab, 1059– 1109, BDRC P2551 ), (9) Sakya Paṇḍita (sa skya paN+Dita kun dga’ rgyal mtshan, 1182–1251, BDRC P1056 ), (10) Gö Khugpa Lhetse (’gos khug pa lhas btsas, eleventh century, BDRC P3458 ). [2] These are: (1) the ancient translation tradition, or Nyingma (snga ’gyur rnying ma), (2) the tradition of precepts and instructions, or Kadam (bka’ gdams), (3) the tradition of the path and result, or Lamdre (lam ’bras), (4) the tradition of the transmitted precepts of Marpa, or Marpa Kagyu (mar pa bka’ brgyud), (5) the tradition of the transmitted precepts of the Shang Valley, or Shang Kagyu (shangs pa bka’ brgyud), (6) the traditions of pacification and severance, or Zhijé Chö (zhi byed gcod), (7) the tradition of vajra yoga, or Dorje Naljor (rdo rje’i rnal ’byor), and (8) the three adamantine states, or Dorje Sum Gyi Nyendrub (rdo rje gsum gyi bsnyen sgrub). [3] This refers to Muchen Sempa Chenpo Könchok Gyaltsen (mus chen sems dpa’ chen po dkon mchog rgyal mtshan, 1388–1469, BDRC P1034 ). [4] Jampa Kunga Tenzin (byams pa kun dga’ bstan ’dzin, 1776–1862, BDRC P3513 ). [5] The Forty-Fourth Ngor Khenchen, Jampa Namkha Chimé (ngor mkhan chen 44 byams pa nam mkha’ ’chi med, 1765–1820, BDRC P2526 ). [6] There are three main sub-schools that stem from the Sakya tradition. The Ngor (ngor) tradition is held at Ngor Ewaṃ Chöden Monastery (ngor e waM chos ldan dgon, BDRC G211 ), founded in 1429 by Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo (ngor chen kung dga’ bzang po, 1382–1456, BDRC P1132 ). The Dzong (dzong) tradition is held at Gongkar Chöde Monastery (gong dkar chos sde, BDRC G3509 ), founded in 1447 by Kunga Namgyal (kun dga’ rnam rgyal, 1432–1496, BDRC P3183 ). The Tsar (tshar) tradition is held at Dar Drongmoche Monastery (’dar grong mo che, BDRC G1KR1565 ), 7 founded circa 1550 by Losal Gyatso (blo gsal rgya mtsho, b. 1502–1566/1567, BDRC P786 ). [7] “Dagpo” refers to Dagpo Lhajé Sönam Rinchen (dwags po lha rje bsod nams rin chen, 1079–1153, BDRC P1844 ), better known as Gampopa; “Chenga” refers to Chenga Dragpa Jungne (spyan sna grags pa ’byung gnas, 1175–1255, BDRC P132 ); and “Karmapa” refers to the Fourteenth Karmapa, Tegchok Dorje (karma pa 14 theg mchog rdo rje, 1798?–1868?, BDRC P562 ). [8] Splendor is dpal mchog dang po zhes bya ba theg pa chen po’i rtog pa’i rgyal po (Śrīparamādyanāmamahāyānakalparāja); Peak is rgyud rdo rje tse mo (Vajraśekharatantra); and Space refers to the Vajradhātu maṇḍala taught in the first chapter of the Sarvatathāgatatattvasaṃgraha. [9] Butön Rinchen Drub (bus ton rin chen grub, 1290–1364, BDRC P155 ) and Dölpopa Sherab Gyaltsen (dol po pa shes rab rgyal mtshan, 1292–1361, BDRC P139 ). [10] Nāgārjuna (klu sgrub, second century, BDRC P4954 ) and Asaṅga (thogs med, c. 320 – c. 390, BDRC P6117 ) are known as “the two creators of the traditions of the two chariots” (shing rta’i srol ’byad gnyis). These two traditions are “the system of vast conduct” (rgya chen spyod pa’i srol) and “the system of profound view” (zab mol ta ba’i srol), attributed to Asaṅga and Nāgārjuna, respectively. [11] The deities and scriptures of the Kadampa school consist of four principal deities and the Tripiṭaka (Three Baskets). The four deities are (1) Śākyamuni Buddha (thub pa), (2) Avalokiteśvara (spyan ras gzigs), (3) Acalā (mi g.yo ba), and (4) Tārā (sgrol ma). The Tripiṭaka (“Three Baskets”) is composed of (1) the Basket of Discipline (’dul ba’i sde snod, vinayapiṭika), (2) the Basket of Discourses (mdo sde’i sde snod, sūtrapiṭika), and (3) the Basket of Abhidharma (chos mngon pa’i sde snod, abhidharmapiṭaka). [12] Geshe is commonly translated as a spiritual friend or mentor (dge ba’i bshes gnyen, kalyāṇamitra), and within the main Mahāyāna tradition, a spiritual friend is understood to be a necessity for spiritual progress toward enlightenment. In this case, however, geshe, which is a contracted form of the Tibetan, is an honorific title for an individual who has completed the monastic curriculum of the Gandenpa tradition, more commonly known as the Gelugpa tradition. [13] rgyal gshen mnyam chags rten ’brel here is the Bönpo version of the more well-known chos srid zung ’brel, or the combination of religion and politics. Thanks to Geshe Tri Yungdrung for this clarification. In both the 2013 and 2014 editions, the orthography of gshen is spelled with a ba prefix. Shen (gshen) is a familial name that marks the connection with the Bön tradition, which this passage concerns. [14] This is a pseudonym of Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye (’jam mgon kong sprul blo gros mtha’ yas, 1813–1899, BDRC P264 ). Published: March 2022 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Originally published for Khyentse Vision Project Photo credit: Khyentse Vision Project BIBLIOGRAPHY ’jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse’i dbang po. 2014. kun mkhyen bla ma rdo rje ’chang chen po ’jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse’i dbang po’i rnam thar nyung ngur bsdus pa. In ’jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse’i dbang po’i bka’ ’bu m, vol. 2 (kha), 294.5–299.2. khams sde dge rdzong sar dgon: rdzong sar blo gros phun tshogs. BDRC W3PD1002 ———. 2013. kun mkhyen bla ma rdo rje ’chang chen po ’jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse’i dbang po’i rnam thar nyung ngur bsdus pa bzhugs so . In mkhyen brtse’i bka’ babs , vol. 1, 397.1–403.3. dkar mdzes bod rigs rang skyong khul sde dge rdzong: rdzong sar khams bye’i slob gling. BDRC MW4PD2082 NOTES Abstract Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye praises Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s profound accomplishment in many of Tibet’s spiritual traditions. This work is an inspiring telling of the teacher’s life. BDRC LINK W3PD1002 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 08:29 TRADITION Karma Kagyu INCARNATION LINE Dzogchen Kongtrul Jamgön Kongtrul Dzigar Kongtrul Zhechen Kongtrul Kalu Rinpoche HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century TEACHERS Khenchen Tubten Gyaltsen The Ninth Drukchen, Mingyur Wangyal The First Datrul, Ngedön Tenpa Rabgye The Eighth Pawo, Tsuglak Chökyi Gyalpo Sönam Lodrö The Fourth Dzogchen Drubwang, Mingyur Namkhe Dorje Karma Tegchok Tenpel Drubgyu Tenzin Trinle The Sixth Traleb, Yeshe Nyima Pema Tenpel Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Gyurme Tutob Namgyal The Ninth Situ, Pema Nyinje Wangpo The Fourteenth Karmapa, Tegchok Dorje Chogyur Lingpa Karma Zhenpen Özer Karma Norbu Karma Ösal Gyurme Gyurme Tenzin Pelgye Rigzin Gyatso The First Gyatrul, Dongak Tendzin The Twelfth Lab Kyabgön, Wangchen Gyerab Dorje The First Tsangchen Dorje Lopön, Ngawang Chöpel Gyatso The Second Penor, Rigzin Palchen Dupa TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Kaḥtok Mindröling Dzogchen Monastery Zhechen Palyul Monastery Sekhar Gutok Dratang Densatil Tsal Gungtang Tsurpu Monastery Takten Puntsok Ling Samye Zurmang Dutsitil Dzongsar Longtang Drölma Lhakhang Dzamtang Tsechu Monastery Chöje Monastery Tsangwa Monastery Karma Monastery Pewar Reting Monastery Nenang Derge Parkhang Śrī Siṃha College Chagpori Palpung Tsetang Mawochok Alo Paljor Gang Yangpachen Trandruk Zurmang Namgyaltse Khoting Lhakhang Drak Yerpa Drak Yongdzong Lhasa Tsuklakhang Potala Samye Chimpu Tashi Dokha Tsādra Rinchen Drak Dzongshö Zangri Khangmar Maṇḍala Monastery Yarlung Sheldrak Tarde Monastery Ringul Monastery Changlung Monastery Dzö Monastery Tsogyal Latso Dzongo Monastery Kyodrak Monastery Lhadrang Monastery Namgyal Ling Pangpuk Yamalung Yilhung Lhatso Yumbu Lagang Sinpo Ri Lhakhang Hepo Ri Tashi Podrang Pemaling Lake Götang Bumpa Dagam Wangpuk STUDENTS The Fourth Shechen Gyaltsab, Pema Namgyal The Fourth Rotachetsang, Lobzang Chöjor Lhundrub The Third Dodrubchen, Jigme Tenpe Nyima Mipam Gyatso Loter Wangpo Ngawang Damchö Gyatso The Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakhyab Dorje Shākya Shrī The Fifth Dzogchen Drubwang, Tubten Chökyi Dorje The Third Kaḥtok Situ, Chökyi Gyatso Gatön Ngawang Legpa Sönam Chödrub The Second Dzaḥka Chogtrul,Kunzang Namgyal Tubten Gyaltsen Özer Jamyang Sherab Chökyi Nangwa The First Gyatrul, Dongak Tenzin Rigzin Gargyi Wangchuk Norbu Tenzin Orgyen Tenzin Karma Ngedön Nyingpo Kunga Ngedön Zhabpa The Eighth Dzamtang Chöje Kutreng, Mipam Chökyi Jampa The First Tsangchen Dorje Lopön, Ngawang Chöpel Gyatso Dzongwo Kyabgön The Tenth Zurmang Trungpa, Karma Chökyi Nyinje Tubten Legshe Zangpo Tashi Chöpel Tubten Nyendrak The Fifth Shechen Rabjam, Pema Tegchok Tenpe Gyaltsen Tenzin Drakpa The First Adzom Drukpa, Drodul Pawo Dorje The Third Gurong, Orgyan Jigdral Chöying Dorje Ayu Khandro Dorje Paldron The Second Penor, Rigzin Palchen Dupa Khenchen Tashi Özer Palden Chimé Tagpe Dorje Chogyur Lingpa The Sixty-Fifth Ngor Khenchen, Dampa Rinpoche Ngawang Lodrö Zhenpen Nyingpo Könchok Paldrön Ngawang Jampel Rinchen AUTHOR Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye Abbreviated Biography of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo 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. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • The Magical Lasso: A Prayer of Aspiration to Accomplish Khecara

    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. The Magical Lasso: A Prayer of Aspiration to Accomplish Khecara ཨེ་མ་ཧོ། emaho Emaho! སྣང་གྲགས་འགྱུ་བའི་ཆོས་རྣམས་ཀུན། ། nangdrak gyuwé chönam kün All phenomena which appear, resound, and pass through the mind འཇོ་སྒེག་ལྷ་མོའི་རྣམ་འགྱུར་དུ། ། jogek lhamö namgyur du Are the appearances of the charming goddess, ཅིར་ཡང་རོལ་པའི་སྒྱུ་འཕྲུལ་ཅན། ། chiryang rölpé gyutrül chen Who magically displays as anything whatsoever: རང་རིག་ཕྱག་རྒྱ་ཆེན་མོར་འདུད། ། rangrig chakgya chenmor dü To the reflexive awareness of the Great Seal Mahāmudrā, I bow down. ཐོག་མཐའ་མེད་པའི་རྡོ་རྗེའི་སེམས། ། togta mepé dorjé sem Through the vajra mind, which has neither beginning nor end འཁོར་འདས་ཀུན་ལ་ཁྱབ་པ་ཡིས། ། khordé künla khyabpa yi And which pervades the whole of saṃsāra and nirvāṇa, འཆིང་དང་གྲོལ་མཛད་དེ་དང་དེར། ། chingdang drölzé dedang der You manifest in untold ways for those who are bound and set free— ཅིར་ཡང་འཆར་བའི་ལྷ་ཚོགས་དགོངས། ། chiryang charwé lhatsok gong Assembly of deities, please consider me! བདག་ནི་ཐོག་མ་མེད་པ་ནས། ། dagni tokma mepa né Throughout beginningless time, ཀུན་ནས་དཀྲིས་པས་རྣམ་པར་དཀྲུགས། ། küné tripé nampar truk I have been plagued by my [mental] entanglements, ལས་ཉོན་སྲ་བའི་ཞགས་པས་བཅིངས། ། lenyön sawé shakpé ching And the intractable lasso of karma and afflictions has tightened around me ཉམ་ཐག་འཁོར་བའི་གནས་སུ་འཁྱམས། ། nyamtak khorwé nesu khyam As I wander through the destitute abodes of saṃsāra. ད་ནི་འཇིགས་པས་ཡིད་གདུངས་ཏེ། ། dani jigpé yidung té Now my mind is tortured by fear, སྐྱབས་གནས་ཁྱེད་རྣམས་མ་ལགས་པའི། ། kyabné khyenam malak pé So from the depth of my heart, I take refuge in you, གཙོ་བོ་གཞན་དུ་སྐྱབས་མ་མཆིས། ། tsowo shendu kyabma chi For there are no principal protectors other than you, སྙིང་ནས་ཁྱོད་ལ་སྐྱབས་སུ་མཆི། ། nyingné khyöla kyabsu chi The sources of refuge! གདུང་བའི་མིག་ནས་མཆི་མ་འཁྲུག ། dungwé migné chima truk Tears flood from my despairing eyes; སྐྱོ་བའི་སྨྲེ་སྔགས་ཤུགས་རིང་འབྱིན། ། kyowé mengak shugring jin I cry out in sorrow and sigh deeply; བཟོད་མེད་སྙིང་རླུང་ཁོང་ནས་ལངས། ། sömé nyinglung khongné lang And an unbearable melancholy arises from within; གསོལ་བ་འདེབས་པ་འདི་གཟིགས་སམ། ། sölwa debpa disik sam Can you not perceive this supplication of mine? ཀྱེ་མ་བདག་ནི་ཁྱོད་བསམས་ནས། ། kyema dagni khyösam né Alas, I have been thinking of you ཉིན་མཚན་ལེ་བར་མ་མཆིས་པར། ། nyintsen lewar machi par Uninterruptedly, day and night. གདུང་བས་སྐྱབས་སུ་རེ་བ་ལ། ། dungwé kyabsu rewa la And so, will you not compassionately consider ཐུགས་རྗེས་དགོངས་པར་མི་མཛད་དམ། ། tugjé gongpar mizé dam My yearning hope for refuge? གཏིང་མཐའ་མེད་པའི་རྒྱ་མཚོ་འདིར། ། tingta mepé gyatso dir In this bottomless and boundless ocean, གནས་བཅས་འཇིགས་པས་གཙེས་པའི་དུས། ། neché jigpé tsepé dü When its inhabitants are oppressed by fear, དབུགས་དབྱུང་གཟེངས་བསྟོད་མི་མཛད་ན། ། ugyung sengtö mizé na If you do not provide respite and encouragement, ཁྱོད་ཀྱི་ཐུགས་རྗེས་ཅི་ཞིག་བྱ། ། khyökyi tugjé chishik ja What is the use of your compassion? ཡུན་རིང་དུས་ནས་བསྒྲུབས་པ་ཡིས། ། yünring düné drubpa yi As I have engaged in your practice for a long time, མ་གཅིག་ལྷ་མོ་ཁྱེད་རྣམས་ཀྱི། ། machik lhamo khyenam kyi Sole mother goddess, མཛེས་ཞལ་ནམ་མཁའི་རྗེས་འགྲོ་བ། ། dzéshal namkhé jedro wa Will you not deign to reveal just a tiny portion of ཟུར་ཙམ་སྟོན་པར་མི་གནང་ངམ། ། surtsam tönpar minang ngam Your exquisite face that resembles the sky? ལས་ཉོན་སྲ་བའི་དཔྱང་ཐག་འདི། ། lenyön sawé changtak di This tight collar of karma and mental afflictions, ཕན་མཛད་ཐུགས་རྗེའི་རལ་གྲི་ཡིས། ། penzé tugjé raldri yi If you do not swiftly act to sever it མྱུར་དུ་གཅོད་པར་མི་མཛད་ན། ། nyurdu chöpar mizé na With the beneficial sword of compassion, ཁྱོད་ཀྱི་ཐུགས་དམ་མི་ཉམས་སམ། ། khyökyi tugdam minyam sam Would this not undermine your sacred commitments? ཁྱོད་ཀྱང་སྔོན་གྱི་དུས་ཀྱི་ཚེ། ། khyökyang ngöngyi dükyi tsé When even in your previous lives, བདག་ལྟར་རྨོངས་པ་ཞིག་ལགས་ན། ། dagtar mongpa shiklak na You were once deluded like me; སྒོ་གསུམ་མི་ཤེས་བག་མེད་པས། ། gosum mishé bagmé pé If, through unawareness and carelessness of my three doors, ནོངས་པར་ཐུགས་ཀྱང་འཁྲུག་མི་འཚལ། ། nongpar tukyang trugmi tsal I make mistakes, there is no need to be upset. ཤིན་ཏུ་བཙོག་པའི་རྐྱལ་པ་ལ། ། shintu tsogpé kyalpa la How could the excellent nature arise རང་བཞིན་བཟང་པོ་ཅི་ལ་འཆར། ། rangshin sangpo chila char In such a filthy leather bag [as this body]? དེ་ཕྱིར་བདག་གིས་ནོངས་པ་རྣམས། ། dechir dagi nongpa nam Compassionate one, for this reason, བཟོད་པར་བཞེས་ཤིག་ཐུགས་རྗེ་ཅན། ། söpar shéshik tugjé chen Please be patient with the mistakes I have made! རྩ་གསུམ་ལྷ་ཡི་འཁོར་ལོ་ནས། ། tsasum lhayi khorlo né Bless me so that I may be benefitted བེམ་པོའི་རྣམ་འགྱུར་ཚུན་ཆད་ཀྱིས། ། bempö namgyur tsünché kyi By whatever manifestations are appropriate, བཀོད་པ་གང་ལ་གང་འཚམས་པས། ། köpa gangla gangtsam pé From the maṇḍalas of Three Root deities བདག་ལ་ཕན་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། dagla penpar jingyi lob Down to expressions of inanimate form! གཟུགས་སུ་སྣང་བའི་དངོས་པོ་ཀུན། ། suksu nangwé ngöpo kün As all things which visibly appear མཐོང་བ་ཙམ་གྱིས་ཡིད་འཕྲོག་པའི། ། tongwa tsamgyi yitrok pé Arise as the display of the lovely and beautiful goddess, མཛེས་སྡུག་ལྷ་མོའི་རོལ་པར་ཤར། ། dzeduk lhamö rölpar shar Whose mere glance is enchanting; བདེ་ཆེན་འབར་བར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། dechen barwar jingyi lob Please bless me that the great bliss blazes forth! ཟིན་དང་མ་ཟིན་སྒྲ་རྣམས་ཀུན། ། sindang masin dranam kün As all sounds, whether natural or deliberately produced, གྲག་སྟོང་སྔགས་ཀྱི་འཁོར་ལོར་འབྱོངས། ། dragtong ngakyi khorlor jong Manifest as the wheel of mantra—sound and emptiness, རླུང་སྔགས་གཉིས་སུ་མི་ཕྱེད་པའི། ། lungngak nyisu miché pé Please bless me so that the power of ནུས་པ་འབབ་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། nüpa babpar jingyi lob The indivisibility of prāṇa and mantra arises! རྟོག་ཚོགས་གང་ཤར་སྣང་བ་ཀུན། ། togtsok gangshar nangwa kün Let whatever conceptual patterns arise, all appearances, སྔོན་བསུ་རྗེས་གཅོད་མེད་པར་དེངས། ། ngönsu jechö mepar deng Dissipate without being anticipated or pursued; རང་སར་བཞག་པས་ཆོས་སྐུར་གྲོལ། ། rangsar shakpé chökur dröl And as I allow them to rest in their own place, so that they are liberated in the dharmakāya, རྟོགས་པ་འབར་བར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། togpa barwar jingyi lob Please bless me so that realisation may blaze forth! གནས་གསུམ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་མ་ལུས་པ། ། nesum khandro malü pa May all ḍākinīs of the three worlds རང་དབང་མེད་པར་གྲོགས་སུ་ཁུག ། rangwang mepar drogsu khuk Be summoned irresistibly as companions; ཡིད་ཀྱི་རེ་བ་སྐོང་བྱེད་པའི། ། yikyi rewa kongjé pé Please bless me that they may grant the attainments དངོས་གྲུབ་སྩོལ་བར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། ngödrub tsölwar jingyi lob That fulfil the hopes within my mind! དམ་ཅན་རྒྱ་མཚོ་མ་ལུས་པས། ། damchen gyatso malü pé Let the ocean of oath-bound ones, without exception, འགལ་རྐྱེན་བར་ཆད་ཐམས་ཅད་སེལ། ། galkyen barché tamché sel Clear away all adversity and obstacles. རབ་འབྱམས་འཕྲིན་ལས་རྣམ་པ་བཞི། ། rabjam trinlé nampa shi Please bless me that they may accomplish, without hindrance, ཐོགས་མེད་བསྒྲུབ་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། togmé drubpar jingyi lob The infinite array of the four types of enlightened activity! བཟང་ངན་རྐྱེན་གྱི་བྱེ་བྲག་ཀུན། ། sangngen kyengyi jedrak kün Let the variety of good and bad conditions ཐམས་ཅད་རོ་གཅིག་རྒྱན་དུ་ཤར། ། tamché rochik gyendu shar Arise as the ornament of one taste. འདེམས་ངོའི་དགག་སྒྲུབ་མེད་པ་ཡི། ། demngö gagdrub mepa yi Please bless me to practice the yogic conduct བརྟུལ་ཞུགས་སྤྱོད་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། tülshuk chöpar jingyi lob In which there is no preference for cultivating or rejecting. སྣང་བ་སྟོང་པའི་རྩལ་དུ་ཤར། ། nangwa tongpé tsaldu shar As appearances arise as the dynamic expression of emptiness, སྟོང་པ་རྟེན་འབྲེལ་ཉིད་དུ་ངེས། ། tongpa tendrel nyidu ngé And emptiness is ascertained as dependent arising itself, ཟུང་འཇུག་ཅོག་བཞག་ཆེན་པོར་འབྱམས། །་ sungjuk chogshak chenpor jam Please bless me [to attain] the Great Perfection རྫོགས་པ་ཆེན་པོར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། dzogpa chenpor jingyi lob And merge into the great, freely resting union. དབྱིངས་རིག་ཀ་དག་ཆེན་པོ་དང་། ། yingrik kadak chenpo dang The great primordial purity of space-awareness རྩལ་སྣང་ལྷུན་གྲུབ་ཐོད་རྒལ་གཉིས། ། tsalnang lhündrub tögal nyi And the spontaneously accomplished manifestation of dynamic energy, Leaping Over— རེས་འཇོག་ཕྱོགས་རེར་མ་གོལ་བའི། ། rejok chokrer magol wé Please bless me that I may practice the excellent path ལམ་བཟང་སྤྱོད་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། lamsang chöpar jingyi lob That does not stray into favouring one practice over another. དང་པོར་ཆོས་ཉིད་སྣང་བ་ཤར། ། dangpor chönyi nangwa shar First, the vision of dharmatā arises, བར་དུ་སྣང་བས་ཕྱོགས་ཀུན་ཁྱབ། ། bardu nangwé chok künkhyab Then, the visions extend in all directions, ཐ་མར་ཀུན་ཀྱང་དབྱིངས་སུ་ཐིམ། ། tamar künkyang yingsu tim Finally, everything dissolves into space; གྲོལ་སར་ཕྱིན་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། drölsar chinpar jingyi lob Please bless me to reach the state of liberation! གནས་མཆོག་པདྨོ་བཀོད་ལ་སོགས། ། nechok pemo köla sok In the naturally manifesting buddha-fields of Akaniṣṭha གནས་གསུམ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་ཀུན་འདུ་བའི། ། nesum khandro kün duwé And places where all ḍākinīs of the three worlds gather, རང་སྣང་འོག་མིན་ཞིང་རྣམས་སུ། ། rangnang ogmin shingnam su Supreme holy sites, such as Pemokö, འགྲོ་དོན་སྐྱོང་བར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། drodön kyongwar jingyi lob Please bless me to attend to beings’ benefit! དུས་གསུམ་རྒྱལ་བ་ཐམས་ཅད་ཀྱིས། ། düsum gyalwa tamché kyi Please bless me that I may tame མངོན་སུམ་འདུལ་བར་མ་ནུས་པའི། ། ngönsum dülwar ma nüpé All beings of lesser fortune, however many there are, སྐལ་དམན་སྐྱེ་བོ་ཇི་སྙེད་པ། ། kalmen kyewo jinye pa Those whom all the victorious ones of the three times བདག་གིས་འདུལ་བར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། dagi dülwar jingyi lob Are incapable of taming directly! ནམ་མཁའ་ཟད་པར་མ་གྱུར་པར། ། namkha separ magyur par Please bless me that I may carry out the benefit of beings, སྐྱོ་ངལ་མེད་པའི་སྤྱོད་པ་ཡིས། ། kyongal mepé chöpa yi Tirelessly and without discouragement, འཕེལ་འགྲིབ་མེད་པ་འགྲོ་བའི་དོན། ། peldrib mepa drowé dön Without my actions waxing and waning, བདག་གིས་སྤྱོད་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། dagi chöpar jingyi lob Until space itself fades away! བདག་ནི་མཐོང་དང་ཐོས་པ་དང་། ། dagni tongdang töpa dang May all those who see or hear me, མིང་ཙམ་འཛིན་པར་བྱེད་པ་ཡང་། ། mingtsam dzinpar jepa yang Or even merely recall my name, ཁམས་གསུམ་འཁོར་བ་དོང་སྤྲུགས་ཏེ། ། khamsum khorwa dongtruk té Be delivered from the depths of saṃāra’s three realms. ཆམ་གཅིག་གྲོལ་བར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། chamchik drölwar jingyi lob Bless me that I may simultaneously liberate them all! གང་ཞིག་ཕན་པར་སེམས་པ་དང་། ། gangshik penpar sempa dang Bless me to train those whose minds are altruistic, བཏང་སྙོམས་བར་མ་དག་ཀྱང་རུང་། ། tangnyom barma dakyang rung As well as those with feelings of indifference, བརྙས་སྨོད་བརྡེག་འཚོག་མཚང་འབྲུ་བ། ། nyemö degtsok tsangdru wa And especially those who would disparage others, ལྷག་པར་འདུལ་བར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། lhakpar dülwar jingyi lob Or abuse them and expose their hidden faults. དུག་གསུམ་དྲག་པོས་རྒྱུད་སྦགས་ཤིང་། ། dugsum drakpö gyübak shing The beings whose mind streams are sullied by the intense three poisons, ངན་སོང་གསུམ་དང་ཁྱད་པར་དུ། ། ngensong sumdang khyepar du And those who experience the suffering of the three lower realms, བར་དོའི་སྡུག་བསྔལ་ལ་སྤྱོད་པའི། ། bardö dugngal lachö pé And in particular the suffering of the intermediate state; འགྲོ་བ་འདུལ་བར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། drowa dülwar jingyi lob Please bless me so that I may tame them all! རིག་འཛིན་པདྨ་འབྱུང་གནས་དང་། ། rigzin pema jungné dang Please bless me so that my mind may be of one taste ཐུགས་ཀྱི་དགོངས་པར་རོ་གཅིག་པས། ། tugkyi gongpar rochik pé With the enlightened wisdom mind of Vidyādhara Padmasambhava, རྣམ་ཐར་མཉམ་པར་སྤྱོད་པ་ཡི། ། namtar nyampar chöpa yi And I may thereby accomplish the two aims དོན་གཉིས་འགྲུབ་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། dönnyi drubpar jingyi lob Through conduct that is comparable to his life of liberation! བདག་ནི་གལ་ཏེ་ཚེ་འདི་ལ། ། dagni galté tsedi la If I do not seize བཙན་ས་ཟིན་པར་མ་གྱུར་ན། ། tsensa sinpar magyur na The citadel [of enlightenment] in this life, ནམ་ཞིག་འཆི་བའི་དུས་ཀྱི་ཚེ། ། namshik chiwé dükyi tsé Then, when I reach the moment of death, ཁྱེད་རྣམས་བསུ་བའི་ཕྱིར་གཤེགས་ཤིག ། khyenam suwé chirshek shik May you all come back to welcome me. ཞལ་གྱི་དཀྱིལ་འཁོར་གསལ་པོར་སྟོན། ། shalgyi kyilkhor salpor tön May you clearly reveal the maṇḍala of your face, དབུགས་དབྱུང་གསུང་གི་སྣང་བ་སྩོལ། ། ugyung sunggi nangwa tsöl Bestow the elucidation of your comforting speech, བརྩེ་གདུང་མཛའ་བའི་ཐུགས་རྗེས་བཟུང་། ། tsedung dzawé tugjé sung Embrace me with your compassion of love, affection, and friendliness, འོད་གསལ་བདེ་བ་ཆེན་པོར་དྲོངས། ། ösal dewa chenpor drong And lead me to the great bliss of luminosity. འཁྲུལ་བའི་སྣང་བར་ཨ་འཐས་པའི། ། trülwé nangwar até pé When the terrors of the intermediate state arise བར་དོའི་འཇིགས་སྐྲག་ཤར་བ་ན། ། bardö jigtrak sharwa na As deluded perception solidifies, མདུན་བསུས་རྒྱབ་སྐྱོར་མཐའ་ནས་བརྟེན། ། dünsü gyabkyor tané ten Be a welcome in front, a support behind, and an assistance all around. འཁྲུལ་པ་ཐམས་ཅད་རང་སར་སྐྱོངས། ། trülpa tamché rangsar kyong Keep all delusions in their own place! བར་དོར་གྲོལ་བར་མ་གྱུར་ན། ། bardor drölwar magyur na If I am not liberated in the intermediate state, སྤྲུལ་པའི་ཞིང་ཁམས་སྣ་ཚོགས་སུ། ། trülpé shingkham natsok su May I be born on the stem of a lotus པདྨའི་སྡོང་པོ་ལས་སྐྱེས་ཏེ། ། pemé dongpo lekyé té In various emanated pure lands, མཚན་དང་ལྡན་པའི་ལུས་ཐོབ་ཤོག ། tsendang denpé lütob shok And may I obtain a body endowed with the marks of enlightenment! སྤྱན་དང་མངོན་ཤེས་གཟུངས་སྤོབས་སོགས། ། chendang ngönshé sungpob sok Through the limitless gates of meditative absorption, ཏིང་འཛིན་སྒོ་བརྒྱ་མཐའ་ཡས་པས། ། tingzin gogya tayé pé Including the divine eye, clairvoyance, retention, and eloquence, བདག་རྒྱུད་ལྷག་པར་ཕྱུག་པ་དང་། ། dagyü lhagpar chugpa dang May my mind stream become abundantly enriched, འཕྲིན་ལས་རྣམ་བཞིར་དབང་འབྱོར་ཤོག ། trinlé namshir wangjor shok And may I gain mastery over the four kinds of enlightened activity! འབྱུང་བཞིའི་གནོད་པས་མི་བརྫི་ཞིང་། ། jungshi nöpé mizi shing May I not fall victim to harm from the four elements, འཆི་མེད་རྡོ་རྗེའི་སྐུ་གྲུབ་སྟེ། ། chimé dorjé kudrub té And may I accomplish the deathless vajra-body, རྡོ་རྗེ་ཐེག་པའི་རྣལ་འབྱོར་གྱི། ། dorjé tegpé naljor gyi And thus complete the paths and stages of maturation and liberation སྨིན་གྲོལ་ས་ལམ་མཐར་ཕྱིན་ཤོག ། mindröl salam tarchin shok Of the Vajrayāna yoga! མདོར་ན་གནས་སྐབས་ཐམས་ཅད་དུ། ། dorna nekab tamché du In brief, may the ocean of ḍākinīs grant their blessings, རང་དང་གཞན་གྱི་དོན་གང་ཡིན། ། rangdang shengyi döngang yin That I may accomplish ཐམས་ཅད་མཁའ་འགྲོ་རྒྱ་མཚོ་ཡིས། ། tamché khandro gyatso yi All that is beneficial to myself and others གཡེལ་མེད་བསྒྲུབ་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་རློབས། ། yelmé drubpar jingyi lob In all circumstances without ever wavering! དུས་གསུམ་བསགས་པའི་དགེ་ཚོགས་དང་། ། düsum sagpé getsok dang Through the accumulation of virtue gathered throughout the three times, ཁྱད་པར་རྩ་གསུམ་ལྷ་ཚོགས་ཀྱི། ། khyepar tsasum lhatsok kyi And in particular, the power of the truth of the inconceivable compassion ཐུགས་རྗེ་བསམ་གྱིས་མི་ཁྱབ་པའི། ། tugjé samgyi mikhyab pé of the Three Roots and the assembly of the deities, བདེན་མཐུས་སྨོན་ལམ་མྱུར་འགྲུབ་ཤོག ། dentü mönlam nyurdrub shok May these aspirations be swiftly accomplished! ཆོས་ཉིད་བསམ་གྱིས་མི་ཁྱབ་ཀྱང་། ། chönyi samgyi mikhyab kyang Although dharmatā is inconceivable, ཆོས་ཅན་རྟེན་འབྲེལ་མི་སླུ་བས། ། chöchen tendrel milu wé The truth never changes, བདེན་པ་འགྱུར་བ་མེད་པ་དེས། ། denpa gyurwa mepa dé Since the dependent arising of conditioned phenomena is infallible; ཅི་བཏབ་སྨོན་ལམ་འགྲུབ་པར་ཤོག ། chitab mönlam drubpar shok Thus, may any aspirations I have formulated be accomplished! COLOPHON ཅེས་གནས་གསུམ་གྱི་མཁའ་འགྲོ་རྒྱ་མཚོ་ཐམས་ཅད་དབང་མེད་དུ་འགུག་པར་བྱེད་པའི་སྨོན་ལམ་འཕྲུལ་གྱི་ཞགས་པ་ཞེས་བྱ་བ་འདི་ཉིད་ནི་མཁའ་ཁྱབ་ཀྱི་མཁའ་འགྲོ་རྒྱ་མཚོར་གཅིག་ཏུ་མོས་པ་འཕྲིན་ལས་བློ་གསལ་གྱིས་ནན་ཏན་ཆེན་པོས་བསྐུལ་བ་དོན་ཡོད་པར་བྱ་བའི་ཕྱིར་དུ་ངེས་མེད་ཀུན་ཏུ་སྤྱོད་པའི་རྣལ་འབྱོར་པ་ཆགས་པ་རྡོ་རྗེས་འོག་མིན་སྤྲུལ་པའི་ཞིང་མཆོག་པདྨོ་བཀོད་ཀྱི་སྐུ་འཁོར་གྱི་ཆ་ལས་འཁོར་ལོ་ལྔའི་ནང་ཚན་སྙིང་ག་ཆོས་ཀྱི་འཁོར་ལོའི་ཆར་གཏོགས་པ་ཀློ་ཁུག་ཚོགས་ཀྱི་བདག་པོའི་ཕོ་བྲང་གི་ཉེ་འདབས་བདུད་འདུལ་བདེ་བ་ཆེན་པོའི་སྒར་དུ་སྤེལ་བ་བདེ་ལེགས་སུ་གྱུར་ཅིག ། In order to fulfil the insistent request of Trinlé Losal, who holds a singular devotion to all the oceans of ḍākinīs who pervade all of space, I, Chagpa Dorjé the aimless yogin, wrote “The Magical Lasso: An Aspirational Prayer” that spontaneously summons all the oceans of ḍākinīs of the three worlds. It was composed at the camp of Düdül Dewa Chenpo (Demon-Taming Great Bliss) in the vicinity of the palace of the lord of the Lo people. This area belongs to the heart dharmacakra, one of five cakras of the retinue of Pemokö, the supreme emanated realm of Akaniṣṭha. May there be happiness and well-being! NOTES Photo credit: Himalayan Art Resource Thanks to Adam Pearcey at Lotsawa House for his editing. Published: August 2021 BIBLIOGRAPHY Bzhad pa'i rdo rje. 1983–1985. mkha' spyod grub pa'i smon lam 'phrul gyi zhags pa sogs . In gsung 'bum/_bzhad pa'i rdo rje, vol. 7, pp. 421–428. Leh: T. Sonam & D.L. Tashigang. BDRC W22130 Abstract This aspirational prayer, composed at the request of Trinle Losal, calls upon all the ḍākinīs of the three worlds to grant their blessings, so that the practitioner may complete the Vajrayāna path and bring benefit to all beings. It was composed at the camp of Dudul Dewa Chenpo, the heart dharmacakra of Pemokö, the supreme emanated realm of Akaniṣṭha. It is a remarkably emotional and powerful prayer one that, in our opinion, really demonstrates the heartfelt wishes of the author. BDRC LINK W22130 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 08:29 TRADITION Geluk | Nyingma INCARNATION LINE Lelung Jedrung HISTORICAL PERIOD 18th Century TEACHERS The Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso The Fifth Panchen Lama, Lobzang Yesh e Damchö Zangpo Mingyur Paldrön Chöje Lingpa Dönyö Khedrup The First Purchok, Ngawang Jampa Ngawang Chödrak Yeshe Gyatso Damchö Gyatso Losal Gyatso Lhundrub Gyatso Dungkar Tsangyang Drugdrak TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Lelung Monastery Mindröling Ngari Dratsang Chökhor Gyal Trandruk Potala Tsāri STUDENTS Kunga Mingyur Dorj e Dorje Yom e Kunga Palzom Lobsang Lhachok Dönyö Khedrub Polhane Sönam Tobgy e Ngawang Jampa Mingyur Paldrön The Fifth Dorje Drak Rigdzin, Kelzang Pema Wangchuk Lhazang Khan AUTHOR Lelung Zhepe Dorje The Magical Lasso: A Prayer of Aspiration to Accomplish Khecara 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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  • Terms & Privacy | Tib Shelf

    Explore Tib Shelf, an open-access platform dedicated to translating and preserving Tibetan Buddhist literature. Join a global community of scholars and enthusiasts to access peer-reviewed translations, contribute your work, or learn about our terms of use and privacy policies. Discover how we bring Tibetan culture to life while ensuring content integrity and accessibility for all Tib Shelf Terms of Use Tib Shelf is an online open-access platform for the dissemination of translations produced by a collaborative community of scholars in conjunction with Tib Shelf staff. Tib Shelf translation entries are regularly updated on an as-needed basis. In order to preserve the integrity of Tib Shelf, distribution rights of selected content are limited. General User Rights. 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  • A Brief Biography: The Successive Incarnations of Tsoknyi Özer

    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. A Brief Biography: The Successive Incarnations of Tsoknyi Özer The lord of the wheel of the infinite ocean of the three roots, The sole refugee of limitless sentient beings, The unrivalled knowledge holder of the three times, I supplicate at the feet of Tsoknyi Öser. THE FIRST INCARNATION The first Tsoknyi Öser was born in a place called Dewa Tang, Kyodrak in the twelfth sexagenary cycle of the Fire Snake Year, 1737, to a father named Kharpa Puntsok. Having been endowed with the characteristics of the excellent ones from a young age and with a great interest in virtuous activities, he went on pilgrimage to central Tibet. Thus, he met the Thirteenth Karmapa Düdül Dorjé (1733/34–1797/98) [ 1 ] and received many spiritual instructions. [At that time,] the Karmapa recognised him as the emanation of Chöjé Lingpa (1682–1720) [ 2 ] and performed many activities including this prophecy: “Since your future disciples and beneficial activities are in Kyodrak, go there and benefit them. In the future, you will be more valuable than others for the Barom teachings.” As such, the Karmapa bestowed upon him the name Tsoknyi Öser. Having returned home, he received the complete instructions of the liberating methods of the victorious Barom tradition from Saljé Chödrub Senggé. Subsequently, as there had only been black yak-haired tents in the encampment of Kyodrak, he built a fort called Pur Khang in 1779. There he conducted meditational practices, rituals, and offerings. In the Wood Dog Year, 1785, of the thirteenth sexagenary cycle, Tsoknyi Öser constructed Kyodrak Monastery’s new assembly hall along with the representations of the enlightened body, speech, and mind. His enlightened activities spread and flourished: He established the tradition of Chöjé Lingpa’s revealed treasure teachings. He became the object of worship for the people of China, Tibet, and Mongolia. He [built] innumerable and invaluable representations of the enlightened body, speech, and mind and established retreat centres at multiple hermitages. In brief, he greatly spread and proliferated the teachings of both theory and practice such as the dances, mask dances, and melodies in accordance with the traditions of previous knowledge holders. As such, Kyodrak Monastery installed him on the vajra throne, and everyone highly respected him as a great being and holder of the teachings. THE SECOND INCARNATION The second Tsoknyi was born to a father named Wön Tenzin Norbu and a mother named Sönam Drönma who was the chieftainess of Tsang Sar. He was recognised by the Fifth Dung Kar Śrī Bhadra of Kyodrak, who named him Karma Tsewang Künkhyab. He achieved the primordial wisdom of the aural lineage as he was primarily focused on meditation practice. Due to his yogic observances, he established everything he saw or heard onto the path of liberation. Certain aspects such as the dates of his birth and death are not available. In the end, he died at the age of sixty [ 3 ] and attained the rūpakāya, the form body. THE THIRD INCARNATION The third incarnation was born with a number of wondrous signs in the lower part of the Sengge district in Kham in the Earth Male Mouse year, 1828. His father was named Orgyen Gönpo and his mother Drongza Lhamo Dröl. Shugu Tendar, a monk from Kyodrak, knowledgeable in medicine and astrology, named him saying: “Since this child has good astrological signs, the name Tashi Tsegon should be given to him.” Since he was the descendent of the dignitary Lhagyari, a royal lineage of the dharma kings of Tibet, from a young age everyone called him Lhabu, the Divine Son. When an elder guru of Khang Né Monastery conferred the empowerment of Vajrakīla, the guru encouraged those who knew the mantra to recite the approach mantra for Vajrakīla and for those who did not, to recite the approach mantra for Vajrapāṇi. The Lord Lhabu, also, made a mala of kyerpa wood ( berberis aristate ) and performed over ten million prostrations and recitations of the approach mantra. Since he meditated on a protection circle, he was free from obstacles. From a young age, he had visions of Yeshé Gönpo, Padmasambhava, and Banak Genyen amongst others. Even while playing, he acted only in conformity with the doctrine. Frightened by the shortcomings of cyclic existence, he developed renunciation in his heart. In his dreams, he had many visions of Yeshé Chokyang, the Dharma Protector of Primordial Wisdom. From the fully ordained monk Ralo Tarlam of Kyodrak Monastery, he learned the way to posit the view and received experiential instructions on the way of meditating on Avalokiteśvara and Padmasambhava. Due to this, when he became slightly older, he already had a great propensity for the doctrine. On a number of occasions, he had pure visions of such things as sights, sounds, and awareness appearing as deity, mantra, and dharmakaya. When Karma Döndam Jigdral Wangpo, the reincarnation of Nedo Karma Dechen, gave instructions on th e Cutting Through ( trekchö ) and Leaping Over ( tögal ) meditational practices of the Peaceful and Wrathful Karling cycle to his father and some other people, [Lhabu] joined them. Consequently, his view was enhanced, and he realised the avenues through which the six lamps shine forth. After that, due to an unfathomable amount of blame and loss, the relatives, servants, mother and son left home and wandered to many different places. When they arrived in Tsari, he said there were ḍākinīs enjoying a tantric feast and they instructed him: “Yogin, eat this human flesh!” Two ḍākinīs stuffed human flesh into his mouth immediately saturating his mind and body with bliss. These were only some of the marvellous things that occurred. [While there], he visited the majority of the sacred sites in Ü and Tsang in central Tibet and then once again returned home. At the age of twenty-two in the Earth Bird Year, (1849), a strong attitude of renunciation enveloped his mind. He went to the Fifth Trülshik Mahāpaṇḍita, Palden Gyurmé Tsewang Trinlé, the victor of all the directions, and in the temple of Do Ngak Shedrub Ling he firstly took refuge and then the fundamental precepts. He changed his appearance and clothing and was given the name Ngawang Tsoknyi. A person of good faith offered him auspicious articles and yoghurt. He filled his bowl with the yoghurt and gave butter and cheese in return. With those actions, many auspicious doors were made. In the sixth lunar month, when the newly founded tradition of the first great accomplishment ceremony of The Eight Pronouncements: The Assembly of the Sugata was established, he was appointed as the leader of the practice sessions. Knowing that his guru and Padmasambhava were inseparable, he developed overpowering devotion. After that, for about two years, he memorised [texts] and even performed such activities as assisting around the monks’ quarters and fetching water. All the lamas and monks treated him lovingly due to his kind nature. He received numerous instructions, oral transmissions, and empowerments of Mahāmudrā and Dzogchen from A Deu Rinpoche and Yongdzin Lama Tenwang and engaged in their accompanying preliminary practices and purifications. When Tsoknyi was twenty-four, the Refuge-protector A Deu Rinpoche peacefully passed away. In order to fulfil his guru’s aspirations, he [set] the ring finger of his right hand [on fire] as an offering lamp. He was fully ordained by Tenpé Nyima of Taglung Monastery and was bestowed the name Mipham Loden. He received a great number of oral transmissions and empowerments including The Hundred Transmissions of Mitra ( Mitra Gyatsa ). Since Tenpé Nyima introduced him to the main practice of Mahāmudrā, he developed the faith that perceives the guru as a real buddha, and blessings entered him. The moment he met Rigzin Chögyal Dorjé (1789–1865/59), [ 4 ] in particular, an unbearable and blazing devotion arose, and their minds mixed as one. At different times when it was suitable, he received many empowerments, oral transmissions, and instructions including the instructions of the preliminary and main practices of Mahāmudrā of the glorious Drukpa [Kagyü tradition], the profound instructions of the [Dzogchen] rüshen practice, or the preliminary practice of differentiation, of the Peaceful and Wrathful Karling cycle along with the introduction of the main practice, the empowerment and instructions of the co-emergent Cakrasaṃvara and the two-faced Vajravārāhī, the supportive teachings for the Six Yogas of Nāropa, various oral instructions, numerous cycles of the aural transmission, and the profound treasure of The Wrathful Sky-Blue Guru ( Guru Drakting ). Furthermore, he relied upon many gurus including the incarnation of Vima, Karma Tengyé Chöpel, and the Seventh Chögön, Chökyi Nyinché as well as extensively receiving teachings of maturation and liberation. He reciprocally gave various suitable empowerments and oral transmissions to and from Trülshik Kyabné Trinlé Gyatso, Nagpo Togden, and Guru Pünchö, etc. In the Iron Pig Year (1851) at the age of twenty-four, he entered into strict retreat. After nine months had passed, despite running out of provisions, he was able to remain for about four years through engaging in immeasurable austerities. One time, when Rigzin Chögyal Dorjé had arrived at the meditation room of his retreat hut, the Lord Chögyal Dorjé bestowed upon him the profound treasure of The Wrathful Sky-Blue Guru , which he himself had extracted from Nyengyal Dorjé Khyung Citadel. He also conferred the empowerment, oral transmission, and instructions of The Guru White Jambhala: The Deity of Wealth ( Lama Nor Lha Dzam Kar ). In the catalogue of vajra prophecies it says: “At that time in Tibet when a short period of happiness like the glimpsing of the sun, a custodian of the teachings, a hidden yogi who is the emanation of Muné Tsenpo (8th–9th century) named Gaṇa will invoke an emanation of mine from eastern Ü named Dharmasūrya Candrabhadra. This emanation is a custodian of the doctrine and special transmissions and possesses the wisdom eye.” According to that prophecy, he is indicated as being that very custodian of the doctrine. The [guru] prophesied: “I offer this advice to you in place of retreat provisions. Put them into practice and you will not remain in your current state. You will have disciples, fame, students, and patrons in addition to power, wealth, and unrivalled authority.” The Lord [Tsoknyi] replied: “I have renounced this life. From a primordial state that is able to be content and has little desires, I focus the depths of my mind on the dharma. The depth of the dharma is to live as a beggar, the depth of living as a beggar is to live that way until death, and the depth of living that way until death is to entrust myself to a mountainous hermitage. In doing so, like Milarepa, I wish for a life untainted by the stains of the eight worldly concerns. The ordinary accomplishments are of no need.” The [guru] replied: “Even if you say you want it to be like that, you should wait and see how it turns out.” As such, Tsoknyi mixed excrement and urine together, smeared and spread it all over the meditation cave. This was greatly auspicious, and it increased his followers and enlightened activities as it was prophesied. When he was practicing the approach and accomplishment phases of The Wrathful Sky-Blue Guru there were many great signs including the guardians of the teachings actually displaying their forms, the eight classes of gods and rākṣasas displaying magical machinations, tumultuous noise, and a cacophony of sounds. Rid of intimidation and fear, he overpowered these challenging signs through the sheer brilliance of his vajra-like concentration. As an indication of this, they offered their life and heart to him. All of those who beheld lineages of the dharma, accepted him as one who dispels all adverse conditions and accomplishes any and all favourable conditions. From then onwards, his enlightened activities flourished even further: Humans congregated during the day and gods and demons assembled during the night. In the evenings and mornings, clothes and food were gathered. As all those were accumulated, the guru’s prophecy came to be true. When he performed the approach and accomplishment of the principal and retinue deities of Guru Orgyen: The Deity of Wealth: The White Jambhala, he had visions of the assembly of deities. One day, in particular, a stream of melted butter flowed down from the support beam of his meditation room and, in a single stroke, made his clothes and belongings very greasy. He himself even declared: “Due to engaging in severe austerities and the interdependency from accomplishing the White Jambhala , my successive students will not be impoverished as they will have food, clothing, and resources.” This can even be seen directly today. Generally, without any effort, he would have pure visions of whichever deity he practiced, as well as having visions of various other deities. He even composed an instructional text for The Wrathful Sky-Blue Guru . He newly constructed a retreat centre called Khachö Chödzong Dechen Rabar. Since he practiced The Three Bodies of the Guru ( Lama Kusum ), for seven years, the remaining beneficial karma from his past lives of Langdo Lotsawa Könchok Jungné (8th century) [ 5 ] and Ratna Lingpa (1403–1479) [ 6 ] was activated. All the physical yogas of the vajra body clearly arose in the mirror of his mind, which are contained in his mind-sadhana practice. In his pure vision, the wisdom body of Ratna Lingpa often took care of him, disclosing to him the secretly sealed [teachings] of the five kinds of secret instructions along with the physical yogas and giving him the secrets of the open and direct instructions. In this way, Ratna Lingpa was his companion on the path and his primordial wisdom flourished [due to this relationship]. There are numerous wondrous narratives such as those. [Through this] he received the name Pema Drimé Öser. In the Wood Monkey Year, (1884), Jamgön Kongtrül [Lodrö Tayé] (1813–1899) [ 7 ] bestowed upon him the cycles of the aural lineage concerning the path of skilful means, and he also received the complete instructions of the five stages of Ratna Lingpa’s The Exceptional Assembly of the Accomplishment of the Enlightened Mind ( Tugdrub Yangdü ). He was particularly praised as “Tsoknyi, the lord of the accomplished ones.” [Jamgön Kongtrül] also received many teachings from the Lord [Tsoknyi]. After that, he eventually came to Kyodrak by passing through Gadzo, Palshung, Tamkha, and Kyadzo. Since Lama Sal [Ga Rinpoche], Ten [Nying Rinpoche], Dung [Kar Rinpoche], and his father’s family had a profound patron-priest relationship, their good intentions integrated as one in both spiritual and temporal affairs. In particular, the Lord accepted Dungkyé Rinpoche Rigzin Düdjom Dorjé, who was the supreme guru of the previous lifetimes, to be the emanation of Barom Darma Wangchuk (1127–1194?). [ 8 ] He recited the seven-syllable mantra of Cakrasaṃvara hundreds of millions of times. He received the six dharmas of Mahāmudrā and Dzogchen from Chögyal Dorjé. Through engaging in the practices, he actually discovered the signs of accomplishment. From this unrivalled and excellent being [Chögyal Dorjé], who had visions of a multitude of deities and so forth, he received the Barom Mahāmudrā cycle of teachings concerning the six dharmas of The Lord of Bliss ( Degon ), Tulku Mingyur Dorjé’s (1645–1667) [ 9 ] pure vision teachings of The Sky Teachings (Namchö), and The Unified Oral and Treasure Teachings ( Karter Sungjuk ), written by the doctrine holder Chödak Chagmé Rinpoche (1613–1678), [ 10 ] which is an ancillary text to the mind treasures [of Mingyur Dorjé]. He received all of their empowerments and oral transmissions in their entirety. He also offered long-life prayers of the gurus as well as some of the empowerments and oral transmissions in return. Upon the invitations of his paternal relative Sowang Pün, his former enemy Rakshu Tsewang Dargé, Surmang Ati, and others, he gave instructions and spiritual advice, establishing them in the doctrine. Then he went into a strict retreat in the cave of Khyungtra having taken upon himself a tantric commitment. Banak Genyen, the protector of that sacred site, offered its life and heart to him, and Tsoknyi accepted him at his word. Then Banak Genyen gave him a key for the enlightened activities of magnetisation, and Tsoknyi was able to compose a profound meditational practice of that treasure protector [Banak Genyen]. With a seal of secrecy, he offered it to the gurus, abbots, and masters of Kyodrak Monastery, where the text can still be found. His experience and realisation thrived. He went to U, Tsang, and other destinations where he combined his beneficial works for sentient beings and for the practice. Finally, at the age of sixty-one on the twenty-ninth day of the fourth month of the Earth Mouse Year, 1888, he peacefully passed away. He had a great number of students including the Ninth Gyalwang Ngedön Tenpé Nyiché, the Sixth Jé Khamtrül Tenpé Nyima, the Sixth Trülshik A Dé Gyalsé, Tari Ngawang Chöjor, Togden Ngawang Gelek, Gechak Togden Ngawang Tsangyang Gyatso, Jamé Chöpal Gyatso, Jamtrül Tenpé Gyaltsen, Dru Jamyang Drakpa, Dompa Lama Püntsok Chögrub, Taru Togden Chöying Namdak, Lang Ngawang Lhündrup, Geshé Tenzin Sangpo, Künkhen Tsewang Namgyal, Ngor Khen Künga Tenzin, Nagpo Tertön Garwang Yeshé Rölpa, and Ngawang Namgyal Tenpa. THE FOURTH INCARNATION The fourth Tsoknyi, Lhagyal Dorjé, was born in the Chugru family of Kyodrak. He was recognised by the great treasure revealer Barwé Dorjé and gave him the name Tsoknyi Lhagyal Dorjé. Numerous historical accounts were lost during the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) including his biography and the dates of birth and death. So, there is no clear account of him. THE FIFTH INCARNATION Foremost adept in the Land of Snows, Heart son of the lineage of Marpa, Mila, and Dakpo, Regarded as the reincarnation of Chöjé Lingpa, Tsoknyi Öser, I revere you full-heartedly. Although I do not possess the skills to write The outer, inner, and secret biographies of this excellent being, With the help of ancient records and oral narratives of the older generations My fingers felt at ease in penning them into words. The birthplace of the fifth incarnation, Tsoknyi Öser Karma Khyenrab Lodrö Chökyi Döndrub, [ 11 ] was in Kyodrak, [ 12 ] which is divided into two [areas called] Nang and Sog. [ 13 ] His birthplace was in the upper Sog district. This virtuous and auspicious sacred place has adopted its name because it is “where the dharma robes of Guru Rinpoche once dried,” as well as a place where a statue of Dorjé Drolö miraculously appeared. This marvellous sacred place was also predicted in the religious song of the great treasure revealer, Barwa Dorjé, [ 14 ] which says, “In this auspicious and virtuous place of Tranang Tashi valley, [ 15 ] there will be congregations of young men and horses.” In this place, where greatly accomplished ones have visited, the son, Karma Khyenrab Lodrö Chökyi Döndrub, was born on the twenty-eighth day of the eleventh month the Earth Bird Year, 1969, to his father Sé Pema and his mother Yesa Geyang. [ 16 ] During the turbulent times, [ 17 ] the retreat master Alho Nyingjé of Pedong [ 18 ] and other practitioners had no choice but to dig for caterpillar fungus to pay tax. When they arrived at the mountain, Alho Nyingjé continuously meditated. His student Sé Pema (Tsoknyi’s father) provided different kinds of service for him, including digging for fungus to cover both their taxes. At that time, Lama Anying stayed at Khong Yerpo, [ 19 ] where his mind dissolved into the sphere of reality (i.e. he passed away). One day, Alho Nyingjé made plans to come to the place known as Gepa Yangshar Yechok Shingkyong Yabyum (Parents of the Local Protectors of the Steep Cliff Facing East). [ 20 ] When his student Sé Pema arrived, he was not there. But Alho Nyingjé arrived after a short wait. Sé Pema asked, “Where did you go? I have been waiting for you here.” Alho Nyingjé answered along with providing a prophecy, “I fell asleep for a short while. When I fell asleep, I dreamt that you would have a son who will be a great help for the Barom teachings, but I am not sure that others will believe this.” Similarly, many noble beings prophesied in the same way. Furthermore, in the past, when Dungtrül Rinpoche came to Khatsa Traba, [ 21 ] Sé Pema helped him to set up his residence. When Dungtrül Rinpoche arrived at the monastery, he said to Sé Pema: “Your eldest son is the heart of your family. He is a superior being, but do not tell others.” Thus, he recognised him as Tsoknyi Rinpoche, but no one was informed for five years. When Situ Pema Wangchok Gyalpo [ 22 ] visited Kyodrak before 1958, he was strongly requested to recognise the reincarnation of Tsoknyi Öser, but he said, “There is no need to hurry now because in the future there will be someone who will certainly benefit the Dharma and sentient beings. As the saying goes, ‘although the gold is under the earth, its light shines in the sky.’ We can recognise him at a later time.” As such, based on the prophecies made by the Karmapa Düdül Dorjé now the karma and aspirations had ripened in time. When Saljé Rinpoche was on a strict retreat at Samten Chöling, Tsoknyi had an audience with him and received advice. Many natural, auspicious interdependent connections occurred during this audience, such as when Tsoknyi reached the top of the ladder, Saljé Rinpoche was carrying a full bowl of white yoghurt. Saljé Rinpoche said, “Tashi delek, come inside.” When Tsoknyi was prostrating three times, Rinpoche hurriedly said, “Please sit down.” Tsoknyi sat on the cushion, and the student and master had a long conversation beginning with inquiring about each other’s well-being. During lunchtime, some Taiwanese and Hong Kong students of Saljé Rinpoche were also present. When Saljé Rinpoche said, “Tsoknyi Rinpoche,” Tsoknyi said, “I have not used that name, and I am not willing to use it! There is a danger that it will produce pride in me.” Saljé Rinpoche said, “It was a slip of the tongue, but it has created good interdependent connections.” After that, Saljé Rinpoche offered another bowl of white yoghurt to him and said, “I am offering this to Tsoknyi with the aspiration that he receives complete instruction and benefits all sentient beings.” Tsoknyi remarked, “This is like the old story of the village girl Lekyima offering yoghurt to the Buddha, the Bhagavān. Because she offered yoghurt, she was blessed with peace throughout the three times and the realisation of the pure essence of the supreme wisdom. Hence with this aspiration, I’ll drink it all without leaving any behind.” From a young age, he possessed many excellent signs. For example, when the monastery was first granted approval, [ 23 ] many people used to gather in the dance hall, and the numbers were immense. Due to the small size of the hall, queues formed outside. Having moved through in file, he made it inside without any difficulties. This was the first time he heard the sounds of Dharma, and his mind was filled with joy due to his previous karma. After a brief moment, he and his father reluctantly had to leave due to overcrowding. However, in his heart, his desire to join prayer gatherings became like that of a thirsty person discovering water; yet since it was impossible, he could do nothing but cry. His mother said, “Don’t do that. Those people also need to join [the prayer gathering]. If you learn how to read, you will be able to become a monk.” Upon hearing these comforting words and from the incredible joy he felt, it seems that his karmic propensities awoke. Thus, he went to learn to read and write. [In relation to this] his father let the young boy sleep with him in his bed. Every morning his kind-hearted father chanted Shaking Samsara from the Depths [ 24 ] prayer and every evening The Kīla Prayer . As a result, the young boy learnt The Kïla Prayer easily even before learning to read. Moreover, he had delightful experiences and dreams. However, I fear there would be too many words, so I shall not write them here. While he was offering his hair [ 25 ] to Saljé Rinpoche of Kyodrak in 1982, Rinpoche asked, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Tsültrim Nyima.” Rinpoche replied, “Usually, we change the name when we perform the hair-cutting ceremony, but your name is good, so let us leave it as it is.” This was the moment he entered the Buddhist tradition. On that spring day, there was a bit of drizzle and fog had gathered on top of the sacred mountain of Gardzé. [ 26 ] On that distant mountain, he saw the Dzachu river, resembling a turquoise dragon ascending into the sky, and grass sprouting on the grounds of Kyodrak Monastery. Consequently, he stated that it was a difficult place to forget since he was very fortunate to have had that opportunity. Then, having enrolled in the monastery, he studied the monastic education programme in its entirety—learning ritual dances, musical instruments, and other disciplines. He also received a lot of exceptional instructions on [the paths of] means and liberation. From Jamyang Lodrö Rinpoche, [ 27 ] he received the cycles of teachings of the Barom tradition and empowerments and pith instructions. He received many empowerments and pith instructions from Saljé Rinpoche, who is endowed with the three types of kindness, and Dungtrül Rinpoche. [ 28 ] He received precepts of renunciation and the name Tsültrim Sangpo and also received the empowerment of The Kīla of the Secret Essence [ 29 ] from the Abbot Karma Jampa Yönten or Do Dé Rinpoche. [ 30 ] Moreover, he received various empowerments and transmissions from Sanggyé Tenzin, [ 31 ] over the course of a month. In particular, Rabjor Rinpoche [ 32 ] and Tsoknyi received the empowerment and instructions of the single lineage. On top of that, he received teachings on the medical sciences and The Four Tantras with its empowerment from Wön Gelek and Rabpel. [ 33 ] He received the details of the [medical] practices for those tantras from Wön Gelek. He also received teachings on astrology and other instructions from the chant master and vajra master of the monastery, Abbot Karma Orgyen, and education on Tibetan grammar, A Guide of the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life ( Bodhicaryāvatāra ), and other teachings from abbots and masters. From the yogi Yeshé Rabgyé, [ 34 ] he began to learn Nāropa’s Six Yogas of the path of skilful means and the Barom tradition’s practice of Mahāmudrā of the path of liberation. Having combined the methods of the profound instructions of the paths of skilful means and liberation with study, contemplation, and meditation, he engaged in a strict, solitary retreat of three years, three months, and three days at the Barom Meditation Centre. After his retreat came to an end, he stayed at the meditation cave of Tseril [ 35 ] for several years and received empowerments of Cakrasaṃvara and Mahākāla from Sanggyé Drakpa. [ 36 ] He became a fully accomplished excellent scholar having relied upon various non-sectarian great beings and having integrated study, contemplation, and meditation. As the Refuge-lord Saljé Rinpoche often had many excellent and wondrous dreams and signs, he recognised the Fifth Tsoknyi Rinpoche and named him Karma Khyenrab Lodrö Chökyi Döndrup. [ 37 ] Later, Tsoknyi visited the sacred sites of India and Nepal. He has come back to his fatherland three times since 2001. Keeping the monastery and its people in mind and with a pure intention, he constructed a five-story temple at Kyodrak Monastery that is comparable in size to a seven-story building. It has a gilded roof complete with a gold ornament and victory banner and seventy-eight rooms to accommodate about five thousand monks. Moreover, he built a three-story meditation hall called Chabti Serpuk [ 38 ] with a gold ornament above its assembly hall. Along with this hall, he also built seventeen monk’s quarters called Yabeb Khang [ 39 ] and a monastic college containing an assembly hall and eighty monk’s quarters. He made donations towards the construction of Serphug Namtsang assembly hall, [ 40 ] which is the abode of the renunciate Tsültrim Tarchin. He donated 300,000 Yuan towards [recovery projects after] the Yushul earthquake. He gave donations to the Serta monks and nuns for their prayers. He also donated clothes to the region of Yushul and offered 500 Samten Bülchung [ 41 ] to the meditators. He sponsors the twenty-ninth pūjā every year and donates money to the monks. With Khen Jiga [ 42 ] he sponsors the food and other facilities for the monks at the monastic college. He also diligently accumulates funds for Barom’s Prayer Festival. Other than that, he donates thermoses and quality incense to the abbots, retreat masters, and great meditators and clothes to the needy. Each and every year he strives in gathering the accumulations. The religious centres he has built with great effort for the benefit of others are Taiwan Dharma Centre, Barom Tegsum Chökhor Ling, Macao Dharma Centre, Ngedön Tegchen Ling, and the England Dharma Centre, Künpan Jampa Ling. Furthermore, he is currently visiting many countries, including Singapore, Macao, Honkong, Guato, and Mauritius to give teachings, rescue animals, and advise people in need. May all be virtuous! COLOPHON None NOTES [1] karma pa 10 bdud 'dul rdo rje, BDRC P828 [2] chos rje gling pa, BDRC P671 [3] This is a scribble error as the dates between the First Tsoknyi and the Third Tsoknyi does not make this possible. [4] chos rgyal rdo rje, BDRC P1711 [5] lang gro dkon mchog 'byung gnas, [6] rat+na gling pa, BDRC P470 [7] 'jam mgon kong sprul blo gros mtha' yas, BDRC P264 [8] 'ba' rom pa dar ma dbang phyug, BDRC P1856 [9] gman chos mi 'gyur rdo rje, BDRC P659 [10] karma chags med, BDRC P649 [11] tshogs gnyis 'od zer karma mkhyen rab blo gros chos kyi don 'grub [12] skyo brag [13] nang sog [14] 'bar ba' rdo rje [15] bkra nang bkra shis lung pa [16] se pad+ma; g.yes bza' dge g.yang [17] Cultural Revolution [18] pad sdong a lho snying rje [19] a snying bla ma; khong g.yer po [20] gas pa g.yang shar g.yas phyogs zhing skyong yab yum [21] dung sprul rin po che; kha tsha pra ba [22] ta' sit u 11 pad+ma dbang mchog rgyal po, 1886–1952, BDRC P925 [23] This is approval is from CCP after the cultural revolution. [24] 'khor ba dong sprug [25] This is when the lama cuts the first tip of the hair before the individual becomes ordained. [26] gar mdzad ri [27] 'jam dbyangs blo gros [28] dung sprul [29] gsang thig phur pa [30] byams pa yon tan / mdo sde rin po che [31] sangs rgyas bstan 'dzin [32] rab 'byor rin po che [33] dbon dge legs; rab 'phel [34] ye shes rab rgyas [35] tshe ril [36] sangs rgyas grag pa [37] karma mkhyen rab blo gros chos kyi don grub [38] chab bsti gser phug [39] ya 'bebs khang [40] gser pug rnam tshang 'du khang [41] bsam rten 'bul chung [42] mkhan 'jig dga' Published: November 2020 Edited: September 2021 BIBLIOGRAPHY Dbon dge legs. 2020. Grub pa'i sa mthor gshegs pa'i skyo brag tshogs gnyis 'od zer sku phreng rim byon gyi rnam thar mdor bsdus bzhugs so . London: Tib Shelf P005 Abstract These introductory biographies of the successive reincarnations of Tsoknyi Özer invite us to the land of liberation by establishing their enlightened lifestyles as examples. The text highlights the significance of devotion towards a spiritual master as, for example, the Third Tsokyni lighting his ring finger on fire, offering it as a lamp to fulfill his guru's aspirations. TIB SHELF P005 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION Barom Kagyu INCARNATION LINE Chöje Lingpa Tsoknyi Özer HISTORICAL PERIOD 18th Century 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century TEACHERS The First Incarnation: The Thirteenth Karmapa Duddul Dorje Salje Chödrub The Second Incarnation: n/a The Third Incarnation: Ralo Tarlam Karma Döndam Jigdral Wangpo The Fifth Trulshik Mahāpaṇḍita, Gyurme Tsewang Trinle A De'u Rinpoche Yongzin Lama Tenwang Taglung Tenpe Nyima Rigdzin Chögyal Dorje Karma Tengye Chöpel The Seventh Chögön Chökyi Nyinche Trulshik Kyabne Trinle Gyatso Nagpo Togden Guru Punchö Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Taye Lama Salga Rinpoche Ten Nying Rinpoche Dungkar Rinpoche TRANSLATORS Tib Shelf Rachael Griffiths Michael Elison INSTITUTION Kyodrak Monastery STUDENTS TBC AUTHOR Önpo Gelek A Brief Biography: The Successive Incarnations of Tsoknyi Özer 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. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

  • The Vajra Verses: A Prayer of the Fierce Inner Heat

    Jigme Lingpa's Longchen Nyingtik instruction on fierce inner heat practice, composed as a supplication to be sung between lineage prayers and practice commencement. The Vajra Verses: A Prayer of the Fierce Inner Heat ཨེ་མ་ཧོ། emaho Emaho! དག་པ་རབ་འབྱམས་དབུ་མའི་གྲོང་ཁྱེར་ན།། dagpa rabjam umé drongkhyer na In the city of the infinite purity of the central channel སེམས་ཀྱི་རྡོ་རྗེ་ཆོས་སྐུའི་ངོ་བོ་ཉིད།། sem kyi dorjé chökü ngowo nyi Is the vajra mind, the essence of the dharmakāya. ཕུང་པོ་ཁམས་དང་སྐྱེ་མཆེད་གདན་གསུམ་ལྷའི།། pungpo kham dang kyeché den sum lhé The aggregates, elements, and sense-fields are the deities of the three seats. རྣམ་རོལ་རྩ་བརྒྱུད་བླ་མར་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས།། namröl tsa gyü lamar sölwa deb I supplicate their manifestations— the root and lineage gurus. རླུང་སེམས་དབྱེར་མེད་ཞུ་བདེའི་ཙཎྜ་ལཱི།། lung sem yermé zhudé tsendali May Caṇḍālī, the melting bliss of inseparable energy and mind, འཁོར་ལོ་ལྔ་ཡི་དཔའ་བོ་མཁའ་འགྲོའི་གྲོང་།། khorlo nga yi pawo khandrö drong Bring delight to the cities of the ḍākinīs and heroes in the five cakras ཚོགས་ཀྱི་འཁོར་ལོའི་འདུ་བས་མཉེས་བྱས་ནས།། tsok kyi khorlö duwé nyé jé né Through the gatherings of the tantric feast, དབང་དང་དགའ་བཞིའི་ཡེ་ཤེས་རོས་གང་ཤོག། wang dang ga zhi yeshé rö gang shok And may I be suffused with the experiences of the empowerments and the primordial wisdom of the four joys. ཁྱད་པར་མཆོག་གི་གཏུམ་མོས་འཁོར་ལོ་བཞིའི།། khyepar chok gi tummö khorlo zhi In particular, may the supreme fierce inner heat, རླུང་སེམས་ལས་རུང་དྷུ་ཏིའི་རྩ་མདུད་རྣམས།། lung sem lé rung dhuti tsa dü nam Make pliable the energy and mind within the four cakras, and as the knots of the central channel ཚོགས་དང་སྦྱོར་མཐོང་སྒོམ་པའི་ལམ་དུ་གྲོལ།། tsok dang jor tong gompé lam du dröl Are released as the paths of accumulation, unification, seeing, and meditation, ས་བཅུའི་རྒྱུན་མཐའ་གཙུག་ཏོར་རྩེར་སྨིན་ཤོག། sa chü gyün ta tsugtor tser min shok May energy and mind ripen at the crown protuberance, the conclusion of the ten stages. ཉོན་མོངས་རླུང་སེམས་འཁོར་བའི་རང་བཞིན་ནི།། nyönmong lung sem khorwé rangzhin ni With the afflictions, energy, and mind— the nature of cyclic existence, རྣམ་གྲོལ་ཞི་བ་ཡེ་ཤེས་རླུང་མཆོག་གིས།། namdröl zhiwa yeshe lung chok gi Brought under control through the supreme, utterly free and peaceful primordial wisdom energy, རང་དབང་གྱུར་ལས་རྩ་ཁམས་ཡི་གེའི་སྤྲིན།། rangwang gyur lé tsa kham yigé trin May the channels and elements be spontaneously perfected འཁོར་ལོ་ཚོགས་ཆེན་ས་ལ་ལྷུན་རྫོགས་ཤོག། khorlo tsok chen sa la lhün dzok shok On the stage of the Great Cloud Mass of Rotating Syllables .[ 1 ] COLOPHON ས་མ་ཡ། རྫོགས་རིམ་ལམ་གྱི་མདོ་ཆིངས་ཀུན།། རྡོ་རྗེའི་ཚིག་རྐང་འདིས་གྲོལ་བྱེད།། རྒྱ་རྒྱ་རྒྱཿ Samaya. These vajra verses disclose all the most essential points related to the path of the completion stage. Seal—Seal—Seal! NOTES [1] This is the thirteenth of the sixteen stages according to the Nyingma system of inner tantras. See: Rigpawiki Sixteen Bhumis . With thanks to Khenpo Sonam Tsewang and Han Kop for their assistance as part of the Longchen Nyingtik Project , 2020. Thanks to Adam Pearcey at Lotsawa House for his editing. Published: November 2020 Edited: March 2025 Photo Credit BIBLIOGRAPHY Jigme Lingpa Khyentse Özer ('jigs med gling pa mkhyen brtse 'od zer. klong chen snying gi thig las: gtum mo'i gsol 'debs rdo rje'i tshig rkang . In klong chen snying thig gi chos skor , vol. 3, 52. a 'dzom chos sgar par khang: Ngawang Sopa, 1973. BDRC W21024 . Abstract This supplication, filled with instruction for the completion stage practice of fierce inner heat, was written by Jigme Lingpa in his renowned work of The Heart Essence of the Great Expanse, or Longchen Nyingtik. It is traditionally sung after the lineage supplication and before the fierce inner heat practice. BDRC LINK W21024 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 01:52 TRADITION Nyingma INCARNATION LINE Dzogchen Khyentse Pakchok Khyentse Gönchen Khyentse HISTORICAL PERIOD 18th Century TEACHERS Longchenpa Drime Özer Ngawang Lobzang Pema Nawang Kunga Legpa Chökyi Dragpa Pema Chogdrub Tenzin Yeshe Lhundrub Pal Gönpa Mön Dzakar Lama Dargye The Third Shechen Rabjam, Paljor Gyatso Drime Lingpa Tugchok Dorje TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Tseringjong Zha Lhakhang Boudhanath Palri Tegchen Ling Samye Chimpu STUDENTS Kunga Rinchen Changchub Dorje Jigme Ngotsar Gyatso The First Dodrubchen, Jigme Trinle Özer Gyurme Tsewang Chogdrub Jigme Losal The First Gurong, Namkhe Jigme Jigme Gyalwe Nyugu Kunga Legpe Jungne Longchen Rölpa Tsal Ngawang Tenzin Dorje Pema Tsogyal Kunga Pende Gyatso Sangye Zangpo The Second Chagtsa Tulku, Kunzang Tenpe Nyinje Jigme Gocha The Third Dzogchen Drubwang, Ngedön Tenzin Zangpo Namkha Tsewang Chogdrub The First Petsaling, Drubtob Namgyal Lhundrub Jigme Kundröl Namgyal The First Khatok Situ, Chökyi Senge The First Chagtsa Tulku, Kunzang Ngedön Wangpo AUTHOR Jigme Lingpa The Vajra Verses: A Prayer of the Fierce Inner Heat 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. Tib Shelf has been accredited by the British Library with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2754–1495 CONTACT US | SHELVES@TIBSHELF.ORG © 2024 Tib Shelf. All rights reserved.

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