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Polymath The Fifth Lelung Zhepe Dorje 1697–1740 BDRC P675 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE PHOTO CREDIT The Fifth Lelung Jedrung, Lobzang Trinle (1697–1740), on being recognized as the reincarnation of the Fourth Lelung Jedrung, Gendun Chögyal, had his hair-cutting ceremony carried out by the Sixth Dalai Lama (1683–1706) in 1702. Later the treasure revealer Chöje Lingpa (1681–1720/1722) prophesied that Lelung would be the one to receive and propagate a treasure cycle focussed on a peaceful and wrathful form of Avalokiteśvara. His collected works total some forty-six volumes. In 1740 he passed away at the age of forty-three and was posthumously declared to be the protector deity Dragshul Wangpo who is focused on subduing the spirit Dorje Shugden. Guru Yoga The Condensed Essential Secret Sādhana of Zhepe Dorje Lelung Zhepe Dorje A concise secret sādhana of Zhepe Dorje centred on self-visualisation, forceful yogic practice, and the recognition of all appearances as the display of mind. Read Song Song of Experience: The Gateway of Manifold Appearances Lelung Zhepe Dorje Composed in 1718 amid violent political and religious upheaval in Tibet, this deeply personal song captures the young Lelung Zhepe Dorje’s disenchantment with worldly life, devotion, longing for hidden lands, and urgent yearning for freedom. Read Song A Spontaneous Song on Departing for Pemokö Lelung Zhepe Dorje This spontaneous song was composed by Lelung Zhepe Dorje (1697–1740) at Gyala in Kongpo in 1729, at the moment of departure from a gathered assembly of pilgrims and patrons on the threshold of the hidden land of Pemokö. Read Prayer The Outer, Inner, and Secret Practice Cycle of Zhepe Dorje Lelung Zhepe Dorje This text presents the outer, inner, and secret practice cycles of Zhepe Dorje, transmitted by Lhachik Nyima Zhönu—a protector deity revealed through pure vision—in 1730 and recorded in 1731. Read Prayer Opening the Door to Prosperity: A Praise to Invoke the Sacred Commitment of the Great Shanglön Dorje Dudul Lelung Zhepe Dorje Devotional praises invoking Shanglön Dorje Dudul, composed by Lelung Zhepe Dorje, describe him in great detail as a dark blue yakṣa figure adorned with jewels, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel and nectar vase, and capable of transforming into various wrathful forms. Read Song A Series of Spontaneous Spiritual Songs Lelung Zhepe Dorje Two spontaneous songs by Lelung Zhepe Dorje: one honouring the 2nd Dzogchen Drubwang Gyurme Thekchog Tenzin, the other celebrating the experience of unobstructed, effortless awareness. Both transmit direct spiritual realization through verse. Read Aspirational Prayer The Magical Lasso: A Prayer of Aspiration to Accomplish Khecara Lelung Zhepe Dorje A heartfelt prayer to the ḍākinīs of three worlds, composed at Pemokö's Dudul Dewa Chenpo, seeking blessings to master the Vajrayāna path for all beings' benefit. Read Pure Vision Chapter Narrating the Pure Vision of Gesar Lelung Zhepe Dorje Senior Geluk figure Lelung Zhepe Dorje (1697-1740) recounts his extraordinary 1729 pure vision of Gesar of Ling, marking a rare intersection of Geluk tradition with Tibet's epic hero. Read Buddhist An Aspiration to Travel to the Hidden Land of Pemokö Lelung Zhepe Dorje A prayer aspiring to rebirth in Pemokö, a sacred hidden land where dharmic conditions flourish and worldly obstacles dissolve - composed by Lelung Zhepe Dorje. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

A genealogy of the Mura lineage through its incarnations, focusing on the Third Mura Pema Dechen's life, teachings, and key relationships, penned by Tenzin Lungtok Nyima. Mura Pema Dechen Zangpo The great spiritual friend [ 1 ] widely known as The Third Mura Pema Dechen Sangpo (b. 19th cent) [ 2 ] an actual emanation of Avalokiteśvara, was a direct disciple of both Khenchen Pema Vajra (1807–1884) [ 3 ] and Patrül Jigmé Chökyi Wangpo (1808–1887). [ 4 ] The basis for his emanation is as follows: In the presence of our Teacher [Buddha Śākyamuni], there were the bodhisattva mahasattva, the supremely noble, Avalokiteśvara, and Mahākālika [ 5 ] of the [sixteen] elder arhats. Here in the Land of Snow, from the twenty-five disciples, [ 6 ] the king and subjects, the great adepts and heart heirs of the Second Buddha Orgyen were Kyeuchung Lotsawa (b. 8th cent.) [ 7 ] and Nyak Jñānakumāra. [ 8 ] Having appeared as sequential [incarnations] such as the magical display of the great treasure revealer Taksham Nüden Dorjé (b.1665) [ 9 ] as well as [at times] unexpectedly,[ 10 ] [the stream of incarnations] greatly increased the benefit and welfare of beings as well as the teachings. THE FIRST INCARNATION RITRÖ RIGDZIN GYATSO The first incarnation Ritrö Rigdzin Gyatso (b. 18th cent) [ 11 ] was born in the land of Nak Shö. [ 12 ] He completed his studies [relying upon] many spiritual friends such as the great treasure revealer Nyidrak Tülku. Thereafter, due to the ripening of his aspirations to acquire students at the appropriate time in Upper Dza in Do Kham, he was greatly inspired to firmly plant the victory banner of practice at Kilung Gödam Hermitage, [ 13 ] where he stayed for a long while. During this period Getsé Lama Jigmé Ngotsar (18th cent.) [ 14 ] and [Ritrö Rigdzin Gyatso] mutually taught one another as guru and student. With a single intention, they built a monastery together and established the single monastic seat [of Kilung Hermitage, which later became known as Kilung Monastery]. Furthermore, the newly built the famous great stone edifice known as the Mura Maṇi Wall for the common splendour and merit of the beings in the Snowy Land of Tibet—which can [still] be seen to this day. After Getsé Lama Jigmé Ngotsar passed into the pure lands, the First Lord Mura maintained the seat [of Kilung Monastery] by himself. Innumerable students congregated there as he turned the wheel of the doctrine. [During his life] he extensively spread the teachings of the theory and practice, [eventually] passing away in peace. THE SECOND INCARNATION PÖNPO GYURMÉ CHÖDAR The second lineage incarnation Pönpo Gyurmé Chödar (18th cent.) [ 15 ] was born in the Gotsa Dragen home, [ 16 ] which was part of the Getsé settlement. The Fourth Dzogchen Drubwang [Mingyur Namkhé Dorjé] (1793–1870) [ 17 ] recognised and installed him on the dharma throne of the monastic seat. As he reached a respectable age, he had an extreme dislike of watching over the monastic preparations, which were fraught with distractions. [Rather], he would single-pointedly practice [meditation]. Since he had completely enveloped his mind with bodhicitta, even habitually sinful and pernicious people would instinctually adopt beneficial and altruistic conduct simply by meeting this lord or hearing his voice. [Furthermore] wherever he resided, the vicious animals living around that region would not engage in anything harmful to [any] sentient being. In these ways, he attained mastery, living the liberating life of a conqueror’s heir. At the end of his life and the completion of his practice, he actually passed into the primordially pure inner space, the royal capital of the dharmakāya. THE THIRD INCARNATION MURA PEMA DECHEN SANGPO In concordance with what was mentioned earlier [regarding] emanations appearing as one or many, simultaneously or instantaneously [ 18 ] in accordance with the specific dispositions and inclinations of sentient beings, the third incarnation the kind and glorious Mura Pema Dechen was the last to arrive. Once again, he intentionally took birth as a spiritual friend of all vajra holders possessing the three [vows], as in the latter half of the fourteenth sexagenary cycle (18th cent.) in a Getsé settlement situated in Dzachuka, Do Kham, he took birth into a divine house where many sublime beings had been born. As soon as he spoke, he recited the six-syllable [Maṇi] mantra. He possessed the nature [of someone] totally beyond that of an ordinary person as his heart was filled with immeasurable love, compassion, and various other [qualities]. Drubwang Dzogchenpa Mingyur Namkhé Dorjé [recognised] and decided that he was the unmistaken incarnation of the previous [Mura] and installed him on the monastic seat. Having arrived at Rudam Orgyen Samten Chöling (Dzogchen Monastery), [ 19 ] the source of scholars and accomplished ones, he received teachings from many virtuous friends such as Dzogchen Yishin Norbu, Gyalsé Shenpen Tayé (1800–1855), [ 20 ] Patrül Jigmé Chökyi Wangpo, Khenchen Pema Vajra, etc. He received prātimokṣa, bodhisattva, and tantric vows, [ 21 ] instructions and guidance on the great scriptures of sūtra and tantra, the maturation and liberation instructions of the oral traditions and treasure traditions of the old and new schools, and the instructions and advice on the Dzogchen Heart Essence (Nyingtik) cycles. He became a lord of scholars and adepts through completing his studies. He particularly served Khenchen Pema Vajra as his special lord of the [tantric] family. Even after the Lord [Pema Vajra] passed into the pure land, [Pema Vajra’s] wisdom body protected and blessed Pema Dechen. He made a profound, powerful, and truthful aspiration to never be separated from [Pema Vajra] for many lives to come. This apparent aspiration can be inferred as it is contained in his supreme secret biography. The signs of Mura’s attainment include squeezing stones with his bare hand, possessing unobstructed clairvoyance, and other such marvels for which all sentient beings bowed down at his feet. At his monastic seats of Kilung Monastery and Rudam [Dzogchen Monastery’s] Śrī Siṃha College, he turned the wheel of the doctrine of the limitless ripening instructions of both the oral and treasure teachings. In particular and from time to time [he taught]: Yeshé Lama , or The Unexcelled Wisdom , the instructional guide of the secret Dzogchen Heart Essence teachings, and Purifying the Six Intermediate States of the completion stages. His direct disciples and holders of his lineage included: The Fifth Drubwang Tubten Chökyi Dorjé (1872–1935), [ 22 ] Khentrül Déga, [ 23 ] Chadral Kunga Palden (1878–1944), [ 24 ] Jamgön Mipam Rinpoche (1846–1912), [ 25 ] Abu Lhagyal or Pema Tegchok Loden (1879–1955), [ 26 ] Khen Sécho, Jigmé Yönten Gönpo (1899–1959), [ 27 ] Khen Chimé (19th cent.–20th cent.), [ 28 ] and many great beings who hold the Dzogchen teachings. Many spiritual friends came including Shechen Gyaltsab Pema Namgyal (1871–1926), [ 29 ] Khenchen Yönten Gyatso, [ 30 ] Takla Könchok Gyaltsen (1859–1943), [ 31 ] Khenchen Künzang Palden (1862–1943), [ 32 ] Khenchen Tubga Rinpoche, Ngawang Palsang or Ngakchung (1879–1940), [ 33 ] Mewa Khenchen Tséwang Rigdzin (1883–1958), [ 34 ] and Kyabjé Dilgo Khyentsé (1910–1991). [ 35 ] In the present age, [as for] all the lineage of the six bardo transmissions, it appears that there is nothing that is not connected with this lord. He is featured in various supplications for the lineage gurus of our own Heart Essence tradition. He came to be an unrivalled tradition holder of the greatly secret Heart Essence. He encouraged all the men and women from higher and lower Dzachuka up to north Golok to give up negative deeds and engage in virtuosity, and he turned the wheel of the doctrine for Maṇi [recitation] and practice. Thus, he transformed the entire area into a land of complete virtue. [Furthermore] he extensively renovated the Maṇi Stone Wall that his previous incarnation had built becoming one hundred-fold more extensive. [Lastly] he built many [virtuous structures] including stupas in the surrounding area. The continuation of his activity for the spontaneous accomplishment of the two-fold benefit will never diminish [and instead] will continue throughout his future lives. [Finally] he temporarily displayed the manner of peacefully passing away into the primordial inner space, the expansive wisdom mind of Samantabhadra. COLOPHON None NOTES [1] dge ba'i bshes gnyen, kalyāṇamitra [2] pad+ma bde chen bzang po, BDRC P8693 [3] mkhan chen pad+ma badz+ra, BDRC P6744 [4] dpal sprul 'jigs med chos kyi dbang po, BDRC P270 [5] dus ldan chen po [6] This is referring to the 25 disciples (rje 'bangs nyer lnga) of Padmasambhava. [7] khye'u chung lo tsA ba, BDRC P3AG56 [8] gnyags dznyA ku mA ra, BDRC P6525 [9] stag sham nus ldan rdo rje, BDRC P663 [10] The meaning here is that the emanations of the mind-stream of Mura Pema Dechen arose sequentially, but in some cases emanations would appear at any point in time devoid of and sequence. [11] ri khrod rig 'dzin rgya mtsho, BDRC P2JM457 [12] yul nag shod [13] kiH lung mgos zlam, BDRC G3955 [14] dge rtse bla ma 'jigs med ngo mtshar, BDRC P2881 [15] mu ra sprul sku 02 dpon po 'gyur med chos dar, BDRC P8LS13175 [16] mgo tshwa sba rgan [17] rdzog chen gru dbang 04 mi 'gyur nam mkha'i rdo rje, BDRC P1710 [18] See point 10 [19] rdzogs chen ru dam o rgyan bsam gtan chos gling, BDRC G16 [20] gzhan phan mtha' yas 'od zer, BDRC P697 [21] These correspond to the vows of the three vehicles. [22] rdzogs chen grub dbang 05 thub bstan chos kyi rdo rje, BDRC P701 [23] bde dga', BDRC P6960 [24] mkhan chen kun dga' dpal, BDRC P4996 [25] mi pham 'jam dbyangs rnam rgyal rgya mtsho, BDRC P252 [26] a bu lha sgang pad+ma theg mchog blo ldan, BDRC P6955 [27] 'jigs med yon tan mgon po, BDRC P6600 [28] mkhan chen 'chi med ye shes, BDRC P6959 [29] zhe chen rgyal tshab 04 'gyur med pad+ma rnam rgyal, BDRC P235 [30] dge mang mkhan chen yon tan rgya mtsho, BDRC P6961 [31] stag bla dkon mchog rgyal mtshan, BDRC P00KG03790 [32] mkhan chen kun bzang ldan, BDRC P6962 [33] ngag dbang dpal bzang, BDRC P724 [34] mkhan chen tshe dbang rig 'dzin 01, BDRC P6306 [35] dil mgo mkhyen brtse bkra shis dpal 'byor, BDRC P625 BIBLIOGRAPHY bstan 'dzin lung rtogs nyi ma. 2004. Mu ra sku phreng gsum pa pad+ma bde chen bzang po . In Snga 'gyur rdzogs chen chos 'byung chen mo, pp. 627–630. Pe cin: Krung go'i bod rig pa dpe skrun khang. BDRC W27401 Abstract This is a short biographical history of the Mura lineage including previous incarnations culminating in a longer biography of the Third Mura Pema Dechen. Written by Tenzin Lungtok Nyima, it clearly describes some of the key moments, activities, teachers, and students of the Mura lineage. BDRC LINK W27401 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION Nyingma INCARNATION LINE N/A HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century TEACHERS Dzogchen Mingyur Namkhe Dorje Dza Patrul Orgyen Jigme Chökyi Wangpo Jigme Ngotsar Pema Vajra Pema Tegchok Loden Gyalse Zhenphen Taye Özer Könchok Dragpa TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTION Dzogchen Monastery STUDENTS Takla Könchok Gyaltsen The Fourth Shechen Gyaltsab, Gyurme Pema Namgyal Mipam Gyatso Ngawang Norbu Batur Khenchen Tubga The Fourth Lingla, Tubten Trinle Gyatso Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Paljor Khenchen Tsewang Rigdzin Yönten Gönpo Pema Tegchok Loden Batur Khenpo Tubten Chöpel Tubten Nyendrak Chogtrul Dega Gemang Khenchen Yönten Gyatso Kunzang Palden The Fifth Dzogchen, Tubten Chökyi Dorje Kunga Palden Khenpo Ngakga Sönam Chöpel Ngawang Palzang Khyungtrul Pema Trinle Gyatso AUTHOR Tenzin Lungtok Nyima Mura Pema Dechen Zangpo VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators 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.

Armed with the 'scroll of devastation' from his father, Guru Chöwang's first treasure excavation leads to a terrifying encounter with the Nine-Headed Nāga Demon, guardian of hidden teachings. Namkechenma: A Dream of Guru Chökyi Wangchuk Emaho! [ 1 ] There was a yellow scroll of the profound inventory of Orgyen Pema’s [enlightened] mind-treasures, [ 2 ] extracted by Dragpa Ngönshe [ 3 ] at Samye and given to Pön Jam[palwa]. On account of past aspirations and karmic fortune, a person likened unto me, I, Chökyi Wangchuk, received it from the hands of one of his posterities. On the third day of the first autumn month in the hot season of Black Water Snake year, as I was relying upon [the yellow scroll], I found a supplemental inventory [ 4 ] of [enlightened] mind-treasures at Drak Namkechen (“Crag with a Ladder to Heaven”). Then that night in a dream there was this woman [ 5 ] mounted atop a yak amidst a tribe of yak-herding nomads. She proclaimed, “There’s not even a trace of folly [ 6 ] in you; this I know!” and she left. Then, [ 7 ] the next night at dawn, I dreamed that at the bottom of a wide road rested a cave, [ 8 ] sizeable with a door of iron, where a black man with braided hair sat [ 9 ] on a gray stag. “What are you doing here?” I enquired. He rattled and tossed his large locks behind him, then touched his finger to the cave. “Here are inexhaustible [ 10 ] belongings, that your ancestor [ 11 ] prepared for you,” [ 12 ] He rejoined. “I entrust them to you, [ 13 ] so do look after them.” Having uttered this, he mounted a black bull and soared into the west. While I was wondering, “Should I unseal the entrance with its iron door?” A-Mamo, who was younger than before, appeared. While spinning a large key [ 14 ] overhead, she pronounced: “Skillfully use this [ 15 ] to open the door, And you who have nothing [449] will be wealthy! [ 16 ] The ocean [ 17 ] of milk surges, fish [ 18 ] gather— Taking [ 19 ] a measure of food and drink is crucial.” Having said this, she entrusted the key and departed. I consequently understood this to be the meaning of the lineage of the ḍākinī’s seal of entrustment. Quickly I opened the door to the cave and out popped [ 20 ] a garuḍa-like [ 21 ] bird. Five-colored [ 22 ] flames blazed from its mouth, promptly burning my body. [ 23 ] However, by manifesting my mind [ 24 ] into the Great Compassionate One, [ 25 ] I mounted the garuḍa-like bird [ 26 ] and took off into the sky. [ 27 ] Above the nine levels of rainbow clouds, [ 28 ] or the thirteen heavens, [ 29 ] in a pavilion of rainbow light [ 30 ] sat [ 31 ] a crystal [ 32 ] child, in the attire [ 33 ] of Vajrasattva. [ 34 ] He conferred empowerment utilizing a vase full [ 35 ] of nectar. After pouring it into my mouth, [ 36 ] there appeared a white A in the heart of his clear and lucid crystal body. In the center of his left eyeball was a white A, and in the space before was a white A. His bodily form then gathered into the A in his heart; the A in his heart amassed into the A in his eye; the A in his eye subsumed into [450] the A in the space [in front]; the A in the space [in front] dissolved into my heart, [ 37 ] causing a natural radiance, devoid of grasping, [ 38 ] to arise. With the vase full of nectar, I roamed carrying it in my hand, and somehow, I found myself atop a giant throne. I gave nectar to the sixteen “sons” [ 39 ] and the eight [ 40 ] “daughters.” I distributed nectar to the assembly [ 41 ] of monastics, [ 42 ] mantra practitioners, [ 43 ] and male and female yoga practitioners. At that moment, the woman with the cowrie headdress grabbed it from my hand and said, “Their share of those over there [ 44 ] has been missed.” Having given bountiful alms, I gazed over, and the entire place was filled with a massive crowd in disarray. [ 45 ] At that time, I woke up and considered this a very good auspicious connection, and I retrieved the great [enlightened] mind-treasure from Namkedrak. When I met with the glorious Vajrasattva, he bestowed The Stainless Crystal Garland: Pith Instructions for the Four Empowerments . But since fortunate ones were so few, the symbols dissolved into the center of my citta. COLOPHON As such he said. NOTES Sigla: A1 and A2: Guru Chöwang (gu ru chos dbang). 1979. gu ru chos dbang gi rang rnam dang zhal gdams . 2 vols. rin chen gter mdzod chen po’i rgyab chos , vols. 8–9. Paro: Ugyen Tempai Gyaltsen. BDRC MW23802 . B1–3: Tertön Guru Chökyi Wangchuk (gter ston gu ru chos kyi dbang phyug). 2022. gter ston gu ru chos kyi dbang phyug gi ran rnam dang zhal gdams bzugs so , vols. 1–3. Edited by Dungse Lama Pema Tsewang (gdung sras bla ma pad+ma tshe dbang). Lamagaun, Nepal: Tsum Library. [1] The dream unfolds at the locale of Namkechenma, known as "a place with a ladder to heaven." [2] “[Enlightened] mind-treasures” is rendering thugs gter . However, it should not be conflated with the later treasure classification of “mind treasure,” rendering dgongs gter . [3] dge bshes grwa pa mngon shes pa, 1012–1090, BDRC P4655 . [4] yang byang . [5] A1: 448.4 interpolation: ye+es kyi mkhro’ mas las can la gter sprod par go (“understood to be a primordial wisdom ḍākinī who gives treasure to the one with the karma”), which is connected to 448.3: bu+ed . [6] Recte : gtam col (B2: 241.2); A1: 448.3, B2: 101.6: tla col ; A2: 123.1: ta col . [7] This is where the account begins in Guru Chöwang’s The Great Treasure History ( gter ’byung chen mo ); A2: 123.5 and B2: 241.9. [8] A1: 448.4 interpolation: gter gnas (“treasure location”), signifying that it is not an ordinary cave. [9] A1: 448.5 interpolation: gter bdag klu bdud (“the nāga-demon treasure lord”), clearly describes the black man. This qualifier is not attested in The Great Treasury History , A2: 123.6: mi ngag po ral pa shab se ba 1 zhon nas ’dug pa la . He is, however, not only extant in Guru Chöwang’s outer biography, The Eight Chapters ( skabs brgyad ma ), A1: 22.7: gter srungs (B1: 31.3: srung ) klu bdud mgo dgu pas (“the nine-headed nāga-demon treasure guardian”), but is a prominent character in Chöwang’s treasure narrative. [10] A1: 448.6: spyad ’phro med pa (“will not be consumed however much one uses it”). Although the text does not literally read “inexhaustible” ( mi zad pa ), the translation was compressed into inexhaustible. [11] A1: 448.5 interpolation: ayan chenos (“Great Orgyan”). B2: 101.10: mes po o rgyan chen pos . A2: 123.7: mes pos , excludes o rgyan chen pos variants. A1: 23.1, B1: 31.6: mes po chen pos . [12] A1: 448.6 interpolation: chos dbang la (“for you Chöwang”). [13] A1: 448.6 interpolation: gter bdgis rgya bkrol nas (“after the treasure lord unraveled their seals”). [14] A1: 448.7 interpolation: kha byang (“inventory”). [15] A2: 124.1: ’di . A1: 448.7 interpolation: thabs shes ldan pas (“as it has the means,” or “as it possesses method and wisdom”). [16] A1: 449.1 interpolation: dgos ’dod ’byung ba’i thuD gter dang ’phrad bas (“because you will encounter the [enlightened] mind-treasure that fulfills all needs and wishes”). [17] A1: 449.1 interpolation: mnag zab mo’i (“profound pith instruction”). [18] A1: 449.1 interpolation: las can gyi skyes bu (“beings with the karma”). [19] A1: 449.1 interpolation: ’dod yon la *chog (A1: choD ) shes (“being content with sensory pleasures”). [20] A1: 449.2 interpolation: sangys mnyaMs sbyor (“unification of the buddhas”). [21] A1: 449.2 interpolation: *theg (A1: theD ) pa thaMd kyi yang tse (“the highest peak of all vehicles”). [22] A1: 449.2 interpolation: ye+es lnga’i ’od kyis (“with the light of the five primordial wisdoms”). [23] A1: 449.3 interpolation: bdag ’dzin gyi lus bag chaD dang bcas pa (“a body of ego-clinging and karmic habituations”). [24] A1: 449.3 interpolation: rang ’byung gi ye+es riD pa lhing ba (“a tranquil natural primordial-wisdom awareness”). [25] Avalokiteśvara. [26] A1: 449.3 interpolation: rdzoD pa cheno spyi ti *yo (A1: mo ) ga don du gyur ba’i brda (“an actualized sign of Dzogchen Crown Yoga”). [27] A1: 449.3 interpolation: gnyis med kyi mkha’ (“sky of non-duality”). [28] A1: 449.3 interpolation: theg (A1: theD ) pa rim pa dgu (A1: dgu’ ) yang rtse (“the peak of the nine vehicles”). This can be extrapolated to entail the nine vehicles of the Nyingma tradition. Although this note is not connected to anything specific with dots, the connection to ’ja’ sprin rim pa dgu’am is clear. [29] A2: 124.4: bcu gsuM . B2: 101.18: bcu gnyis . A1: 449.3: bcu 3 , interpolation: sa bcu gsuM rdo+e ’dzin pa’i gnon par go (“understood to be the mastering ( sa gnon pa ) of the Vajra Holder, the thirteenth stage”). [30] A1: 449.4 interpolation: sku lnga’i klong na (“in the expanse of the five kāyas”). [31] A1: 449.4 interpolation: ma gag pa’i ’gyu ba rang rtsal (“unceasing movement of natural expression”). [32] A1: 449.4 interpolation: *rig (A1: riD ) pa pa lhan 1 skyes pa’i yai (“coemergent primordial wisdom awareness”). [33] A1: 449.4 interpolation: long sku’i cha luD (“saṃbhogakāya attire”). [34] A1: 449.4 interpolation: rdo+e seM’i dngos dang mjalo (“encountering the real Vajrasattva”). [35] A1: 449.4 interpolation: *rig (A1: riD ) pa rtsal gyi dbang (“empowerment of the dynamic expression of awareness”). [36] A1: 449.4 interpolation: rdo+e seM’i snyan rgyud dride shel phreng zer ba 1 yod par ’dug ste (A1: ’duD rte ) yig (A1: yiD ) cha ma skyedo (“there exists a Stainless Crystal Garland of Vajrasattva’s aural lineage; but a textbook has not been created”). [37] A1: 450.1 interpolation: naM kha’ gsum spruD kyi brda don brtan (“stabilizing the symbolic meanings of ‘stirring the three spaces’”). “Stirring the three spaces” ( nam mkha’ gsum sprugs ) is a system of “cutting rigidity” ( khregs chod ). See, Arguillère 2022, 278, n. 97. [38] A1: 450.1 interpolation: bde gsal mi *rtog (A1: rtoD ) ba’i (“bliss, clarity, and non-thought”). [39] A1: 450.2 interpolation: bka’ babs kyi bu bcruD gis rang gzhan gter la spyod pa’i brda’ (“this is the sign of the sixteen prophesized sons partaking in the treasure for the sake of themselves and others”). [40] A1: 450.2 interpolation: dgongs pa gsal ’debs kyi (“which clarified the intention”). [41] A1: 450.2 interpolation: ’ khor phra mo riD *’dus (A1: dus ) kyi brda’o (“this is the sign of gathering the types of minor retinues”). [42] A1: 450.2 interpolation: mkhan po dang dge+ong (“scholars and fully ordained monks”). [43] A1: 450.2 interpolation: sngaD btsun (“mantra clerics”). [44] A1: 450.4 interpolation: ’brel (A1: ’grel ) gyur kyi las can rnams kyi (A1: kyis ) (“of those possessing karma of being affiliated”). [45] A1: 450.4 interpolation: ’khor tshoM bu ’buM *phrag (A1: ’phraD ) cu+iD dang bcastse sang+yas pa’i brda’o (“This retinue along with its 1.1 million clusters is a sign of buddhahood”), which relates to the large crowd. Photo Credit: Himalayan Art Resources Published: April 2024 Edited: November 2024 BIBLIOGRAPHY Primary: Guru Chöwang (gu ru chos dbang). 1979. gu ru chos dbang gis sne sngon du bu chung baM sgrub mdzad pa’i tshe gu ru dang mjal tshul lo . In gu ru chos dbang gi rang rnam dang zhal gdams . rin chen gter mdzod chen po’i rgyab chos , v. 8, 375–378. Paro: Ugyen Tempai Gyaltsen. BDRC MW23802 . Guru Chöwang (gu ru chos dbang). 1979. g+hu ru chosyi dbang phyugi rnalaM/ gnaM skas can ma bzhug s+ho i+thi leD s+ho ang . In gu ru chos dbang gi rang rnam dang zhal gdams . rin chen gter mdzod chen po’i rgyab chos , v. 8, 447–450. Paro: Ugyen Tempai Gyaltsen. BDRC MW23802 . Tertön Guru Chökyi Wangchuk (gter ston gu ru chos kyi dbang phyug). 2022. gu ru chos kyi dbang phyug gi rnal lam gnam skas can ma bzhugs so . (bar cha 2022: 101–102). In gter ston gu ru chos kyi dbang phyug gi ran rnam dang zhal gdams bzhugs so , vol. 2, 101–102. Edited by Dungse Lama Pema Tsewang (gdung sras bla ma pad+ma tshe dbang). Lamagaun, Nepal: Tsum Library. Secondary: Arguillère, Stéphane. 2022. “A History of the dGongs pa zang thal practice manuals.” Revue d’Etudes Tibétaines: For A Critical History of the Northern Treasures , 62: 233–298. Abstract With the “scroll of devastation” in his possession, having retrieved it from his father, Guru Chöwang heads out with a monk to excavate his first treasure. This early dream account narrates Chöwang’s initial encounter with the terrifying Nine-Headed Nāga Demon, lord of the treasure hoard. BDRC LINK MW23802 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 04:20 TRADITION Nyingma INCARNATION LINE Tri Songdetsen HISTORICAL PERIOD 13th Century TEACHERS Namkha Pal TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Layak Guru Lhakhang STUDENTS Gyalse Pema Wangchen Ma Dunpa Menlungpa Mikyö Dorje AUTHOR Guru Chökyi Wangchuk Namkechenma: A Dream of Guru Chökyi Wangchuk VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators 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 Biography of Chöje Lingpa by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, detailing the life of Chöje Lingpa (Rogje Lingpa), a seventeenth- to eighteenth-century Tibetan treasure revealer (tertön) known for discovering and transmitting profound spiritual treasures (terma), including teachings on Guru Padmasambhava, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen. A Biography of Chöje Lingpa Thorns between compatriots summoning borderland people. Demonic emanations trampling over the earth. These signs appeared that it must not stay put; it must be extracted— The hidden hoard in Yumbu Lagang. Thus comes the one called “Orgyen Rogje Lingpa.” Tertön Rogje Lingpa, also called Chöje Lingpa and Önje Lingpa in some accounts, additionally referred to himself as Dagpo Chöje Lingpa. [1] He was the twelfth treasure-revealing incarnation of Gyalse Lhaje, [469] born in Lukhar Dong, Dagpo, as the son of Dorje Dragpa, the fifteenth descendant of the unbroken familial lineage starting from Lhaje Nyichung, the younger brother of Je Da Ö Zhönu. [2] He was commonly known as Chöje Dzamling Dorje and Dewe Dorje. While Je Zangpo Dorje asserted that he was the reincarnation of Zhabdrung Rinchen Dorje, [3] Zhamar Yeshe Nyingpo recognized him as the reincarnation of Chimé Wangpo, the emanation from Rechungpuk, and gave him the name of Dawe Wangpo Tenpe Salje. [4] At the age of six, Rogje Lingpa went to the monastic residence [of his former incarnation]. He then received novitiate ordination from the elder Jamyang Dragpa and full ordination from Gaden Trichen Lobzang Dargye. [5] He was thus given the name of Ngagi Wangpo Lobzang Chöying Palzangpo. [6] He became a great kalyāṇamitra who trained and mastered many texts of the sūtras and tantras from India and Tibet, amongst other things. As his predecessors had worn their hair in locks, he too had locks along with his monastic garb, and so he became known as Gelong Ralpachen (“Monk with Locks”). As such, in his early life, he carefully conducted himself as well through pure conduct and the monastic code. Later following the extraction of his profound treasures and toward the end of his life, he took Dechen Trinle Tsomo, the direct reincarnation of the female practitioner Orgyen Butri, as his mudrā (spiritual consort). Although a wonderful thing occurred when Drukpa Rinpoche’s reincarnation was born to them, his life was not long. [470] In any case, until he was twenty-five, he lived at Rechungpuk in Yarlung, which was the residence of the siddha Tsangyön the Great. [7] From Jangchub Lingpa Gongma Yönten Gyatso, Geshe Dönden Zhab, and others, he received all the empowerments, transmissions, pith instructions, and practices of their tradition. [8] Through extensive study and contemplation of the teachings of the sūtras and tantras, as well as the fields of knowledge, he reached the far shore of learning. As a result of his sustained mind training and practice at that abode, he exhibited the way of complete realization. Even though he never met Gyalwang Yeshe Dorje in person, by the power of this master’s transmitted blessings, he directly perceived the fundamental nature of Mahāmudrā. [9] From Rigdzin Tagsham Dorje, he received empowerment and complete entrustment of his various profound treasures, through which he came to master the realization of Dzogchen. Thus, he considered these two his root gurus. Specifically concerning how Rogje Lingpa received the transmission of the profound treasures, not only did the famous Tagmo Tertön Önse Khyuntok provide him with prophecies and treasure inventories, but when he traveled to the Mön region, the signs were evident. [10] As a result, he retrieved the Sādhana of the Guru’s Four Kāyas and inventories of such locations as Yumbu Lagang and Songtsen’s Bangso Marpo, as well as a treasure inventory of Ushangdo. [11] Following these, he extracted various profound treasures from Yumbu Lagang Bangpo Marpo. However, he did not endeavor greatly to organize them but rather sealed most of them as treasure. [471] Further, while considering that the time had come to benefit beings through the profound treasures, at age twenty-five, he handed over his monastic seat to the tulku (“emanation”) while he took up the conduct of a complete renunciant and set off for such places as the glorious Tsāriṭa, where he endeavored in the practice of his spiritual commitments. All the while, the inventories and prophecies became even clearer to him, and he retrieved the Combined Sādhana of the Immortal Three Roots , some marvelous water of longevity, and other items from the Zagme Jatsön Pugpa (“Cave of Immaculate Rainbows”). [12] Subsequently, he retrieved various treasures including Yangdak Heruka and Vajrakīla from the poisonous lake of Kharak Gogu (“Nine-Headed Karak”); the Heart Jewel of the Profound Path that Accomplishes the Guru from Chagö Shong (“Vulture Basin”) in Puwo; the Guru Vidyādhara from a lake in Makung Valley; the cycles of the Great Compassionate One, Essence of the Earth and Red Jambhala from Dongchu Temple; as well as Drolö , The Fierce Lion’s Roar , Black Kāli , and so forth. [13] He established most of these teachings, and the majority of their transmission lineages continue until today, like his cycles of pure visions and his Ruby Garland of Sādhanas , along with his collected works—even I ( Jamgön Kongtrul ) received them. [14] At Metok Letang in the land of Kongpo, he engaged in the approach and accomplishment of his spiritual practice for three years and also brought extensive benefit to beings and a flourishing of enlightened activity. His main Dharma heirs and disciples were Gyalwang Jangchub Dorje, Zhamar Palchen Chökyi Döndrub, Tre’o Chökyi Wangpo, Drigung Könchok Trinle Zangpo, Dagpo Zhabdrung Tulku Lhundrub Ngedön Wangpo, [472] Druk Tamche Kheynpa Pagsam Wangpo, and others. [15] There were also many others, like the great lamas Tsubri Drubchen, Lhowa Drubchen, and his single closest heart-son Ratön Tobden Dorje. [16] He also appeared to have a few other Dharma connections with Rigdzin Pema Trinle, Minling Gyalse Pema Gyurme Gyatso, and others. [17] Lastly, during the Jungar invasion, he traveled to and reached the heart of the hidden land of Pemakö, as he intended to open that place of power. Not long after, in the second month of his forty-fourth year, he departed for the pure realm of Lotus Light. It is common knowledge that his emanations include Jigten Wangchuk, who was born in the Gachak ruling family in Kongpo, and various others in secret forms who continue to appear up to the present. Extensive life stories of this lord can be seen in detail in the lord’s prevalent writing, in sections of his guidebooks, in the historical life story of Gampopa Zangpo Dorje, and in other places. [18] What are here are only kernels [of his life]. COLOPHON NOTES [1] gter ston rog rje gling pa, chos rje gling pa, dbon rje gling pa, dwags po chos rje gling pa, chos rje ’dzam gling rdo rje, bde ba’i rdo rje (1682–1720/1725). BDRC P671 . Chöje Lingpa was an important Kagyu teacher who was also connected to the Nyingma tradition by being a main disciple of Tagsham Nuden Dorje (stag sham nus ldan rdo rje, 1655–1708) and a treasure revealer. [2] Gyalse Lhaje (rgyal sras lha rje), also known as Gyalse Lharje Chogdrub Gyalpo (rgyal sras lha rje mchog grub rgyal po) was the second son of Mutik Tsenpo (mu tig btsan po, 798~815, BDRC P8LS13667 ), the son of Tri Songdetsen (khri srong lde brtsan, 742–800, BDRC P7787 ). dwags po klu mkhar gdong ( rdzong ?). This was constructed Lukhar Dzong was constructed in the sixteenth century below Dagla Gampo Monastery (dwags lha sgam po, BDRC G197 ). See See Ehrhard, The Treasure Discoverer from Dwags-po , 60, n. 6. Dorje Dragpa (rdo rje gras pa, 1652–1698) was the son of Orgyen Rigdzin Dorje (o rgyan rig ’dzin rdo rje) and a disciple of the Third Gampopa, Zangpo Dorje (sgam po pa 03 bzang po rdo rje, 1636–1700). See Ehrhard, The Treasure Discoverer from Dwags-po , 60. lha rje snyi chung. Chöje Lingpa was of the Nyiwa (snyi ba, rnyi ba) familial line of Dagla Gampo (dwags la sgam po). See Jamgön Kongtrul, The Life of Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo , 268, n. 48 and Ehrhard, The Treasure Discoverer from Dwags-po , 60, n. 6. Gampopa Sönam Rinchen (sgam po pa bsod nams rin chen, 1079–1153). [3] The Third Gampopa, Zangpo Dorje. It would appear that Zhabdrung Rinchen Dorje is Chöje Lingpa’s grandfather, Orgyen Rigdzin Dorje. [4] The Seventh Zhamarpa, Yeshe Nyingpo (zhwa dmar pa 07 ye shes snying po, 1631–1694, BDRC P1386 ). Chimé Wangpo (’chi med dbang po) was the resident teacher at Rechengpuk (ras chung phug, BDRC G2832 ). Rechungpuk was the hermitage of Rechungpa (ras chung rdo rje grags pa, 1085–1161, BDRC P4278 ) and the location where Tsangnyön Heruka (gtsang smyon he ru ka rus pa'i rgyan can, 1452–1507, BDRC P442 ) composed the biography and songs of Milarepa (rje btsun mi la ras pa, 1040–1123, BDRC P1853 ). zla ba’i dbang po bstan pa’i gsal byed. [5] Jamyang Dragpa (dge slong ’jam dbyangs grags pa) was a personal attendant of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso (ta la’i bla ma 05 ngag dbang blo bzang rgya mtsho, 1617–1682, BDRC P37 ). Ehrhard documents that this occurred in Lhasa. See Ehrhard, The Treasure Discoverer from Dwags-po , 62. dga’ ldan khri pa 49 blo bzang dar rgyas, 1662–1723, BDRC P2758 . Ehrhard writes his name as Tri Rinpoche Tsultrim Dargye (khri rin po che tsul khrims dar rgyas) and states that this occurred at Maldro Dagpo (mal gro dag po). See Ehrhard, The Treasure Discoverer from Dwags-po , 67. [6] ngag gi bang po blo bzang chos dbyings dpal bzang po. Ehrhard documents his name as Ngagi Wangchuk Lobzang Chöying Palzang (ngag gi dbang phyug blo bzang chos dbyings dpal bzang). See Ehrhard, The Treasure Discoverer from Dwags-po , 67. [7] gtsang smyon he ru ka, 1452–1507, BDRC P442 . [8] byang chub gling pa gong ma yon tan rgya mtsho, d. 1693. [9] karma pa 11 ye shes rdo rje, 1675/1676–1702, BDRC P943 . [10] stag mo gter ston dbon/dpon gsas khyung thog. He was an emanation of Vairocana and claimed to be an incarnation of the earlier treasure revealer Pönse Khyungtok. See Jamgön Kongtrul, The Life of Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo , 326, n. 441. [11] yum bu bla mkhar, BDRC G4459 . Bangso Marpo (bang so dmar po) is the tomb of Songtsen Gampo (chos rgyal srong btsan sgam po), BDRC P8067 . [12] See: https://rtz.tsadra.org/index.php/Bde_gshegs_rtsa_gsum_%27chi_med_dril_sgrub . [13] Kharak Gogu (kha rag dgo dgu) appears to be a land of demons (bdud yul), while Kharak may be the name of a nine-headed yakṣa ( srin po ). Please do contact us if you have any further information. thugs rje chen po sa yi snying po yid bzhin nor bu , see: https://rtz.tsadra.org/index.php/Thugs_rje_chen_po_sa_yi_snying_po_yid_bzhin_nor_bu . gnod sbyin dzam+b+ha la dmar po’i chos skor , see: https://rtz.tsadra.org/index.php/Gnod_sbyin_dzam%2Bb%2Bha_la_dmar_po%27i_chos_skor . Dongchu Temple is in Powo/Puwo; see Ehrhard, “The Role of ‘Treasure Discoverers,’ ” 5. Guru Dragpo Dorje Drolö, bdud ’dul ma hA gu ru drag po rdo rje gro lod , See: https://rtz.tsadra.org/index.php/Bdud_%27dul_ma_hA_gu_ru_drag_po_rdo_rje_gro_lod . gtum po seng sgrog , see: https://rtz.tsadra.org/index.php/Gtum_po_seng_sgrog . bla ma drag po yum bka’ khros ma nag mo , see: https://rtz.tsadra.org/index.php/Bla_ma_drag_po_yum_bka%27_khros_ma_nag_mo . [14] sgrub thabs pad+ma rA ga’i phreng ba . [15] zhwa dmar dpal chen chos kyi don grub (zhwa dmar 08 dpal chen chos kyi don grub, 1695–1732, BDRC P955 ). ’bri gung che tshang 02 dkon mchog ’phrin las bzang po, 1656–1718, BDRC P416 . dwags po zhabs drung sprul pa’i sku lhun grub nges don dbang po. He was the resident teacher of Rechungpuk. See, Ehrhard, Franz-Karl, The Treasure Discoverer from Dwags-po , 60. ’brug chen 05 dpag bsam dbang po, 1593–1641, BDRC P877 . Given the available dates on BDRC, this must be a mistake for the Sixth Drugchen Mipam Wangpo (’brug chen 06 mi pham dbang po, 1641–1717, BDRC P940 . [16] kong po rtsub ri grub chen, BDRC P4486 ; rwa ston gter ston stobs ldan rdo rje, BDRC P666 . [17] rdo rje brag rig ’dzin 02 pad+ma ’phrin las, 1641–1717, BDRC P657 ; smin gling khri chen pad+ma ’gyur med rgya mtsho, 1686–1718, BDRC P6 . [18] sgam po pa bzang po rdo rje, 1636–1700, BDRC P898 . Published: March 2025 BIBLIOGRAPHY Source Text Edition: Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye (’jam mgon kong sprul blo gros mtha’ yas). gter ston rog rje gling pa . In zab mo’i gter dang gter ston grub thob ji ltar byon pa’i lo rgyus mdor bsdus bkod pa rin chen bai DUr+ya’i phreng ba , vol. 1, 468–472. Shechen Publications, 2007–2016. Secondary Sources: Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye. The Life of Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo . Translated by Matthew Akester. Khyentse Foundation, 2020. Ehrhard, Franz-Karl. “The Role of ‘Treasure Discoverers’ and Their Writings in the Search for Himalayan Sacred Lands”. The Tibet Journal , 19, no. 3 (1994), 3–20. Ehrhard, Franz-Karl. “The Treasure Discoverer from Dwags-po: Two Texts on the Life of Chos-rje gling-pa (1682–1720).” Revue d’Etudes Tibétaines, no 64 (2022): 57–83. Abstract Written by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, this text recounts the life of Chöje Lingpa (Rogje Lingpa), a seventeenth- to eighteenth-century Tibetan treasure revealer (tertön) known for discovering and transmitting profound spiritual treasures (terma). Born into a noble lineage in Dagpo, he was recognized as a reincarnation of several esteemed masters and received extensive monastic training before embracing his role as a treasure revealer. He would become a prolific revealer in his own right and was considered the penultimate emanation of Gyalse Lhaje before his rebirth as Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. His life was marked by rigorous practice, visionary experiences, and the revelation of numerous esoteric teachings, including cycles related to Guru Padmasambhava, Mahāmudrā, and Dzogchen. Terdzo-KA-006 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION Nyingma | Kagyu INCARNATION LINE Gyalse Lhaje HISTORICAL PERIOD 17th Century 18th Century TEACHERS The Twelfth Karmapa, Jangchub Dorje Tagsham Nuden Dorje Jamyang Dragpa Gaden Trichen Lobzang Dargye Jangchub Lingpa Gongma Yönten Gyatso Geshe Dönden Zhab Tagmo Tertön Önse Khyuntok TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTION Rechungpuk STUDENTS The Fifth Gampopa, Orgyen Drodul Lingpa Mengom Tsultrim Zangpo Gyalwang Jangchub Dorje The Eighth Zhamar, Palchen Chökyi Döndrub Tre’o Chökyi Wangpo The Second Drigung Chetsang, Könchok Trinle Zangpo Dagpo Zhabdrung Tulku Lhundrub Ngedön Wangpo The Sixth Drugchen, Mipam Wangpo Tsubri Drubchen Lhowa Drubchen Ratön Tobden Dorje The Second Dorje Drak, Rigdzin Pema Trinle Minling Gyalse Pema Gyurme Gyatso AUTHOR Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye A Biography of Chöje Lingpa VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators 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.

Dudjom Lingpa maps Pemakö's sacred geography, revealing its power spots, deity abodes, and purifying landscapes through traditional guidebook wisdom and spiritual insight. Hidden Sacred Land of Pemakö And so, it is said that Ganchentso (Vairocana) [ 1 ] holds a begging bowl brimming with perfumed water, and in the water, a wish-fulfilling tree with five branches grows. The southern branch of the tree is beautiful with blossoming flowers and fruit, and to the northeast, on the anthers of a flower, is the very secret place of Pemakö. [ 2 ] That place is said to be a terrestrial pure land blessed by Śākyamuni Buddha and Padmasambhava. Simply seeing that place has the power to purify the obscurations of a thousand eons. According to prophecy, all thousand buddhas of the fortunate [210] era will go there. The triangular shape of the place symbolizes the spontaneously accomplished three bodies of the Buddha. View it from a distance, it is like a victory banner fixed firmly in the ground, like the abodes of dharmakāya deities. In the four valleys of the four directions, deities of the four classes of tantras manifest in this utterly beautiful, wondrously magnificent pure realm. To the south of that is the lake Kunsang Latso . [ 3 ] Tasting its purifying water has the power to cleanse all karmic obscurations. In the northeast is the spirit lake of Ekajaṭī, dark red like blood, the color of firelight, which accomplishes without hindrance all entrusted actions of enlightened subduing activities. In the east is the meditation cave of Samantabhadra Heruka, [ 4 ] where the experience of samādhi naturally increases. Countless other meditation caves, containing the great Padmasambhava’s precious treasures and sacred substances, offer great blessings. According to Padmasambhava, simply seeing this place purifies the defilements of a thousand eons. To the west of those caves is a mountain known as Riwo Tāla . [ 5 ] Covered with rocks and snow, the mountain is high and sparkling, beautiful to behold, like a warrior in armor and helmet. In that place, the power of bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara’s prayers and aspirations pacifies all eight and sixteen types of fears, and pure clear water possessing the eight qualities flows down along the right side of the most secret valley. Anyone who tastes the lustral white water along the left, [211] which moves like the edge of a blue scarf, will gain longevity, power, and splendor .[ 6 ] The deities of the vajra family live in the east, in the land called “Glorious vajras and endless knots” ( Natsok Dorjepal Bai’u Ling ) [ 7 ] The deities of the jewel family live in the south, in the land called “Jewel whorl of bliss” ( Rinchen Gakhyil Ling ). [ 8 ] The deities of the lotus family live in the west, in the land called “Great blissful ḍākinī land” ( Ḍāki Dechen Ling ). [ 9 ] Wrathful and powerful deities live in the north, in a land that is like an opening sesame pod, called “Very wrathful yakṣa” ( Nöjin Drakngak Rabtrö Ling ). [ 10 ] Next, it is said that in the east there is a cave called “Spirit lake of Vajrasattva” ( Dorsem Latso ), [ 11 ] which is a pacifying vajra cave where Padmasambhava concealed innumerable crafted [ 12 ] treasures. In the south is “Jewel cave” ( Rinchen Puk ), [ 13 ] where the assembly of the eight great Heruka gather, and where Padmasambhava concealed innumerable wish-fulfilling treasures, such as gold and silver. In the west is a lake called “Blissful lotus lake of magnetizing energy” ( Pema Wangdu Dewa Tso ) ,[ 14 ] where Padmasambhava concealed countless treasures of longevity. In the north is “Wrathful meditation cave” ( Draktsal Tutob Ling ), [ 15 ] where Padmasambhava concealed incalculable treasures, and this is where all wrathful activities occur, without exception. The most secret guidebook Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance states: [ 16 ] At the mountain’s pinnacle, Avalokiteśvara, [ 17 ] And all the root and lineage lamas, buddhas, and bodhisattvas Abide like clouds gathered in the sky. At the mountain’s waist, tantric deities gather [212] Like a swirling snow blizzard, Surrounded by heroes, ḍākinīs, And activity protectors, gathered like star clusters in the sky, Impossible for the eyes to look at directly. The sound of compassion, kyu ru ru , roars naturally, And waves of radiant nectar swirl, blazing with five-colored lights. In the upper valleys, where an excellent mist wafts, The medicinal plant codonopsis pilosula grows .[ 18 ] The trees and forest are covered with the domed tent of rainbow light, And all the birds sing harmoniously, proclaiming the sounds of the Dharma. Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance explains further: Those who taste the water and soil of this place Purify obscurations of negative karma and attain the seed of enlightenment. Those who provide pilgrimage guidance and instruction Are messengers of Padmasambhava, who himself said, “these are my followers.” Those who build temples on the narrow cliffs of this region Be they man or woman, good or bad, Are emanations of Padmasambhava. Each mountain pinnacle has a hundred million A MI DHE WA, In the middle of which are a hundred million MAṆI, And all around, VAJRA GURU, Which two hundred million of the former mantras do not equal. [ 19 ] Riwo Tāla is the sublime heart [213] place, The secret and innermost unsurpassable Abode of the light appearance of Avalokiteśvara and Padmasambhava. Offer aspiration prayers, sons of good families, And keep in mind the authentic and fortunate aeon. Be careful not to offend malicious local deity protectors. Those with wrong views will have continuous obstacles, So do not mistake pleasure and suffering. This is the promise of the truthful Padmasambhava. COLOPHON So it said. This hidden treasure text was revealed by the accomplished master Dudjom Lingpa otherwise known as Jedrung Jampa Jungne, in front of the lower slopes of the great snowy mountain, and it was composed like this. [ 20 ] NOTES [1] Khenpo Tsulnam and Orgyan Gyalpo explained that gangs can mtsho is a name for Buddha Vairocana and that the passage follows the cosmological model of Jamgön Kongtrul’s (’jam mgon kong sprul blo gros mtha’ yas, 1813–1899, BDRC P264 ) shes bya kun khyab , although another possible interpretation is “Vairocana in the snowy land of Tibet.” [2] pad+ma bkod [3] kun bzang bla mtsho [4] bde chen klong yangs [5] ri bo tā la [6] Lama Özer suggests that this spelling should be thing kha , meaning a blue scarf, suggesting the effect of a floating scarf when the edge lifts up. [7] sna tshogs rdo rje dpal bai’u gling [8] rin chen dga’ ’khyil gling [9] DAk+ki bde chen gling [10] gnod sbyin drag sngags rab khros gling [11] rdor sems bla mtsho [12] bzo [ 13] rin chen phug [14] pad+ma dbang sdud bde ba mtsho [15] drag rtsal mthu stobs gling [16] This is a selection by Chögyal Ngawang Dargye (chos rgyal ngag dbang dar rgyas, 1736/1740–1807, BDRC P369 ) from the rdzogs chen ma rig mun sel ( BDRC MW24664 ). [17] Avalokiteśvara’s specific form here is the Ocean of Victors ( rgyal ba rgya mtsho ). [18] klu bdud rdo rje [ 19] The meaning of this passage is unclear. [20] bdud ’jom gling pa/ rje drung byams pa ’byung gnas, 1835–1904, BDRC P705 Acknowledgement: I am grateful for the assistance of several Tibetan scholars living in Toronto: Orgyan Gyalpo for the illustrations and first reading of the text, to Tulku Dawa for an invaluable oral commentary that clarified many points of literal and inner meaning, to Acharya Dakpa Gyatso for additional translation help. Thanks also to Ryan Jones and Frances Garrett for editing assistance. The translation is my own and I assume responsibility for all remaining errors. Published: April 2022 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Originally published in Brill's Hidden Lands in Himalayan Myth and History BIBLIOGRAPHY bdud ’joms gling pa. 2009. sbas gnas padma bkod. In gnas yig phyogs bsgrigs rdzogs ldan gsar pa'i ’od snang bzhugs so, edited by ’gyur med rdo rje, Dehra Dun: Ngagyur Nyingma College. 209–213. BDRC W1KG6188 Abstract Dudjom Lingpa presents us with a geomatic and spiritual description of the sacred land of Pemakö, hidden, majestic, and rejuvenating. As he lays out the territorial portrayal, he speaks of the abodes of masters, the dwellings of deities, and the productive power of purification. He then caps this brief work with a quote from the exceedingly secret guidebook of Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance . BDRC LINK W1KG6188 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 06:09 TRADITION Nyingma PREVIOUS & SUBSEQUENT INCARNATIONS Orgyan Dudul Rölpatsal Katokpa Dampa Deshek Dudul Dorje ___________________________ Jigdral Yeshe Dorje Kunzang Nyima HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century TEACHERS The Third Detri, Jamyang Tubten Nyima TRANSLATOR Barbara Hazelton (Lama Rinchen Zangmo ) INSTITUTION Dartsang Kalzang Monastery STUDENTS Pema Drodul Sangngak Lingpa Eta Rādza Sherab Öser Tsewang Rigdzin The Third Katok Situ, Chökyi Gyatso Pema Lungtok Gyatso AUTHOR Dudjom Lingpa Hidden Sacred Land of Pemakö VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators 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.

Senior Geluk figure Lelung Zhepe Dorje (1697-1740) recounts his extraordinary 1729 pure vision of Gesar of Ling, marking a rare intersection of Geluk tradition with Tibet's epic hero. Chapter Narrating the Pure Vision of Gesar I pay homage, with a mind of sincere respect, to the Great Noble One, Lord of the Three Worlds, [ 1 ] and his entourages. The many tales of the Great Noble One, Gesar Dorje Tsegyel, [ 2 ] known throughout the Three Worlds, [ 3 ] are deep and hard to fathom, passing beyond our ability to comprehend. There are many different ways in which the story has come down according to a disciple’s individual karmic lot. Even today, such tales continue to be told in all directions without distinction in Dokham, Utsang, and so on. And although all these various life stories differ in style and content, they need not be considered contradictory since they are the life stories of a thus-gone one. [ 4 ] It is for this reason that there is variance. Here, not long after the [annual] grand festival to celebrate the joining of the Great Queen of Medicine, Dorje Yudronma, [ 5 ] and the Great Noble One of Ling (Gesar), at the Zangdokpelri [hermitage] in the Lelung region of the eastern land of Olga [ 6 ] [in Lhodrak, southern Tibet] in the year of the Earth Female Bird [1729 CE], an emanation of the Great Noble One (Gesar) was encountered in the form of an iron man wearing iron armour, brandishing a silk-pennanted spear. And the following life story was heard: Now in the realm of the gods above, from a primordial state of complete nothingness, a White Light, like the Victory Star, [ 7 ] arose. Being born from the Divine Wish-Fulfilling Jewel, [ 8 ] it resided in an egg-like womb of light, a light born out of its own radiance. And soon afterwards, desire arose in the breast of one daughter of the gods called Bum Okimetse, [ 9 ] and she replicated that luminous sphere. For this she was ridiculed and cursed by the gods and grew ashamed. So she went to a victorious sage of the gods and humbly beseeched him thus: “They accuse me of having done that which I have not done! They blame me for having attachments that I do not have! I just can’t take their chastisements anymore! I can dwell no longer in the realm of gods above, And nor can I go to the land of the lu water-spirits [ 10 ] below.” “So I should take a quick look at the middle world of humans. I shall take that young godling along with me [as a companion]. Is there any fault created by my going there? Great sage, please tell me; I implore you!” Thus she spoke, and the old sage of creation, born into the caste of Yungdrung Bon, [ 11 ] replied thus: “ A-ya-ya , you crowned girl, Light Garland Goddess! It is very good that you have come here, as I have been wanting to see you. Last night, beings in the land of men Had hurried dreams of various kinds. So many good signs! Such as cannot be spoken.” “ A-ya-ya ! These were signs; these were premonitions, That you, my girl, would come at this time. For now you should stay awhile longer in the land of gods, For from [your nurturing] mother’s lap, a son will be born. Call upon the god Gertso Nyenpo [ 12 ] for help But don’t dismiss your young godling, For he will be of benefit to all beings of all countries and regions.” [ 13 ] “ A-ya-ya! A godling is better than a man, Unlike other little men born of gods! Three fives make fifteen! Possible danger can come of this! Three sixes make eighteen—certainly a chance of such! O beautiful maiden, may your innermost mind be at peace.” Then the goddess Bum Okimetse went back to her own dwelling place and, [in accordance with his instructions], made offerings of female yak milk to the worldly god Nyenchen Gertso. [ 14 ] As she prayed, Gertso actually came before her and, taking her tightly on his lap, he made love to her fifteen times, inducing in her a state of great pleasure. And after a while, just as the sage had prophesied, the goddess became pregnant. Initially, a venomous black snake was born, and the gods gave it the name White-Turbaned Nele (Nele Tokar), [ 15 ] king of lu , and it went into the great ocean. Next, a red man and a red horse were born. He was named Tsen Yawa Kyachik. [ 16 ] He went to Zangthang Jangmar in the western direction, one of the five regions of the Gawa Valley in the northern part of Pemako. [ 17 ] It was a hub of pernicious harmful spirits near a town of the Chim [clan] [ 18 ] and barbarians. He stayed there as lord of gods and spirits. [ 19 ] Then a blue man wearing fine blue clothes and a blue horse were born. He was given the name Lord of Waters, Lap-born Masang (Chudak Pangkye Masang). [ 20 ] He went to the land of Lato. [ 21 ] After that, a malicious harmful spirit was born with a chin of iron and a yellow beard spiked like tongues of fire. He was respectfully given the name King of Demons (Dudje Gyelpo) [ 22 ] and, in fact, was none other than the mind-lord Indra. [ 23 ] He went to the land of Gyatri Gotri Shing [ 24 ] and was also known as Gyaje Tsenpo, [ 25 ] or the One-eyed Demon King of the Eastern Direction. Following that, a black man and a black horse were born. He was given the name Moon-faced Demon (Dudawai Gonchen). [ 26 ] He had unimaginable power and magical abilities, difficult for others to defeat. Going to the northern land of Mizhung, [ 27 ] he became a hunter. Having killed many beings by gathering their life-breath, he accumulated about a hundred thousand human and horse corpses and stayed there enjoying their flesh and blood. Subsequently, a daughter of the gods—so beautiful that a single glance nulls contentment—was born. She was given the name Charming Goddess (Lhamo Yitrok). [ 28 ] By and by, she went to the red copper plain of the tsen [ 29 ] and lived there as the wife of the noble tsen , Lutsen. [ 30 ] Then the harmful spirit Genuine Knowledge (Yangdak Shay) [ 31 ] was born, beautiful and heroic. In the Palace of Braids, [ 32 ] he joined the entourage of Vaishravana, [ 33 ] and together with the servants of this great wealth-god and lord of treasures, he stayed as the Great Protecting King of the Northern Direction. [ 34 ] Next, a being with the appearance of a sinpo demon, [ 35 ] skilled in martial arts, was born, known as Raksha Lightening-Garland (Yaksha Loktreng), [ 36 ] who in the depths of the ocean, by the power of karma, joined with the female lu Toad-headed Bloodshot-eyed (Belgo Trakmikma), [ 37 ] whose desire boiled like water. By entering into sexual union, they became husband and wife. It is said that she gave birth to the four-faced Vishnu King of Rahu. [ 38 ] Then Black Shiva (Wangchuk Nakpo) [ 39 ] was born, and staying in the land of turban-wearers, he became the protector of the Muslim regions. After that, the Red Lord of Death (Shinje Marpo Chidak), [ 40 ] the colour of blood, was born. He was also known as Bandit Bringer of Fire, the Red Lord of Life (Sokdak Marpo), or Great Abse, among other names. [ 41 ] He was the master of swift and sharp martial skills and possessed magical abilities. It is said because he had sex with his own sibling, the Charming Goddess, kith and kin were ashamed. The gods insulted them, and they were belittled by shame. Following that, the protector of China, the land of the Eastern Direction, called Lhanyen Lhaje, [ 42 ] was born. He became the protector of White Confucius. And until now, he stays in those bad regions. Then a demoness the colour of blood, with the body of a sinmo demoness and the head of a lion, was born. She was known as Red Lion-faced (Sengdong Marmo) [ 43 ] and became the wife of the demon Black Yabshar, [ 44 ] otherwise known as the Lion-faced Kunga Zhonu, the protector of the realm. [ 45 ] Next, Simultaneously Red (Chikchar Marpo) [ 46 ] was born and went to Tsaritra, [ 47 ] enjoying flesh and blood. Since he had little compassion for those mired in the passion of life, he became lord of the haughty spirits, and there he remained. After that, the one called Great Apo, [ 48 ] who resides now as a protecting god of Pemako, was born. Going to the lands of Lo Dra and Hor Ga, [ 49 ] he protects the outer, inner, and secret regions of Pemako and subregions. Then when all these fourteen elder siblings were born, the fifteenth, the Great Noble One, Gesar, King of Dralha, [ 50 ] was born. He was youthful in stature and beautiful with all the signs and characteristics [of a special being] complete, transfixing to look upon, and capable of bringing all the Three Realms [ 51 ] under his dominion. Initially, he thrice played dice [ 52 ] in the realm of gods and gained respect from all of them. Then, going to the land of humans, he again thrice played dice games, casting gambling dice, [ 53 ] and playing pebbles, [ 54 ] thereby bringing all the beings of the human realm into complete submission; he was left unrivalled. Then, having crossed to the water realm, he trice did swimming, jumping and other such games, and all the female lu lusted after him. Hence, he gained mastery over them, neutralized their viciousness, and calmed their fury. And in that way, being without rival in the Three Worlds, the Great Noble One traversed instantly through the central region [ 55 ] [of Tibet] to Serzhong Zangri. [ 56 ] In the female Earth Bird Year, the Great Noble One took care of the reincarnation of the son Gadol Gali. [ 57 ] For our benefit, he turned his horse towards the hermitage of the supreme sacred site of Zangdok Pelri [in Lelung Valley] and took the Great Queen of Medicine, Lachik Yudronma, as his consort. All lords and ministers, from the treasurer and attendant to the hen keeper and swineherd [who witnessed this], are still alive to this day. In the past, when Great Noble One came to Tibet, he visited all these places and blessed all the hermitages, mountains, and cliffs. And previously, his flying-mount-tree, [ 58 ] [the tree from which he gets his flying stick], was [considered to be] at the upper slopes of Lhunpo Dza. [ 59 ] But today it is not there, as it has been felled. And from the upper slopes of Lhunpo Dza to the area of Chabumpa, [ 60 ] the stones Gesar placed there can be seen even now. Later, the secret caves, sacred sites, and holy lakes were discovered eventually, as they were pointed out and taught in the secret transmission. COLOPHON This is the first chapter of the three-part oral instruction of the Gesar Pure Vision. NOTES [1] 'jig rten gsum. Referring to the worlds of lha ‘gods’ above, klu ‘water spirits’ below, and gnyan ‘worldly deities’ in the middle. This tripartite scheme of a vertically-ordered world is a central theme in most tellings of the Gesar epic. In this text, two or three terms are used to refer to the scheme: ‘jig rten gsum, sa gsum, and srid gsum. The first two we have translated as “Three Worlds” and the last as “Three Realms”, since it could also be interpreted as referring to the Buddhist scheme of Form, Formless, and Formless Realms (more commonly known as as khams gsum). [2] skyes bu chen po ge sar rdo rje tshe rgyal [3] sa gsum [4] de bzhin gshegs pa, tathāgata [5] Sman btsun chen mo rdo rje g.yu sgron ma is one of the bstan ma bcu gnyis, the 12 native goddesses who according to Nyingma lore were converted in the 8th century by Padmasambhava and Pelgyi Senge (dpal gyi seng ge; BDRC P4236 ) to become protectors of the tantric teachings of the Old School. [6] 'ol ga [7] The Victory Star (rgyal skar, puṣya/pauṣa) is one of the twenty-eight stars/constellations (rgyu skar nyi shu rtsa brgyad, aṣtāviṃśati nakṣatrāṇi) in the Indo-Tibetan system of lunar mansions, an ancient Indian division of the ecliptic. In the Tibetan tradition, a period associated with one of these constellations is determined by the moon’s position. If the moon was in the Victory Star at sunrise on a lunar day, that day would be considered to be ruled by that constellation. [8] lha'i yid bzhin nor bu rin po che [9] 'bum 'od kyi me tshe [10] klu (Skt: (nāga) are beings of the world below, associated with water, health, and wealth. [11] g.yung drung bon [12] lha ger mtsho gnyan po. The deity ger mtsho, in various spellings, is frequently encountered in tellings of the Gesar epic as the gnyan father of Gesar. Gnyan are a class of powerful worldly deities in Tibetan culture who inhabit the middle world, in which humans also dwell. They are often associated with mountain deities. [13] yul gling dgu'i skyes 'gro yongs [14] srid pa'i lha gnyan chen po ger mtsho. See note above. [15] ne le thod dkar [16] btsan ya ba skya gcig [17] zangs thang byang dmar gyi gling and dga' ba lung [18] 'chims [19] lha srin [20] chu bdag pang skyes ma sang [21] la stod [22] bdud rje rgyal po [23] brgya byin (“hundred sacrifices”) is the usual Tibetan name for Indra (also known as Kauśika or Śakra), king of the heaven of the Thirty-Three gods (of the desire realm). [24] rgya khri sgo khri shing [25] rgya rje btsan po [26] bdud zla ba'i gdong can [27] mi gzhung [28] lha mo yid 'phrog [29] btsan. These are non-human entities of the world characterized in Tibetan culture. They are included in the eight classes (sde brgyad) and are primarily seen as greatly powerful and nefarious beings who inhabit a specified locale. [30] klu btsan. This name is familiar from many tellings of the Gesar epic in which Lutsen is one of the hero’s main adversaries. In many tellings, he is the Demon of the North, whose beautiful wife waylays Gesar for many years. [31] yang dag shes [32] lcang lo can gyi pho brang [33] rnam thos sras, Vaiśravaṇa [34] byang phyogs skong ba'i rgyal po chen po [35] Srin po (or feminine srin mo) are a prominent class of harmful being or demon in Tibetan culture. This is the term used in Tibetan to translate the Sanskrit rākṣasa. They are human-eating and bloodthirsty. [36] rak+sha glog phreng [37] klu mo sbal mgo mig khrag ma [38] khyab 'jug gza'i rgyal po [39] dbang phyug nag po [40] gshin rje dmar po 'chi bdag [41] jag pa me len; srog bdag dmar po; ab se chen po. Among the “other names” alluded to would be beg tse and lcam sring. [42] lha gnyan lha rje [43] seng gdong dmar mo [44] yab shar nag po [45] zhing skyong seng ge'i gdong chen kun dga' gzhon nu [46] cig car dmar po [47] tsa ri tra [48] a pho chen po [49] klo gra; hor ga [50] dgra lha [51] srid gsum. This could refer to the “three worlds” (worlds above below and in the middle) or to the classical Buddhist scheme of Three Realms (usually known as khams gsum) of the Form, Formless, and Desire Realms. [52] sho [53] cho lo [54] rdo [55] dbu ru [56] gser gzhong zings ri [57] bu ga 'dol ga li'i skye ba [58] chibs phur gyi ljong shing [59] lhun po rdza'i mgul [60] bca' 'bum pa. These areas, Lhunpo Dza and Chabumpa, might be in the area of Lelung, but their exact locations are unknown to the translator and the organisation. Please contact Tib Shelf if you are aware of their whereabouts. Full Abstract: The Fifth Lelung Rinpoche, Zhepai Dorje (1697–1740), is unusual among senior Geluk figures for having taken a personal interest in the figure of Gesar of Ling, eponymous hero of the Tibetan epic. At least three texts on Gesar are ascribed to him: the one translated below and two offering texts. The text translated here narrates his ‘pure vision’ (dag snang) of Gesar, which took place near his monastic seat at Lelung, in Olga, in 1729. The vision was accompanied by a narration of Gesar’s origin ‘story’ (gtam rgyud). There are many points of interest to note about the text. Here we have an early textual attestation of the name Gesar Dorje Tsegyal, ‘Vajra Lord of Life’, the name of Gesar, which was later used by Ju Mipham in his influential elaborations of a ritual cycle centring on Gesar as protector-turned-yidam. Lelung attests that the vision took place soon after an annual festival held in his home region of Lelung, celebrating the union of Gesar and Dorje Yudronma, one of the Tenma Chunyi (‘twelve protectoresses of the teachings’), attesting to a pre-existing tradition in that region connecting Gesar to the lore around the Tantric Buddhist conversion activities of Padmasambhava. Lelung’s account of Gesar’s origins, as the 15th offspring from the union of a primordial goddess of light with a “worldly deity” (srid pa’i lha) is unusual and unique among the many tellings of Gesar’s origins. Still, it also shows interesting points of convergence with the epic storytelling traditions about Gesar, which persists in present times, especially in eastern Tibet. In particular, the identification of Gesar’s ‘worldly deity’ father as the Great Nyen Gertsho (gnyan chen po ger mtsho) is a feature often encountered in eastern Tibetan tellings of the epic. Also, Lelung’s narration of the hero’s origin is presented in the familiar three-tiered tableau of the “Three Worlds” (sa gsum, srid gsum), central to the Tibetan epic tradition and to Tibetan folk culture more broadly, of the lha (gods) above, the klu (water spirits) below, and the gnyan (worldly deities) in the middle. Unfortunately a trip to Olga, in the south-central Lhoka region of Tibet, to explore the locations in the Lelung valley referenced in the text, has so far been impossible. Many thanks to Tenzin Choephel and Ryan Jacobson for their very helpful corrections and suggestions for the translation and to Tom Greensmith for seeing the translation through to publication here. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bzhad pa'i rdo rje. 1983–1985. Dag snang ge sar gyi gtam rgyud le'u. In Gsung 'bum/_bzhad pa'i rdo rje, vol. 12, pp. 17–25. Leh: T. Sonam and D.L. Tashigang. BDRC W22130 Abstract The Fifth Lelung Rinpoche, Shepé Dorjé (1697–1740), is unusual among senior Geluk figures for having taken a personal interest in the figure of Gesar of Ling, eponymous hero of the Tibetan epic. The text translated here narrates his ‘pure vision’ of Gesar, which took place near his monastic seat at Lelung, in Olga, in 1729. Please see the full abstract in the note section of the translation. BDRC LINK W22130 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 10:07 TRADITION Geluk | Nyingma INCARNATION LINE Lelung Jedrung HISTORICAL PERIOD 18th Century TEACHERS The Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso The Fifth Panchen Lama, Lobzang Yeshé Damchö Sangpo Mingyur Paldrön Chöjé Lingpa Dönyö Khedrup The First Purchok, Ngawang Jampa Ngawang Chödrak Yeshé Gyatso Damchö Gyatso Losal Gyatso Lhündrup Gyatso Dungkar Tsangyang Drukdrak The Second Dzogchen Drubwang, Gyurme Tekchok Tendzin TRANSLATOR George FitzHerbert INSTITUTIONS Lelung Monastery Mindröling Ngari Dratsang Chökhor Gyal Trandruk Potala Tsari STUDENTS Kunga Mingyur Dorjé Dorjé Yomé Kunga Paldzom Lobsang Lhachok Dönyö Khedrub Polhané Sönam Tobgyé Ngawang Jampa Mingyur Paldrön The Fifth Dorjé Drak Rigdzin, Kelsang Pema Wangchuk Lhasang Khan AUTHOR Lelung Zhepe Dorje Chapter Narrating the Pure Vision of Gesar VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators 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 compilation of supplication verses and transmission lineage for Do Khyentse's Dzinpa Rangdröl treasure cycle, arranged by Galwang Nyima from original revealed texts. A Lineage Prayer for the Natural Liberation of Grasping ཀུན་བཟང་ཡབ་ཡུམ་སྟོན་པ་འོད་མི་འགྱུར། ། kunzang yabyum tönpa ö mingyur Samantabhadra and Samantabhadrā in union, Teacher of Immutable Light, [ 1 ] ཁྲག་འཐུང་གཞོན་ནུ་དཔའ་བོ་སྟོབས་ལྡན་དཔལ། ། traktung shönnu pawo tobden pal Glorious, powerful, and blood-drinking Youthful Hero, [ 2 ] དྲི་མེད་གསང་བདག་དགའ་རབ་མཚོ་སྐྱེས་རྗེ། ། drimé sangdak garab tsokyé jé Stainless Lord of Secrets [Vajrapani], Garab Dorje, the Lake-Born Lord, བདེ་ཆེན་མནྡཱ་ར་ལ་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། dechen mendara la solwa deb And Great Bliss Mandarava, to you I pray. སྦྱོར་སྒྲོལ་བརྟུལ་ཞུགས་མཐར་ཕྱིན་རཀྵི་ཏ། ། jordrol tulshuk tarchin rakshi ta Rakshita, who perfected the yogic observances of union and liberation, གྲུབ་བརྒྱའི་སྤྱི་མེས་ཕ་ཅིག་དམ་པ་རྗེ། ། drub gyé chimé pa chik dampa jé Lord Dampa, who is the sole forefather of a hundred adepts, ཌཱཀྐིའི་རྗེ་མོ་དབྱིངས་ཕྱུག་ལབ་ཀྱི་སྒྲོན། ། daki jemo yingchuk lab kyi drön Labdron, who is the lady of the dakinis and the queen of space, ཞི་གཅོད་བརྒྱུད་པར་བཅས་ལ་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། shi chö gyüpar ché la solwa deb Lineages of Pacification and Severance, to you I pray. ཨོ་རྒྱན་པད་བྱུང་བི་མའི་སྒྱུ་འཕྲུལ་གར། ། orgyen pé jung bi mé gyutrul gar Dancing illusory display of Padmasambhava of Oddiyana and Vimalamitra, ཟབ་གསང་བསྟན་པ་གཞིར་བཞེངས་སློང་མཛད་རྗེ། ། zabsang tenpa shir sheng long dzé jé Lord who brought forth the foundation of the profound and secret teachings, ཌཱ་ཀིའི་གསང་མཛོད་ཆེན་པོར་དབང་བསྒྱུར་བའི། ། daki sangdzö chenpor wang gyurwé Master of the magnificent, secret treasury of the dakinis— གཏེར་ཆེན་འཇའ་ལུས་རྡོ་རྗེར་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། terchen jalü dorjér solwa deb The great treasure-revealer, Jalu Dorje, to you I pray. མཁའ་སྤྱོད་བདེ་ལྡན་ཞིང་ན་ཝཱ་ར་ཧི། ། khachö deden shing na varahi Vajravarahi in the blissful realm of Khecara རྔ་ཡབ་གླིང་དུ་མེ་ཏོག་མནྡཱ་ར། ། ngayab ling du metok mendara And Mandarava Flower in Chamaradvipa, སླར་ཡང་བསྟན་འགྲོའི་དོན་དུ་མི་རྫུར་བྱོན། ། lar yang ten drö döndu mi dzur jön You came once again in the guise of a human for the benefit of the teachings and beings; ཡི་དམ་གྲུབ་བརྙེས་དངོས་གྲུབ་རྣམ་གཉིས་ཐོབ། ། yidam drub nyé ngödrub nam nyi tob Discovering the attainments of the deities, you gained the two accomplishments— ཡུམ་ཆེན་ཌཱ་ཀི་མཆོག་ལ་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། yumchen daki chok la solwa deb Great Mother and supreme dakini [ Losel Drolma ], [ 3 ] to you I pray. སྣང་སྲིད་དབང་བསྒྱུར་གྲུབ་བརྒྱའི་ཞལ་སྐྱིན་མཆོག ། nangsi wanggyur drub gyé shal kyin chok Supreme successor of a hundred adepts with mastery over all appearing existence; ཡེ་ཤེས་རྡོ་རྗེའི་གསང་གསུམ་བྱིན་བརྒྱུད་མཛོད། ། yeshe dorjé sang sum jin gyü dzö Yeshe Dorje’s three secrets, blessings, lineage, and treasuries— ཡོངས་ལ་དབང་བསྒྱུར་སྐུ་གསུང་ཐུགས་ཀྱི་སྲས། ། yong la wanggyur ku sung tuk kyi sé Master of them all, a son of enlightened body, speech, and mind, བདེ་ཆེན་རིག་པའི་རལ་གྲིར་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། dechen rigpé raldrir solwa deb Dechen Rigpai Reltri , [ 4 ] to you I pray. བློས་བྱས་འདིར་སྣང་ཆོས་ཀུན་སྒྱུ་མའི་ངང་། ། löjé dir nang chö kün gyumé ngang In the state where all apparent, mind-made phenomena of this life are illusory, རྨི་ལམ་ཚུལ་གཟིགས་རེ་དང་དོགས་པ་བྲལ། ། milam tsul zik ré dang dokpadral You recognized their dream-like nature and were free from hope and doubt, ང་ཁྱོད་ཕྱོགས་རིས་ཀུན་བྲལ་འགྲོ་བའི་མགོན། ། nga khyö chokri kündral drowé gön Beyond all biased distinctions between self and other—protector of beings, སྐྱབས་མཆོག་བདེ་ཆེན་འོད་ཟེར་ལ་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། kyab chok dechen özer la solwa deb Supreme refuge, Dechen Ozer, [ 5 ] to you I pray. དྲི་མེད་མཁྱེན་པའི་ལྷ་ལམ་ཡངས་པ་ནས། ། drimé khyenpé lha lam yangpa né Through the vast, heavenly path of stainless knowledge, བརྩེ་བའི་སྙིང་རྗེའི་འོད་སྟོང་འབར་བའི་གཟིས། ། tsewé nyingjé ötong barwé zi You blaze brilliantly with the intense light of love and compassion འགྲོ་རྣམས་མུན་པའི་སྨག་རུམ་སེལ་མཛད་པ། dro nam münpé makrum sel dzepa And dispel the dense darkness of transmigrating beings, ཐུབ་བསྟན་ཆོས་ཀྱི་རྡོ་རྗེར་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། tubten chö kyi dorjér solwa deb Tubten Chokyi Dorje, [ 6 ] to you I pray. སྤང་རྟོགས་རྒྱལ་བ་རྣམས་དང་རོ་གཅིག་ཀྱང་། ། pang tok gyalwa nam dang ro chik kyang Although you are experientially the same as the victorious ones in renunciation and realization, ཐུགས་རྗེས་རྗེས་འཛིན་སངས་རྒྱས་དངོས་ལས་ལྷག ། tukjé jedzin sangye ngö lé lhak In your compassionate care for disciples, you are actually superior to the buddhas— བཀའ་དྲིན་མཚུངས་མེད་བསྟན་པའི་སྒྲོན་མེ་མཆོག ། kadrin tsungmé tenpé drönmé chok Incomparably gracious and supreme lamp of the teachings, དཔལ་མགོན་བླ་མ་མཆོག་ལ་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། palgön lama chok la solwa deb Glorious protector, supreme guru, to you I pray. རླབས་ཆེན་ཐུགས་བསྐྱེད་ཟབ་ཡངས་རྒྱ་མཚོ་ལས། ། lab chen tukkyé zab yang gyatso lé Great [blessing] waves from the extensive ocean of the profound awakening mind, སྨིན་གྲོལ་གདམས་པའི་ཆུ་བོ་རྣམ་པ་བཞིས། ། mindrol dampé chuwo nampa shi The four rivers of instructions concerning maturation and liberation, སྐལ་བཟང་གདུལ་བྱའི་ཞིང་ཀུན་ཁྱབ་མཛད་པའི། ། kalzang duljé shing künkhyab dzepé Pervade all realms containing disciples endowed with good fortune— དངོས་བརྒྱུད་བླ་མའི་ཚོགས་ལ་གསོལ་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། ngö gyü lamé tsok la sol solwa deb Assemblies of lineage gurus, to you I pray. སངས་རྒྱས་ཀུན་འདུས་བླ་མ་ཆོས་ཀྱི་སྐུ། ། sangye kündü lama chö kyi ku Embodiment of all buddhas, dharmakaya guru, མ་ཅིག་ཡུམ་ཆེན་དབྱེར་མེད་བཀའ་དྲིན་ཅན། ། ma chik yumchen yermé kadrinchen Inseparable from the single, gracious Great Mother, སྙིང་ནས་གདུང་ཤུགས་དྲག་པོས་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས། ། nying né dungshuk drakpö solwa deb I fervently pray to you from the depths of my heart! འཁྲུལ་སྣང་སྙེམས་བྱེད་བདུད་བཞི་ལས་རྒྱལ་ཞིང་། ། trulnang nyem jé dü shi lé gyal shing Bless me with victory over the four maras, creators of delusional perception and pride! སྐྱེ་མེད་ཆོས་སྐུ་རྟོགས་པར་བྱིན་གྱིས་སློབས། ། kyemé chöku tokpar jin gyi lob Bless me to realize the unborn dharmakaya! རང་གི་ཐུགས་ཀའི་འོད་ཀྱིས་བསྐུལ་བས་ཕྱོགས་བཅུ་དུས་བཞིའི་སྐྱབས་གནས་རྒྱ་མཚོ་བདུད་འདུལ་ཁྲོས་མ་ལྷ་ལྔའི་དཀྱིལ་འཁོར་གྱི་རྣམ་པར་མདུན་གྱི་ནམ་མཁར་བཛྲ་ས་མ་ཡ་ཛཿ ཚོགས་ཞིང་མདུན་མཁར་སད་པར་བྱས་ནས་མཐར་ཛཿཧཱུྃ་བྃ་ཧོས་ཚོགས་ཞིང་རང་ལ་བསྡུ་པར་བྱའོ།། Light issues from my heart, invoking in the space before me the oceanic sources of refuge from the ten directions and three times in the aspect of the mandala of the five deities of the demon-subduing Fierce Mother [ 7 ] —Vajra Samaya Jah. The field of merit is thus awakened in the space before me. Finally, with Jah Hum Bam Hoh, the field of merit dissolves into me. COLOPHON None NOTES [1] This is an epithet for Samantabhadra. [2] This is the sixth of the twelve foundational teachers (ston pa bcu gnyis) of Dzogchen in this world-system. [3] Losel Drolma (1802–1861) was Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje’s half-sister and spiritual consort, as well as a custodian of his teachings and a respected Dzogchen teacher in her own right. BDRC P1GS138134 [4] Dechen Rigpai Reltri (1830–1896) was the second son of Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje. See: Treasury of Lives [5] Dechen Ozer Taye of Tsering Jong, the residence of Jigme Lingpa (1730–1798), was a student and scribe for Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje. [6] The Fifth Dzogchen Drubwang, Tubten Chokyi Dorje (1872–1935). See: Treasury of Lives [7] The Fierce Mother, or Tröma Nakmo (khros ma nag mo). Photo credit: Himalayan Art Resources Thanks to Adam Pearcey at Lotsawa House for his editing. Published: April 2021 BIBLIOGRAPHY Ye shes rdo rje. Edited by Rgyal dbang nyi ma. 1978. ' Dzin pa rang 'grol brgyud pa'i gsol 'debs bzhugs . In Gcod 'dzin pa rang grol gyi 'don cha'i skor, pp. 43–45. Paro: Ngondrub and Sherab Demy. BDRC W26033 Abstract This lineage prayer for Do Khyentse's treasure cycle of the Natural Liberation of Grasping (Dzinpa Rangdröl) is found in a liturgical compilation arranged by Galwang Nyima. The prayer comprises verses from the supplication prayer and Tröma practice as located in the revealed treasure texts as well as a short transmission lineage. BDRC LINK W26033 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 03:42 TRADITION Nyingma INCARNATION LINE Jigme Lingpa HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century TEACHERS The Fourth Dzogchen Drubwang, Mingyur Namkhe Dorje The First Dodrubchen, Jigme Trinle Özer Gyurme Tsewang Chokdrub Dola Jigme Kalzang Jigme Gyalwe Nyugu TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Mahā Kyilung Monastery Katok Monastery Dzogchen Monastery Tseringjong STUDENTS Losal Drölma Tsewang Rabten Nyala Pema Dudul The Second Dodrubchen, Jigme Puntsok Jungne Patrul Orgyen Jigme Chökyi Wangpo The First Dodrubchen, Jigme Trinle Özer Ranyak Gyalse Nyoshul Luntok Tenpe Gyaltsen Özer Taye Kalzang Döndrub Pema Sheja Drime Drakpa Kunzang Tobden Wangpo Gyalse Zhenpen Taye Özer Chöying Tobden Dorje Rigpe Raltri AUTHOR Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje Gyalwang Nyima (Editor) A Lineage Prayer for the Natural Liberation of Grasping VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators 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.

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

Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Paljor chronicles the life of Chatral Kunga Palden (1878-1944) in this luminous biographical account. The Wondrous Light of Lunar Nectar The one who seized the citadel of the awakened intent of primordially pure space, And who met everyone with spontaneous compassion to the greatest degree— In remembrance of this yogin of the essential, supreme vehicle, I will compose this biography devoid of embellishment or understatement. This sacred lord guru ( Kunga Palden ) was born near the glorious Sakya monastery of Galenteng , which was founded by Ga Anye Dampa near Chögyal Derge Lhundrub Teng Monastery. Although he was initiated into a religious life, he conducted himself in a rough manner. He would wrap stones with animal hide held by a yak-haired rope and keep this [weapon] around his waist, as he would constantly engage in fighting. Once when he was on his way home after evening group practice, he saw a mountain surrounded by a grassy meadow with mist rolling in. Atop this mountain sat two small, white retreat houses. At this sight, he thought over and over about how he must live such a life in retreat. In fact, he went to a monastery where he attended a literacy teacher and stayed in retreat on the Element Taming [Vajrapāṇi]. During breaks, he read the biography of venerable Milarepa, and continuously recollected: “Now, I must rely upon a qualified guru in order to perfectly accomplish the doctrine.” He continued to attend his teacher but received the following reprimand: “Other people can complete the recitations for the Element Taming [Vajrapāṇi] in one month, but you are distracted with these texts and have not even accomplished the recitations in two months!” Despite this scolding, he continued to read Milarepa’s biography and other texts. He completed enough recitations for the thousand-armed (Avalokiteśvara) and performed a fire offering ritual. Then, over and over again, he asked himself: “Which guru should I properly rely on?” He heard about Patrul Rinpoche’s life story, and as some others were about to seek him out, he decided to go too. Without telling anyone else, Kunga Palden confided in his mother that he would be leaving for Dzachuka to meet Patrul Rinpoche. With tears in her eyes, his mother looked and did not say anything. Kunga grabbed some travel provisions, and while he was leaving his mother broke down in tears. He reached the valley of Dza Mamo Khar [ 1 ] in Dzachukha when Patrul Rinpoche was teaching on the Bodhicharyāvatāra . He arrived and received the [last] chapter concerning dedication. Then he received the [entire] Bodhicharyāvatāra from Mura Chogtrul Pema Dechen Zangpo although he did not gain a stable understanding. When he received teachings on [Nāgārjuna’s] A Letter to a Friend from Gemang Önpo Orgyen Tenzin Norbu, he gained a stable understanding, and so he thought: “I've become a suitable vessel to rely upon this guru.” He was certain about this, and he said he never hoped to receive empowerments, instructions, or advice from any guru other than Gemang Önpo Orgyen Tenzin Norbu. Ön Rinpoche said: “Look over a text and you might gain some knowledge. In general, study is important at the outset.” Ön Rinpoche took care of him for a few years and Kunga Palden studied texts. “But I had great hopes of practicing meditation,” he said, and he frequently requested [teachings]. “At that time,” Kunga told me, “I practiced the Sakya Time of the Path without interruption, [ 2 ] and I did my best to dedicate the tormas while using my ritual bell and hand drum.” Besides this, he enthusiastically and diligently received, studied, and practiced Longchenpa’s Trilogy of Natural Ease (Ngalso Korsum) and the Seven Treasuries, [Ngari Paṇchen Pema Wangyal’s] Ascertaining the Three Vows , Bodhicharyāvatāra , The Root Stanzas of the Middle Way: Wisdom , the Teachings of Maitreya , the empowerment of the two main volumes of the Heart Essence of the Great Expanse (Longchen Nyingtik), creation stage practices, the practice of the channels, winds, and the physical yogas, The Unexcelled Primordial Wisdom ( Yeshe Lama ), The Three Phrases that Hit the Key Points , and much more. In particular, since Ön Rinpoche reached the end of practice within one lifetime, he bestowed the empowerment, profound instructions, and oral transmission of the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel of the Guru’s Inner Essence ( Lama Yangtik Yizhin Norbu ). On the day that there was an exchange of gifts in reciprocity for the teachings, Ön Rinpoche received a fine hanging-scroll of the omniscient Longchenpa from my old father Dilgo Tashi Tsering. Rinpoche said: “This is a good interdependence,” and he gave it to the lord guru, Kunga Palden. Ön Rinpoche instructed: “Now there is no need for you to apply yourself to studying texts. You only need to go to the mountains on retreat and practice your meditation. Whatever you find to eat, eat it. Whatever clothes you come across, put them on. Food that others may offer, rituals for the dead, and bestowing empowerments—there is no need for such things. Go meet Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and exclusively receive the essential instructions for [Longchenpa’s] Finding Rest in Illusion then stay in a retreat near [Khenpo] Zhenga’s place.” “Nothing can compare to receiving the essential instructions on Finding Rest in Illusion from my root guru, Ön Rinpoche,” thought Kunga Palden. “However, since it's my guru’s command, I must meet Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo and receive the teaching as my guru instructed.” Thinking this, he left for his homeland. Along with a few monks from Galen Monastery , he went to Dzongsar to meet Jamyang Khyentsé Rinpoche, who gave the Hévajra Gyu lam empowerment as well as the blessings and instructions for Khecara in an extensive manner. Between his explanations of the instructions, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo gave supplementary and additional talks. “These days, in the current times, there are many prideful people who say they have renounced [cyclic existence] and are free from activities. If foreigners came to Tibet and said that they must abandon the Three Jewels, they would immediately agree with them. I am in a state of bustling distraction, but still, if they were to place my head on the threshold, bring an axe and say: ‘If you don’t abandon the Three Jewels, we will cut your throat with this axe!' I wouldn’t abandon the Three Jewels even with my words. I would gladly answer them. These days there are Buddhist practitioners who have no substance at all, only great renown.” When other friends were about to depart [the teachings], they made many promises to continuously practice the Hevajra Time of the Path and complete the fundamental recitation total for Khecara. Kunga Palden told me: “In the past, I practiced the Time of the Path and made torma offerings [to the deities], but it's been several years since I stopped. I promised that I would practice The Guru’s Inner Essence in a mountain retreat.” Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo said: “A kha kha, I have conferred empowerment and instructions for Hevajra and Khecara on you, and I take any wrongdoings of this upon myself. It was the wrong occasion,” as he pulled on his cheek. “Or, I could consistently recite the Aṣṭa Chö Rok [ 3 ] and the three OṂ(s) thirty-three times a day,” Kunga Palden replied. “Do whatever you like." “I will continuously recite the approach [recitations] for Aṣṭa and Khecara,” Kunga answered. Having offered the text and the essential instructions for Finding Rest in Illusion , Kunga Palden requested the instructions and oral transmission. “You can receive them from your root guru as I do not know the instructions for Finding Rest in Illusion ,” replied Khyentse Wangpo. “He never gave me the teachings,” Kunga Palden confessed. Then he stayed in a lonely mountain retreat without any bustling distractions. Kunga Palden received the empowerment and instructions for the Guru’s Inner Essence and practiced without interruption the guru yoga of [Longchenpa’s] Stages of Guru Practice: The Ocean of Attainments and the guru yoga of the smaller aural transmission of the Natural Manifestation of Primordial Wisdom . He exclusively practiced the inner guru yoga that is devoid of elaborations. On the tenth day of the waxing and waning phases of the month, he offered extensive tantric feasts. He accepted whatever clothing and other valuable provisions were given as offerings. Whatever offerings people gave for the dead or for the living, whether great or small, he used them to make woodblocks for texts such as The Sūtra of the Wise and the Foolish and A Hundred Deeds , and he placed them in the Dzogchen Monastery’s printing house. He lovingly protected the wild animals and the various birds by using methods such as the conservation law of sealing the mountains and valleys. He accepted a great amount of salt, which he gave to the wild animals. Through such actions, he nurtured wild animals in the manner of livestock. Kunga Palden had disciples who were a calling distance or about a league away in all directions. He made his students enter thatched meditation huts to practice only unelaborate meditation in silence. He advised his students not to collect food offerings or keep any texts other than the Guru’s Inner Essence , the Seven Treasuries, and the cycle of the Heart Essence of the Great Expanse. Kunga Palden did not even have a hand drum or a ritual bell for performing ceremonies. He collected a lot of supplies for ritual feast offerings and delicious foods and drinks which he generously gave to the birds, wild animals, and the poor. When many ordinary people gathered, he taught them the essential points about karmic causes and results, taking refuge, generating the intentional mind of awakening, and the four causes of the Blissful Realm in a concise and easily understandable manner. He thus encouraged them to engage in virtue. At some point, he developed a sickness of the white channels which caused him weariness. Due to this he exclusively engaged in the practice of removing obstacles in the body, as found in the Guru’s Inner Essence. He did not take any other treatment or medicine, and he was freed from the sickness. He taught, “By supplicating the guru, vital provisions will come naturally even if you are staying in a pleasant mountain retreat. In places without water, you can say, ‘Let water arise here!’ Then, when you dig for it, water will emerge.” In his familial line there have been many who did not live long, but since he practiced the longevity practice of the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel of the Guru’s Inner Essence , he was able to live for more than seventy years. “At the time of engaging in the longevity practice, one needs to hold the wind in the center of the heart. Doing so ensures there is no chance for obstructions of the life-sustaining wind to come about. I came to the firm conviction concerning daily work that other than supplicating my root guru, Önpo, there is no need for such things as divination, astrological calculations, or predicting good and bad days,” Kunga Palden clarified. “In Galenteng, there is a lord called the 'Steward of Derge Khangsar.' His fortress became empty and inside there was a room where absolutely no light could get in, so I went there to engage in a hundred-day dark retreat of the Guru’s Inner Essence . “In the first vision, there appeared a great ravine in which a thickening darkness amassed from above and below, and you could not see the end of it. In its center was a small stone the size of two feet. There I stood, crouched. When gusts of upturning and swirling winds came, all of the long prairie grass swayed back and forth with whistling sounds— shu . I kneaded some barley flour into dough and ate it. Then I had the impression that gray flour became scattered from the rim of my small cup. Although I was in a comfortable position, fear prevented me from becoming completely relaxed. “Again, I was in that ravine, and there came an intense roaring sound— ur ! —as hail clouds rolled in. They enveloped my illusory body and carried me into the surrounding space. As soon as that happened, I recalled that my mind was integrated with the guru’s mind, and I felt a shiver of happiness. At once the anxiety returned, although it was not a shock to me. “Many pure and impure visionary realms appeared, and inside a round orb of light ( tigle ) about the size of a fingernail were all the beings of the six classes organized [according to their] happiness and suffering. Their arrangement was not mixed together, but it was clear and complete. I thought: ‘Is it not like that one saying? On a single particle there are countless [other] particles filled with buddhafields in which buddhas enact their activities.’ From all this, a trusting faith arose in me. “Later on, since going into dark retreat, I thought the visions of leaping-over ( tögal ) would be enhanced, but I did not experience any increase.” Kunga Palden said. When I (Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche) received the final instructions of the Guru’s Inner Essence , Kunga Palden told me about his visions in dark retreat as additional explanations for practicing the dark retreat yogas. “I have explained to you how the dark retreat visions appear so that after this when you come to practice the dark retreat yogas, you will find this very beneficial. That's why I have shared them with you,” Kunga Palden said. “ Dzogchen Khenpo Lhagyal and my own virtuous students have stayed in that place for one hundred days and practiced. However, they did not have harsh experiences. In general, it probably varies according to the differences in peoples’ channels, winds, and essences." He also said: “When [Önpo was teaching the] profound instructions for the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel of the Guru’s Inner Essence , he praised its great blessing. To his students who were exerting themselves in their retreat, Lord [Önpo] said, ‘In general, if there is no study, then contemplation and meditation will not develop properly. Unless one has looked into the Root Stanzas of the Middle Way: Wisdom , in particular, one will not comprehend the atemporal, natural rest of cutting-through (trekchö). Therefore, it is very important to study the Root Stanzas of the Middle Way: Wisdom .’ ” When the Dharma lord Patrul Rinpoche gave teachings for the textual traditions of sūtra and tantra, he never had the custom of keeping texts with him; however, he remained inseparable from one volume of the Guru’s Inner Essence until he died at the age of seventy-nine. “As for myself, I received the empowerment and instructions from the lord guru, Ön Rinpoche. Then, at that time, I did my best in my practice, yet there was not even the slightest depth to my realization, view, or meditation. But discursive concepts such as ‘Have I been deceived by these instructions?’ never occurred to me,” Kunga Palden confided. That is all he said. Other than this, he did not tell any of his students how the sign of heat on the stages and the paths arose in his mind. The Lord’s close friend, Khenpo Dralo of Dza Gyal Monastery practiced the approach recitations for the essential sections of the secret practice of the protectors and guardians of the Guru’s Inner Essence . As a result, he received a lot of veneration and offerings and came to be known as a companion of the protectors. He knew that this was the help of the protectors, and he clarified his position to them: “I did not engage in your practice for the benefit of this life. I am practicing for the sake of the supreme spiritual attainment.” By saying this three times, he ended up with fewer visitors. “When I initially stayed alone in my retreat, I did not need to meet anyone in person. All I had to do was practice day and night, and I was content. Yet, as soon as I had the name of Guru Kunga Palden many people assembled. They never allowed me to be completely free, as I constantly had to engage in various activities that would connect people to the teachings,” he recalled. Khenpo Zhenga Rinpoche said: “I spent my entire life teaching the sutras and tantras, but whenever Kunga Palden asked questions concerning the profound points of view and meditation, I could not answer immediately. I had to think about it carefully. I suppose the wisdom from his meditation had unfolded.” Jamgön Dorje Chang Chökyi Lodrö Rinpoche (Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö) said: “I received both the instructions and transmission for the Guru’s Inner Essence from Guru Kunga Palden, and he also explained many excellent profound points on practice.” During the later years of his life, he stayed in the retreat place called Nepu in front of the Ziltrom glacier, which became his residence, and Palpung Situ Pema Wangchok (1886–1952) also attended him there. Later Kunga Palden was protected by the compassionate refuge of Drubwang Dzogchen Tubten Chökyi Dorje, and he came to stayed at the upper meditation cave of Tsering Jong [near Dzogchen Monastery]. He uninterruptedly turned the wheel of the Dharma of the essential maturing [empowerments[ and liberating [instructions] of the supreme vehicle and the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel of the Guru’s Inner Essence in particular to the majority of abbots and tulkus of Dzogchen Monastery. There he died and many amazing sights occurred such as tiny pearl-like relics ( ringsel ) arising from his bones. When I (Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche) reached my eleventh year my legs were burned, and I came close to death. At that time the holy guru Kunga Palden performed the ablution ritual, conferred the layman’s vows, and carried out a longevity practice for a month. In particular, he granted an elaborate and detailed explanation of the whole of the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel of the Guru’s Inner Essence , beginning with the Stages of Guru Practice: The Ocean of Attainments right up to the final inventory. I also received practical guidance from him on the channels, winds, and physical yoga practices of the Heart Essence of the Great Expanse. He told me that I should focus on practice as my main activity and, as a supplement to this, grant instructions to those who seek the teachings. He also gave me his own copies of the Seven Treasuries, which he had studied for his entire life, and his personal copies of the Trilogy of Natural Ease and cared for me with immeasurable compassion. COLOPHON Therefore, I, Maṅgala Śrī Bhūti ( Tashi Paljor ) have written this brief biography, which is devoid of embellishment or understatement, at my retreat place. May all beings set out upon the direct path of the supreme, sovereign vehicle, and may this text become a cause for them to follow the path as found in this glorious guru’s life of liberation. NOTES [1] Dza Patrul Rinpoche reconstructed this Maṇi stone wall, which was first constructed by Samten Puntsok (bsam gtan phun tshogs). [2] Time of the Path ( lam dus ) is the common name for the daily Hevajra sādhana, which must be practiced regularly without interruption. [3] This is a root mantra found in the practice of Hevajra. Thanks to Adam Pearcey at Lotsawa House for his editing. Published: July 2020 Edited: April 2025 BIBLIOGRAPHY Tashi Paljor (bkra shis dpal ’byor. theg pa mchog gi rnal ’byor pa bya bral kun dga’ dpal ldan gyi rnam thar ngo mtshar bdud rtsi’i snang ba . In gsung ’bum/_rab gsal zla ba , vol. 1, 621–636. Delhi: Shechen Publications, 1994. BDRC W21809 . Abstract The Wondrous Light of Lunar Nectar is a biography of Chatral Kunga Palden (1878–1944) written by Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Paljor. BDRC LINK W21809 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 18:42 TRADITION Nyingma INCARNATION LINE N/A HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th Century 20th Century TEACHERS Pema Tegchok Loden The Third Mura, Pema Dechen Zangpo Orgyen Tenzin Norbu Mipam Gyatso Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Patrul Orgyen Jigme Chökyi Wangpo The First Adzom Drugpa, Drodul Pawo Dorj e The Fifth Dzogchen Drubwang, Tubten Chökyi Dorj e TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Galenteng Dzogchen Monastery Dzongsar Derge Gonchen STUDENTS Rigdzin Wangyal Lobzang Palden Tenzin Nyandrak Könchok Zangpo Pema Damchö Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Paljor Tsewang Rigdzin Norbu Tenzin Chimé Yesh e Tenzin Gyaltsen Jigme Lodrö The Eleventh Tai Situ, Pema Wangchok Gyalpo Togden Jampa Tendar Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Wangchuk AUTHOR Dilgo Khyentse Tashi Paljor The Wondrous Light of Lunar Nectar VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Subscribe to our newsletter Support Tib Shelf's ongoing work & Subscribe Today! 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Karmapa The Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje 1284–1339 BDRC P66 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE The Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, was one of the great scholars and meditation masters of the early Karma Kagyü tradition. Recognised as the successor to Karma Pakshi, he received an exceptionally broad education, studying Buddhist philosophy alongside Mahāmudrā, Kālacakra, Chöd, and Dzogchen. Rangjung Dorje travelled widely throughout Tibet and China, teaching, practising in retreat, establishing hermitages, and becoming an influential figure at the Yuan imperial court. His students included the First Shamarpa, Drakpa Sengge, and the renowned Nyingma master Longchenpa. A prolific writer and accomplished yogin, he composed works on Mahāmudrā, tantra, philosophy, astrology, Chöd, biography, and songs of realisation. Among his best-known writings are the Prayer to the Definitive Meaning of Mahāmudrā and the Profound Inner Meaning , both of which remain important works within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Song This Little Song, I Burst Out Laughing The Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje A playful song mocking the “great meditator” whose liberation is already “right under your nose,” yet remains obscured by distraction, worldly concerns and habit. Read Song A Dream Song The Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje A song remembered from a dream in which Marpa Lotsāwa and other gurus discuss the Dharma, pointing to the innate state beyond conceptual thought. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

Treasure Revealer Jatsön Nyingpo 1585–1656 BDRC P882 TREASURY OF LIVES LOTSAWA HOUSE HIMALAYAN ART RESOURCES Jatsön Nyingpo was a renowned Nyingma treasure revealer and spiritual master who played a significant role in Tibetan Buddhism. He began his monastic training under Mipam Tashi Lodrö and later spent seventeen years in a sealed retreat, during which he revealed numerous treasures, including the Embodiment of the Precious Ones (dkon mchog spyi 'dus ), a Guru Rinpoche sādhana that became widely practiced. He also identified Pemakö as a hidden land, a sacred refuge for practitioners in degenerate times, and authored The Guidebook to the Hidden Land of Pemakö . Jatsön Nyingpo established the monastic center of Bangri Jogpo and taught many prominent Nyingma and Kagyu masters, influencing figures such as the Tenth Karmapa and Jamgön Kongtrul . His teachings continue to inspire practitioners across traditions. Guidebook The Guidebook to the Hidden Land of Pemokö Jatsön Nyingpo The first guidebook to Pemokö, revealed as a treasure by Jatson Nyinpo, prophesies future degeneration and identifies this sacred hidden land as a sanctuary. Read Translated Works Mentioned In Menu Close Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Research Tool Privacy Policy & Terms of Use SUBSCRIBE Publications Watch People Listen

Khenpo Tsöndru chronicles his teacher Pema Tegchok Loden (1879–1955), from his studies with renowned masters to his role as Dzogchen Śrī Siṃha's abbot, culminating in solitary meditation practice. The Biography of Dzogchen Khenchen Abu Lhagang The birthplace of the glorious and kind Khenchen Pema Tegchok Loden , also known as Dzogchen Khen Lhagyal or Lhagang, was in the Dzogchen Drogri valley. The names of his parents, his birth year, and other details are unknown. [ 1 ] Both Dzogchen Khenpo Chimé Rinpoche and Khenpo Chönam Rinpoche were his nephews, as was a monk called Wangchuk Tsering, who was proficient in the scriptures. [ 2 ] When two of his younger nephews were recognized as the emanations of Do Rinpoche, Khenchen Tegchok said: “Whether or not they are emanations, they should become monks. It is customary in our family lineage for there to be proper monastics.” As this indicates, he was certainly born into a family lineage with a naturally good [standing]. There is a reliable account reported by two senior disciples that Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo had a clear indication in a dream while he was staying at Dzogchen Monastery that Pema Tegchok Loden was one of the emanations of the great paṇḍita Vimalamitra, who appears in Tibet once every hundred years. [ 3 ] Dokham’s crown ornament of scholars and adepts, Patrul Jigme Chökyi Wangpo , had four disciples who were superior to himself. [ 4 ] Pema Tegchok Loden’s exceptional gurus included one of these, Önpo Tenga, or Orgyen Tenzin Norbu, who surpassed his teacher in the [philosophy of] the Middle Way, as well as his direct disciple Dzogchen Khenpo Zhenga, or Khenchen Zhenpen Chökyi Nangwa. [ 5 ] The master also had a mutual guru-disciple relationship with the great destroyer of delusion Galen Lama Kunga Palden . [ 6 ] He served at the lotus feet of many particularly noble, spiritual mentors including the Fifth Dzogchen Tubten Chökyi Dorje and Jamyang Mipham Chogle Namgyal, as well as listening to and contemplating sūtras and tantras along with the general fields of knowledge. [ 7 ] He thus became a lord of scholars. In particular, he acquired a clear understanding of [Dharmakīrti’s] Seven Treatises (Dedun) and the root texts and commentarial literature of the sūtras. He became known as an exceptional scholar of valid cognition, authoritative in exposition, debate, and composition. For eight years he served as the abbot of the main Dzogchen Monastery and Śrī Siṃha College. He continued his enlightened activities by primarily explaining and propagating the thirteen great classics of Indian [Mahāyāna philosophical] scriptures, as well as the sūtras, tantras, and fields of knowledge. Thereafter, he devoted the remainder of his life to practice in what is known as the Yamāntaka Meditation Cave, a cave near Dzogchen Monastery where the long mantras of Vajrakīlaya and Yamāntaka as well as the seed syllable of Yamarāja naturally appeared. This is also where the Dharma lord Patrul Rinpoche wrote The Words of My Perfect Teacher: An Instructional Manual for the Preliminary Practices of The Heart Essence of the Great Expanse ( Longchen Nyingtik ) and conducted a long retreat, imbuing the cave with blessings. Pema Tegchok travelled twice to Dzogchen Monastery when others requested him to do so and it was of some significance for the benefit of the teachings. But besides these two occasions, he never left and stayed exclusively in seclusion in that sacred place. He had a square bed with a blanket, which was perfectly suitable for his cross-legged posture. He strove in meditation and never fully loosened his belt [to sleep]. He owned only a tea kettle, a bag for roasted barley flour, and some baskets, and never accepted any common worldly provisions. He devoted himself solely to the conduct through which one renounces all things and is freed from activities. When people gave him offerings on behalf of the dead, he would never accept large donations, only small ones, and even these were used as offerings for such things as celebrating the anniversary of the omniscient master, making feast offerings and so forth—he would not use them to fund his own resources. He never ate meat. During the summer, he would sit naked and offer his blood to the blood-drinking insects of the forest. When the moon shone at night, he would place his yogic meditation pad upon a boulder and practice the physical yogas, so much so that the boulder even grew smaller as a result. Between sessions, he boundlessly bestowed the nectar of profound instructions on faithful people from all directions, gaining countless disciples, including abbots and tulkus who preserved and upheld the doctrine of the victors and hermits who had given up life’s concerns and were free from activities. Even Khunu Lama Tenzin Gyaltsen Rinpoche said recently that he was Pema Tegchok’s student and that it was from him that he received the entirety of the Dzogchen Heart Essence’s (Nyingtik) instructional cycles. So exceedingly profound was his mind that the depth of his realization is difficult to comprehend. Still, we can consider what I believe to have been the core of his practice: all the instructions and profound advice from the textual tradition of the Omniscient One (Longchenpa Drimé Özer) and his heir ( Jigme Lingpa ), [ 8 ] the creation stage practices of the three yogas based upon the three roots of the Heart Essence of the Great Expanse, and the completion stage practices of winds according to the aural lineage based upon the primordial wisdom deity ( jñānasattva ) from the Assembly of Vidyadharas ( Rigdzin Dupa ), as well as the Four Works of the Heart Essence (Nyingtik Yabzhi), especially the Guru’s Inner Essence ( Lama Yangtik ) and the Heart Essence of the Ḍākinī (Khandro Nyingtik), as well as the Unexcelled Primordial Wisdom ( Yeshe Lama ), and the Seven Treasuries, especially the Treasury of the Dharmadhatu ( Chöying Dzö ). In any case, he became a great lord of realization, and at that time he was the source for clearing up misconceptions of [meditative] experiences and realizations for the majority of scholars and adepts in his vicinity including Zhechen Kongtrul Rinpoche. [ 9 ] As a sign that his material body had been liberated into a body of light, he never cast a shadow. As an indication of his accomplishment of the supreme inner heat ( tummo ), his water offerings never froze even in the bitter cold of winter, and people who came within his vicinity could feel the naturally arising heat within a bowshot of his dwelling. Since his training in discipline was as pure as the inner space of a lotus bulb, the sweet fragrance of discipline also permeated for about a bowshot. These signs were directly apparent. There were also well-known stories about the effectiveness of his blessings, such as how his protection cords could fend off weapons and prevent infant mortality. In brief, he was like a great moon of a Dharma teacher, in whom the qualities of scholarship, standing as a reverend monk, signs of accomplishment, kind deeds, and other sacred qualities were all fully complete. He was a crown ornament among myriad wish-fulfilling scholars and adepts, the primordial Buddha Samantabhadra manifesting in the form of a spiritual master, inseparable from the omniscient Drime Özer (Longchenpa). Having reached the full extent of his life and practice, he became fully enlightened within the space of peace. COLOPHON None NOTES [1] More information about the life of Khenchen Pema Tegchok Loden , including his dates and the names of his parents, has become available since this biography was written. For a full biography that incorporates the latest findings see Ryan M Jacobson, “Pema Tekchok Loden,” Treasury of Lives. [2] ’chi med ye shes, 19th c.–20th c., BDRC P6965 ; chos nam, 20th c., BDRC P2JM398 . [3] ’jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse’i dbang po, 1820–1892, BDRC P258 . [4] dpal sprul o rgyan ’jigs med chos kyi dbang po, 1808–1887, BDRC P270 . In addition, Nyoshul Lungtok Tenpe Nyima ( rmyo shul lung rtogs bstan pa’i nyi ma , 1829–1901/2) is said to have surpassed his teacher in view, Gyalrong Tenzin Dragpa ( rgyal rong bstan 'dzin grags pa , 1847/8–c.1921) surpassed his teacher in logic and epistemology, and Minyak Kunzang Sönam (mi nyag kun bzang bsod nams, 1823–1905) surpassed him in teaching the Bodhicaryāvatāra . [5] o rgyan bstan ’dzin nor bu, 1841/51–1900?, BDRC P5055 ; gzhan phan chos kyi snang ba, 1871–1927, BDRC P699 . [6] kun dga’ dpal ldan, 1878–1944, BDRC P6963 . [7] rdzogs chen grub dbang 05 bstan chos kyi rdo rje, 1872–1935, BDRC P701 ; mi pham rgya mtsho, 1846–1912, BDRC P252 . [8] klong chen rab ’byams pa dri med ’od zer, 1308–1364, BDRC P1583 ; ’jigs med gling pa, 1730–1798, BDRC P314 . [9] zhe chen kong sprul pad+ma dri med, 1901–1960, BDRC P744 . Photo Credit: Pema Tsel Paintings & Orgyen Khamdroling Thanks to Adam Pearcey at Lotsawa House for his editing. Published: July 2020 Edited: March 2025 BIBLIOGRAPHY Tubten Tsöndru (thub bstan brtson ’grus). rdzogs chen mkhan lha rgyal lam lha dgongs su grags pa’i mkhan chen pad+ma theg mchog blo ldan dpal bzang po’i rnam thar. In gsung ’bum/_thub bstan brtson ’grus , vol. 1, 67–72. Bylakuppe: Nyingmapa Monastery, 1985?. BDRC W10200 . Tubten Tsöndru. rdzogs chen mkhan chen a bu lha sgang gi rnam thar . In mkhan chen thub bstan brtson ’grus kyi gsung ’bum , vol. 2, 225–228. Lhasa: Bod ljongs bod yig dpe rnying dpe skrun khang, 1985. Abstract Khenpo Tsöndru's brief biography of his own teacher Pema Tegchok Loden (1879–1955), alias Khenchen Abu Lhagang, tells how he studied under some of the most illustrious masters of his day before serving as abbot for eight years at the famed monastic college of Dzogchen Śrī Siṃha and then retiring to a nearby cave, focusing on meditative practice. BDRC LINK W10200 DOWNLOAD TRANSLATION GO TO TRANSLATION LISTEN TO AUDIO 00:00 / 00:27 TRADITION Nyingma INCARNATION LINE N/A HISTORICAL PERIOD 19th–20th Century TEACHERS The Fourth Sechen Gyaltsab, Pema Namgyal The Third Dodrubchen, Jigme Tenpe Nyima Mipam Gyatso Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Kham Tsang Drukgyal Orgyen Tenzin Norbu Lungtok Tenpe Nyima Khenchen Pema Vavra Sönam Chöpel Zhenpen Chökyi Nangwa Yönten Gyatso Kunzang Palden Kunzang Dechen Dorje Purtsa Khenpo Akön The Fifth Dzogchen Drubwang, Tubten Chökyi Dorje The Third Mura Pema Dechen Zangpo TRANSLATOR Tib Shelf INSTITUTIONS Dzogchen Monastery Śrī Siṃha College Dzogchen Yamāntaka Cave STUDENTS Kunga Palden The Third Mura, Pema Dechen Zangpo Chönam Rigdzin Wangyal Ngawang Norbu Tubten Nyima Gyurme Ösal Mewa Khenchen Jampal Khenchen Tsöndru Tenzin Chözang Tsewang Rigdzin Pema Kunzang Rangdröl Pema Kalzang Khenchen Könchok Rinchen Tubten Legshe Chökyi Jungne Botrul Do Ngak Tenpe Nyima The Sixth Dzogchen Drubwang, Jigdral Jangchub Dorje Drogön Yeshe Dargye The Fourth Mura, Pema Norbu Adzom Drugpa Tubten Pema Trinle Tubten Chökyi Dragpa Jamyang Sherab Gyaltsen The Third Gemang, Garwang Lerab Lingpa AUTHOR Khenpo Tsöndru The Biography of Dzogchen Khenchen Abu Lhagang VIEW ALL PUBLICATIONS NEXT PUBLICATION > < PREVIOUS PUBLICATION Home Publications Read Listen Watch People Information About Meet the Team Services Translators Donate Subscribe to our newsletter Support Tib Shelf's ongoing work & Subscribe Today! 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