His Holiness Düdjom Rinpoche

Düdjom Lingpa's immediate reincarnation was His Holiness Düdjom Rinpoche, according to the incarnate lineage of the Düdjom tradition.

In the past, Düdjom Rinpoche was Rigdzin Nüden Dorje; in the future, it is said, he will be born as the sugata, Möpa Thaye; while in his lifetime he manifested as the representative of Padmasambhava, Drogben. His Holiness's previous incarnations have included some of the greatest gurus, yogis and scholars, among them Shariputra, Saraha, and Khyeu Chung Lotsawa.

It was said in the prediction of Urgyen Dechen Lingpa, "In the future in Tibet, on the east of the Nine Peaked Mountain, in the sacred Buddhafield of the self-originated Vajravarahi, there will be an emanation of Drogben, of royal lineage, named Jnana. His beneficial activities are in accord with the Vajrayana, although he conducts himself differently, unexpectedly, as a little boy with astonishing intelligence. He will either discover new terma or preserve old terma. Whoever has connections with him will be taken to Ngayab Ling (Zangdok Palri) [The Copper-colored Mountain]."

And, indeed, Düdjom Rinpoche (Jigdral Yeshe Dorje) was of royal lineage, descended from Nyatri Tsenpo, the first king of Tibet, and from Puwoo Kanam Dhepa, the king of Powo. His father, Kathok Tulku Norbu Tenzing, was a famous tulku of the Pemaköd region, from Kathok monastery; his mother was descended from Ratna Lingpa, and was called Namgyal Drölma. His Holiness was born in the Water Dragon year, 1904, early in the morning of the tenth day of the sixth month, with many amazing signs. His previous incarnation, Düdjom Lingpa, had told his disciples: "Now in this degenerate age, go to the secret land of Pemaköd. Whoever relies on me, go in that direction! Before you young ones get there, I, the old one, will already be there." This came to pass exactly as predicted. He was already three years old when they recognized his reincarnation. Since His Holiness was a direct emanation of Düdjom Lingpa, he could remember his past lives clearly.

Phuktrul Gyurme Ngedon Wangpo and Lama Thubten Chönjor, two of Düdjom Lingpa's students, came to Pemaköd and enthroned him. Gradually the disciples of the previous Düdjom arrived. His Holiness was taught reading, writing, and the five common sciences. As he was taught, the power of his awareness blazed like fire. Whatever he learned he could comprehend through a mere indication. He studied many texts and commentaries. It is said by Lama Konrab that at the age of five, he started discovering terma, or treasure teachings.

He studied for 16 years with Phuktrul Gyurme Ngedon Wangpo, who was a holder of the teachings of the previous Düdjom. He also received the "rediscovered teachings" of the previous Düdjom from Jedrung Thinley Jampa Jungne of Riwoche. Ngedon Wangpo said to him, "The Terdzöd represents the activity of Khyentse and Kongtrul. I have given this teaching five times and you will give it ten times. The deep teachings of the previous ones have been offered as a mandala in the hands of the 'Wealth Holders.' Now, as I have obeyed my teacher's orders, likewise use your experience for the sake of beings."

His Holiness said that, while very young, he always had various visions, and his karma to discover the deep treasures awoke. At age 13 he met Guru Rinpoche (Yab-Yum) in person, and after having received the legacy of the self-appearing non-human teacher, the wisdom dakinis gave him the yellow papers and he wrote down these mind treasure teachings.

Then he started benefiting beings. As his teachers prophesied, he gave the empowerments and transmissions of the Vajrayana throughout Tibet. His Holiness wrote about 23 volumes of various gong-ter (mind terma) and treatises, all of which have been published. He also collected all the kama teachings of the Nyingma lineage, as Jamgon Kongtrul had collected the terma teachings.

In Pemaköd, he established many new monasteries for both gelong (ordained monks) and ngagpa (yogis). He regrouped many texts. In Kongpo region he reconstructed the Thadül Buchu Lhakhang, and close to it, he built anew the monastery of Zangdokpalri; he erected anew the tantric center of Lama Ling; at Tso Pema, he established a retreat center; in Orissa, he established Düdül Rabten Ling; and in Kalimpong he founded the Zangdok-Palri Monastery. In North America he established many Dharma centers, named Yeshe Nyingpo, as well as many retreat centers; in Europe he established Dorje Nyingpo, in Paris, and Urgyen Samye Chöling Meditation and Study Center, in Dordogne, France. Many other Dharma centers around the world were under his guidance.

Whenever he gave teachings in Tibet and India, great teachers came to receive them. Among all the high lamas there are none who did not receive teachings from him. They all had great confidence in his realization. So numerous were his disciples that they cannot possibly be counted. Nyingmapas from Tibet, Bhutan, India, Ladakh, and all around the globe were his students.

Lodrö Thaye, who led a life encompassing the activities of one hundred tertons (treasure revealers), has said that Möpa Thaye (Düdjom Rinpoche's future incarnation) will have the activity of one thousand Buddhas. That this great being will perform the activity of all his previous lives and have many disciples is all due to his own power of bodhicitta and aspiration prayers.

History & Background