Rigdzin Gödem Ngödrup Gyaltsen
Brief Biography
Rigdzin Godemchen Ngodrub Gyeltsen (1337-1408)
Rigdzin Godemchen, born in Nyenyul, Tibet, was a renowned treasure revealer and founder of the Northern Treasure (Jangter) tradition. Key points about his life and legacy include:
Early Life:
- Born in 1337 to a family with Mongolian ancestry
- Showed remarkable skill in tantric practices from a young age
- Nicknamed “Godemchen” due to feathery growths on his head
Treasure Revelations:
- Began revealing treasures in 1366
- Unearthed the Jangter (Northern Treasures), including important Dzogchen texts
- Revealed keys to numerous ‘hidden lands’ (sbas yul)
Teachings and Lineage:
- Established three transmission lineages: Mother, Son, and Disciple
- Founded Se Trazang Monastery
- Appointed personal preceptor to the king of Gungtang in 1389
Legacy:
- Passed away in Sikkim in 1408
- Considered one of the three main emanations of Padmasambhava
- His reincarnation lineage later established Dorje Drak Monastery as the seat of the Jangter tradition
Rigdzin Godemchen’s revelations and teachings continue to play a significant role in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Nyingma school.
His Holiness the Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche
Brief Biography
His Holiness Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche (1926-2015)
H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche was a revered master of Tibetan Buddhism and the Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition.
Born in 1926 near Yardrok Lake in central Tibet, he was recognized at a young age as the reincarnation of Ngok Chöku Dorje by the 9th Dordrak Rigdzin, Chöwang Nyamnyi Dorje.
Key milestones in his life:
- At age 5: Received his first ordination and enthronement as a tulku at Taklung Tse Monastery.
- At age 8: Given his dharma seat at Thubten Dorje Drak Monastery.
- Extensive Buddhist education: Studied under numerous renowned masters, receiving empowerments and transmissions from various lineages.
- Served as khenpo (abbot) of Dorje Drak Monastery for several years.
In 1959, following the occupation of Tibet, Rinpoche fled to India. In exile, he:
- Received additional teachings and empowerments from masters like the 16th Karmapa, Dudjom Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
- Established a new seat of Dorje Drak Monastery in Simla, India, preserving the Changter lineage.
- Offered Changter and other dharma empowerments at various monasteries in Bhutan, India, and Nepal.
Throughout his life, Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche dedicated himself to preserving and transmitting Tibetan Buddhist teachings, particularly those of the Nyingma and Changter traditions. His profound knowledge and compassionate nature inspired countless practitioners worldwide.
H.H Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche’s Yangsi
Brief Biography
His Holiness Yangsi Rinpoche Jigdrel Pema Shedup Tenpe Gyaltsen
Born: April 16, 2018, in Rangrik village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India
Parents: Venerable Mother Kelsang Dolma and Venerable Father Sonam Chhopel
Yangsi Rinpoche is the recognized reincarnation of the revered His Holiness Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, former head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Key points:
- Identified after a nearly six-year search by disciples of the late Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche.
- Recognition confirmed through prophecies by His Holiness Kyabgon Sakya Gongma and consultations with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
- On November 28, 2022, at age four, Yangsi Rinpoche was ordained by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche as the head of Dorje Drak Monastery in Shimla.
- The traditional hair-cutting ceremony and monastic robing were performed, marking his formal entry into monastic life.
- Prior to his recognition, Yangsi Rinpoche attended kindergarten in his village.
Yangsi Rinpoche will now begin his Buddhist education and training, preparing to assume full responsibilities as the head of Dorje Drak Monastery upon completion of his studies.
His recognition is seen as a momentous occasion for the Buddhist community, particularly in the Himalayan region, continuing the legacy of wisdom and compassion embodied by his predecessor.